Tunisia: Authorities impose a nationwide partial lockdown May 9-16 to combat COVID-19 /update 52

Event

Authorities in Tunisia have announced plans to impose a week-long nationwide lockdown May 9-16 as part of their efforts to combat COVID-19 and its variants. Travel between regions will be banned and a nightly 19:00-05:00 curfew will enter into force, May 9. All gatherings will be banned and places of worship will remain closed for the duration of the measures. All non-essential businesses will also be required to close May 9-16.

The following domestic restrictions are in place:

• A nightly 22:00-05:00 curfew will remain in place through May 9.

• The use of all vehicles is banned from 19:00-05:00 through May 16.

• All private and public gatherings are banned, and nonessential businesses must close during curfew hours through May 9.

• Foreign travelers are banned from visiting the port of La Goulette in Tunis through May 21.

• Schools remain closed through May 16.

• Protective face coverings or masks are mandatory in public areas; violators may face fines or jail time.

• Public transportation continues to operate at 50 percent capacity.

• Cafes and restaurants may operate at 30 percent capacity.

• All people over age 65 must remain at home.

Authorities will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly across regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases.

International Travel
As concerns the international travel situation, Tunisia's land, sea, and air borders are open. However, all incoming travelers must provide a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departing for Tunisia, regardless of their point of origin. Health officials also perform random COVID-19 testing at airports.

Authorities have imposed a seven-day mandatory quarantine on all travelers to the country. The measure will remain in effect through May 16. Authorities also require all travelers to download the E7mi tracking application upon arrival in the country.

In response to COVID-19 variants, Tunisia has suspended all flights with Australia, Brazil, Denmark, South Africa, and the UK until further notice. The suspension includes flights transiting Tunisia.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Tunisian COVID-19 Country Clarifications (Arabic)
Tunisian Ministry of Health (French)
E7mi Mobile Tracking Application (Arabic)