Tunisia: Authorities to require arriving international travelers to present COVID-19 vaccine passport or certificate from Dec. 1 /update 71

Event

Authorities in Tunisia are set to apply new COVID-19-related restrictions to arriving international travelers following the recent emergence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.

International Entry Measures
From Dec. 1, authorities in Tunisia will require all arriving international travelers over the age of 18 to present a COVID-19 vaccination certificate or vaccine passport to enter the country. Additionally, all travelers over six years of age must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 48 hours before departure for Tunisia. The test result must include a quick response (QR) code. Arriving individuals who have not been fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must undergo a mandatory 10-day quarantine period at a government-approved hotel at their own expense. Upon boarding their flight to Tunisia, these individuals must present proof of reservation and payment (i.e., a voucher) for their transfer from the airport to their government-approved accommodations, their stay at the government-approved hotel, and a PCR test to be taken during the last 24 hours of their mandatory quarantine period. Those testing negative for COVID-19 at the end of the quarantine period may exit isolation; authorities will transfer those testing positive to a health isolation facility.

All individuals traveling to Tunisia, regardless of date of travel, must also complete an online health declaration questionnaire before departure for the country and be prepared to present a printed and signed copy of the generated document to authorities before departure and upon arrival. To access the form, click here.

Arriving travelers, regardless of date of travel, may be subject to a rapid antigen test upon arrival and be placed into quarantine if the result is positive.

Until Dec. 1, all arriving travelers aged 12 and older must present a negative result from a PCR test taken no more than 72 hours before traveling to Tunisia. The test result must include a QR code. Individuals vaccinated against COVID-19 must also present evidence of their vaccination to enter the country. Individuals vaccinated with the Johnson & Johnson/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine must have been inoculated at least 28 days before traveling to Tunisia; those vaccinated with other vaccines must have been inoculated at least 14 days before traveling to the country. Unvaccinated travelers or those who are not fully vaccinated must undergo a seven-day quarantine period at a government-approved hotel at their own expense. To enter Tunisia, these individuals must provide a copy of their hotel reservation and a transport voucher used for travel to the approved accommodations. These travelers are also subject to a PCR test during the final 24 hours of their mandatory quarantine period; authorities will transfer those testing positive for COVID-19 to a health isolation facility.

Domestic Measures
Tunisian authorities have announced that a COVID-19 vaccine pass is required to enter public and private spaces, such as state institutions, hospitals, and businesses, from Dec. 22. Compliance is mandatory for both Tunisians and foreigners.

Proof of full vaccination is required to attend public and private gatherings, demonstrations, and other events. Wearing a facemask is required in public spaces and while using public transportation.

Authorities will likely implement localized restrictions throughout Tunisia, particularly in regions that experience a rise in COVID-19 cases. Authorities could reimpose, extend, 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 Ministry of Health (French)
E7mi Mobile Tracking Application (Arabic)
Government-approved Hotels (Arabic)