If you are planning a trip to Tunisia, whether for business or for pleasure, there are various things to bear in mind. The coronavirus pandemic has changed the rules when it comes to travel and many countries have new regulations in place for incoming passengers. Tunisia is no exception.
Of course, you still have to think about the usual things like having an in-date passport and filling in a Tunisia visa application before you set off. However, there are also a number of extra boxes to check off your list to make sure you can travel to Tunisia in the era of COVID-19.
Are Tunisia's borders open?
The good news is that Tunisia's borders are open to both tourists and business travellers. It is possible to visit the country, providing you comply with the temporary pandemic regulations for international passengers.
The rules for Tunisia coronavirus tourism and business travel revolve around the principle of safety first.
There are 4 main regulations you must follow to visit Tunisia during the pandemic:
- Health Declaration
- Test before travelling
- Self-isolation
Health declaration form
The first thing travellers planning a trip to Tunisia should know is that there is now a "Health Declaration Form" to fill in. Handily, this can be found and completed online.
If you're going to Tunisia during the coronavirus pandemic, you need to fill it out before setting off and enter all the required information. This includes personal details, including the following:
- Name
- Nationality
- Country of residence
- Gender
- Date of birth
You'll also have to provide travel information, including:
- Passport number
- Date of arrival
- Country of departure
- Means of arriving in Tunisia (air, land, or sea)
Finally, you'll have to provide a contact telephone number, email address, and the address of where you plan to stay and self-isolate upon arrival.
After completing the Health Declaration form, a QR code will be generated. You must bring this QR code with you and present it twice:
- Prior to boarding
- Upon arrival at immigration control in Tunisia
All international arrivals need this QR code to clear immigration and enter the country.
Coronavirus tests
Whether you're visiting Tunisia or simply passing through the country in transit to another destination, you need to be tested for coronavirus before setting off.
You should book an RT-PCR test for no more than 72 hours before you plan to leave for Tunisia. The result should show that you are negative for COVID-19. Individuals who test positive will not be allowed to travel.
The negative test result should be printed and must be in one of the following languages:
- Arabic
- English
- French
Children under 12 are exempt from needing a COVID-19 test. Additionally, if you are going to Tunisia as part of an organised, all-inclusive tour, you get a pass from needing the test.
As well as being tested beforehand, you'll also be tested 48 hours after arrival with another RT-PCR test. You should be aware that this test is not free and be prepared to foot the bill.
Do I have to quarantine in Tunisia?
Yes, it is currently necessary for all international travellers to self-isolate for 48 hours after arriving in Tunisia.
This can be done in an approved hotel, private accommodation, or a designated lockdown centre. You must state which of these options you have chosen and provide the address when you fill in your Health Declaration.
After 48 hours, you'll be given an RT-PCR test for COVID-19. As long as you test negative, you'll be free to go about your business in Tunisia. If you test positive, however, you will be required to continue your quarantine.
Do I need a COVID-19 vaccination for Tunisia?
No, there is currently no coronavirus vaccination requirement for Tunisia. At present, visitors just have to take an RT-PCR test and fill out a Health Declaration form beforehand.
If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19, you don't get a pass from the other regulations. You will still need to have the necessary tests and fill out the form to travel to Tunisia.
However, it is worth noting that travel regulations for Tunisia (and indeed for most countries) are regularly updated and frequently change.
Vaccinations are being rolled out around the world and as more people are immunised against the virus, more and more countries are allowing vaccinated travellers to bypass other entry requirements, such as testing. This may well be the case with Tunisia in the future.
It is a good idea to keep updated with the latest global travel restrictions and advice for going abroad during the pandemic.
