The borders of Tunisia had been closed very early, from March 18 to fight against the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. Three months later, they reopen on Saturday June 27. With around fifty deaths and a thousand confirmed cases, Tunisia is one of the countries least affected by the disease. 

When the borders were reopened, the authorities implemented important health measures. "They are quite complex," said Lilia Blaise, France 24 correspondent in the country. "The Tunisian authorities have classified the countries with a color code according to the level of the pandemic and the rate of contamination". 

Travelers from a "green country" should therefore not follow any procedure. On the other hand, those who come from an "orange country", including France, are classified into two categories. First of all, tourists must present a negative test and are obliged to stay in the hotel they have booked with a very precise tourist circuit, while Tunisians resident abroad are also subjected to a test and self-isolation for 14 days at home.

Finally, the red list excludes tourists arriving from these countries. Only Tunisians resident abroad are authorized on national soil. This list is of course evolving according to the evolution of the pandemic in each country.

An impact on tourism

These very restrictive conditions worry tourism professionals. "On the side of the Ministry of Tourism, we are a little more optimistic. We are betting on local tourism", explains Lilia Blaise. "The big issue will also be Tunisians in the diaspora. There are more than a million Tunisians living abroad, 80% of whom are in Europe, who usually come back in summer. This is the big unknown. Are they going to be able to return with these conditions made at the entrance? "Asks our journalist. 

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