Tunisia to Launch e-Visa Soon? Here’s What We Know
Tunisia’s long-awaited e-Visa system may finally arrive, as officials discuss digital travel permits alongside residence reforms. Could the move boost post-pandemic tourism?
First mooted back in 2017, the e-Visa for this Maghreb nation now appears to be back on the drawing board following the latest Tunisian government meetings.
While Morocco has already brought its online process online, and Algeria is likewise preparing an e-Visa, Tunisia could no longer afford to stand idle given the clear tourism and economic advantages an e-Visa brings.
The most recent meeting of the Council of Ministers, held last week at the Kasbah in Tunis, highlighted two main priorities: the digitalisation of residence permits and—above all—the practical roll-out of an electronic visa. No specifics (no launch date or eligible nationalities) have yet leaked out, so we still do not know whether the scheme will target only today’s visa-required nationalities (parts of Africa, South America and Asia) or if it will function as an all-visitor travel authorisation.
That delay pushes any deadline well past the 2017–2018 window originally touted by then–Tourism & Crafts Minister Selma Elloumi Rekik.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Tunisia has rebuilt its tourism sector cautiously and methodically. Strict health and security protocols were strengthened throughout the industry to safeguard both tourists and workers. All pandemic-era travel restrictions were lifted in December 2022.
Efforts to reposition Tunisia as a safe, attractive holiday destination have intensified, embracing fresh marketing campaigns to lure visitors. The most recent push, launched in December 2021 and centred on the slogan ‘Tounes Lik’, paired discounted flights, accommodation and special sightseeing offers to draw travellers back.
