Tunisia’s plan to introduce an electronic visa system has hit a major setback. The Ministry of Communication Technologies announced on August 26, 2025, that the international tender launched in September 2024 for creating the country’s e-Visa platform ended without a winner.

What Happened?

The government of Tunisia had invited bids from both local and international companies to design, build, and manage a secure online visa system. The platform was supposed to include features like online payments and automated document checks.

But according to the ministry, none of the eight proposals met the required technical or administrative standards. Some were also rejected for failing to follow basic submission rules. As a result, the entire process was declared unsuccessful.

Who Submitted Bids?

The bidders included a mix of well-known global firms and Tunisian companies. Among them were:

• Orell Füssli AG & EWM (Switzerland)
• SITA Advanced Travel Solutions (United Kingdom)
• Mühlbauer (Germany)
• MEDIANET, THINKTANK & MAVIANCE Consortium (Tunisia)
• MEDIADIFFUSION (Tunisia)
• VFS Global Consortium with local partners (Tunisia)
• Addinn, Aira & ELM Consortium (France)
• EY (Tunisia)

Despite the interest, none of these groups managed to pass the government’s requirements.

What This Means for Travellers

Tunisia had hoped to launch the e-Visa system in 2025 to make visa applications faster and fully digital. The goal was to move away from paper-based procedures and make travel easier, especially for tourists.

With this setback, the e-Visa launch will now be delayed. The ministry has not yet given a timeline for when a new tender will be issued.

For now, travellers who need a visa must continue applying the traditional way through Tunisian embassies and consulates.

Visa Options for Travellers to Tunisia

Travellers to Tunisia have several visa options, depending on their nationality and the purpose of their visit. Most visitors need to arrange a visa in advance or use visa-free entry if eligible.

Key Tunisia Visa Options:

• Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, typically obtained from an embassy or consulate.
• Business Visa: For short-term work or business meetings.
• Transit Visa: For short stays while passing through.
• Long-Stay Visa: For study, work, or residence purposes, usually requiring prior approval.
• Visa-Free Entry: Available for citizens of select countries for limited stays.
• E-Visa (coming soon): Planned online visa application, currently delayed.

Why the e-Visa Matters

Tunisia’s tourism industry is a vital part of its economy, and authorities believe a digital visa platform could encourage more visitors. By streamlining entry requirements, the system would also align Tunisia with many other countries that already offer online visas.

But until the project finds a new contractor, the old system stays in place.

Bottom line

Tunisia’s digital visa system is still on the horizon, but it will take longer than expected. Until then, the traditional visa application process remains the only way for most visitors.