Tunisia has reversed its decision to allow test-free access for vaccinated holidaymakers due to a ‘worrying’ rise in COVID cases in many countries.

From 27 October, it will once again require all arrivals to present a negative PCR test, even those who have had both doses of the vaccine.

The PCR test must be carried out within 72 hours of boarding a flight to Tunisia.

Only children under 12 are exempt.

Unvaccinated arrivals will also be required to quarantine for seven days in a Government accredited hotel. Children under 18 don’t have to quarantine but they must self-isolate for seven days.

Tunisia was only removed from the UK’s red travel list on 11 October. On 14 October, it announced vaccinated holidaymakers would be exempt from testing from 16 October, but it has reversed the policy after just nine days.

Deputy Director of the Tunisian National Tourist Office in the UK, Fakhri Khalsi said the Tunisian Ministry of Public Health had reintroduced testing to ‘protect the local population and prevent the spread of the new variant’.

 Holidaymakers must also complete, print and sign an 02 sanitary e-form, also called the Tunisian Travel Locator.