(TUNISIA) Tunisia’s plan to roll out a national e-Visa system has been pushed back after the Ministry of Communication Technologies declared its international tender “unsuccessful,” halting the project with no new timeline in place. The announcement, made on August 26, 2025, confirms that none of the eight proposals received since the call launched in September 2024 met required technical or administrative standards. As of August 27, 2025, applicants who need visas must keep using paper applications at Tunisian embassies and consulates.
Officials said bidders failed to satisfy core conditions tied to security, online payments, and automated document checks—key elements of a national e-Visa platform meant to move visa filing online and reduce in-person visits. Several bids were also rejected for not meeting submission guarantee rules, a common tender safeguard. The Ministry did not provide a revised schedule for a new round, or for the launch of the e-Visa system, and urged stakeholders to watch for future notices. For official updates, readers can check the Ministry’s website at the Ministry of Communication Technologies.
Who bid
Eight bids came from a mix of Tunisian and international firms, underlining both global interest and the high bar set by Tunisian authorities. According to the Ministry’s summary, proposals arrived from:
- Orell Füssli AG & EWM (Switzerland)
- SITA Advanced Travel Solutions (UK)
- Mühlbauer (Germany)
- MEDIANET, THINKTANK & MAVIANCE Consortium (Tunisia)
- MEDIADIFFUSION (Tunisia)
- VFS Global Tunisia SARL, VFS Global Services Pvt Ltd, NUMERYX Tunisia, VF Worldwide Holding Limited Consortium (Tunisia)
- Addinn, Aira & ELM Consortium (France)
- EY (Tunisia)
What the tender required
The tender sought a contractor to design, build, and manage a secure e-Visa platform with:
- Online payment processing
- Automated document verification
- Strong cybersecurity controls
- Reliable identity checks
- Robust data protection and privacy measures
- Integration with border control systems
- High uptime and anti-fraud mechanisms
These features are standard in many countries’ digital visa systems but demand strict technical and legal compliance. Rejecting every bid indicates the government is unwilling to compromise on those requirements.
Why this matters for travelers and the economy
The e-Visa project ties into the “Tunisie Digitale 2020 – PNS TD2020” strategy and is backed by the African Development Bank. The original goal was a 2025 launch to:
- Simplify travel for tourists and business visitors
- Reduce embassy workloads
- Speed up visa processing
With the project paused and the process remaining paper-based, Tunisia risks losing time toward those objectives. Consequences include:
- Nationals from visa-required countries must continue booking appointments, filing documents in person, and waiting for manual processing.
- Longer lead times for trips and higher planning costs.
- Potential missed opportunities for last-minute travel and reduced competitiveness for events and tours.
Tourism operators and investors have been watching the plan closely. A reliable online system would lower planning barriers and support efficient entry for tour groups and short-notice business travel. With this pause, companies will likely continue advising clients to apply earlier.
Immediate steps for applicants
Until a new tender is issued and a compliant bid is selected, the current paper-based approach remains in force. Travelers who need a visa to enter Tunisia should:
- Check whether their nationality requires a visa before booking flights or hotels.
- Prepare a valid passport, recent photos, and supporting documents (proof of stay, funds, travel plans).
- Contact the nearest Tunisian embassy or consulate to confirm local instructions, fees, and appointment procedures.
- File the application in person and keep copies of all documents.
- Allow extra time — apply well ahead of travel dates to account for processing delays.
- Collect the visa from the consulate or arrange any return method the consulate offers.
Families planning school holidays, students heading to programs, and firms scheduling meetings should build in a buffer—planning several weeks ahead is prudent, as processing times vary by location and season.
Impact on repeat travellers and businesses
The setback affects repeat visitors such as regional traders and tech workers who would benefit from secure user accounts and saved profiles. Without an e-Visa:
- Expect to complete usual embassy steps for each trip.
- Travel agencies will continue advising clients to apply early and keep flexible plans.
- Tour companies may require group members to complete embassy filings well in advance and retain printed confirmations.
Why bids were rejected
Technical demands played a major role in the rejection of all eight bids. A national e-Visa platform must meet strong standards, including:
- Identity proofing and anti-fraud checks
- Secure online payment processing
- Automated document verification with reliable accuracy
- Uptime guarantees and resilient infrastructure
- Secure integration with border and immigration systems
- Compliance with data protection and local hosting requirements
If any component fails to meet the baseline, authorities are justified in halting the process and restarting with clearer terms. The diverse bidder list shows interest, but Tunisia’s strict rulebook means only a team fully aligned with technical and legal conditions will succeed.
Policy and next steps
From a policy perspective, the Ministry’s decision prioritizes control over data and system integrity and reduces the risk of a rushed launch that could create processing errors or security gaps. The trade-off is time and potential frustration for stakeholders.
A likely pragmatic next step is a revised tender with:
- Refined technical specifications
- Updated submission rules
- Stronger guidance on security certifications and local hosting
- Clearer instructions to avoid past compliance issues
Civil society groups, tourism boards, and chambers of commerce are likely to press for clarity and a firm timetable.
Important: Tunisia has not launched an official e-Visa. Applicants should rely on official channels and avoid unofficial websites promising “express” approvals or “online visas.”
For official information and future project notices, consult the Ministry and consular sources:
– Ministry of Communication Technologies
The Ministry has not named a date for a new call or pilot launch. Officials say they remain committed to digital transformation and will issue further instructions when ready. When a new tender appears, bidders will likely face the same high demands on security, payments, and verification—possibly with clearer guidance. Until then, travelers should plan early, follow consular advice, and monitor the official channels for updates.
This Article in a Nutshell
On August 26, 2025 Tunisia halted its e-Visa tender after eight bids failed to meet strict technical and administrative requirements. No new schedule was given; applicants must use paper visa applications at embassies. The Ministry plans a revised tender emphasizing security, payment integration and document verification.
