≡-Major Setback For Travelers To Tunisia As 2025 E-Visa System Delayed By Tender Failure, Traditional Visa Process Continues For Now – Viral of Today
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August 29, 2025Tunisia’s ambitious plan to introduce an electronic visa (e-Visa) system in 2025 has been delayed after the government’s international tender failed to produce a winner. Due to the lack of compliance with the technical and organizational criteria, all the submissions under the tender that was started in September 2024 to create the e-Visa platform were unsuccessful. Because of this, travelers will have to wait for new tenders to be published in order to replace the out-of-date, consulate and embassy visa application processes.Setback in Tunisia’s Plans for Electronic Visa System as Tender Fails to Yield WinnerTunisia’s bold vision to roll out an electronic visa (e-Visa) system in 2025 has been met with a major setback, postponing its launch indefinitely. The government’s recent international tender for the project concluded without a winner, meaning travelers will have to continue using the traditional visa application process via consulates and embassies until a new call for bids is issued.What Happened?On August 26, 2025, the Ministry of Communication Technologies announced that the international tender launched in September 2024 to develop the country’s e-Visa platform had ended unsuccessfully. Despite extensive interest from both local and international companies, none of the proposals met the necessary technical or administrative criteria.The ministry revealed that out of the eight bids received, several were rejected for not following the submission rules, while others did not meet the required standards for a secure, efficient, and user-friendly system. Consequently, the government was left with no choice but to cancel the tender process.Who Were the Bidders?The tender attracted bids from a diverse range of well-established companies from around the world. Notable names included:Orell Füssli AG & EWM (Switzerland)SITA Advanced Travel Solutions (United Kingdom)Mühlbauer (Germany)MEDIANET, THINKTANK & MAVIANCE Consortium (Tunisia)MEDIADIFFUSION (Tunisia)VFS Global Consortium (Tunisia)Addinn, Aira & ELM Consortium (France)EY (Tunisia)Despite the strong competition, none of the submissions were able to meet the specific requirements laid out by the Tunisian authorities, leading to the failure of the entire process.What Does This Mean for Travelers?The delayed introduction of the e-Visa system is a blow to Tunisia’s efforts to streamline its visa application process, particularly for international tourists. The proposed e-Visa system was designed to make the application process faster, easier, and fully digital, moving away from the traditional paper-based procedures that often create inconvenience for travelers.With the setback, travelers will now have to continue applying for visas through Tunisia’s consulates and embassies, as the digital platform is put on hold. The Ministry of Communication Technologies has yet to announce a revised timeline for when a new tender will be issued and the e-Visa system could be launched.Visa Options for Travelers to TunisiaWhile the e-Visa system remains delayed, travelers to Tunisia still have a variety of visa options depending on their nationality and the nature of their visit. Some travelers are eligible for visa-free entry, while others will need to apply for a visa through the traditional channels.Here are the key visa options available for visitors to Tunisia:Tourist Visa: For leisure travel, which can be obtained through a Tunisian embassy or consulate.Business Visa: For those visiting Tunisia for short-term work or business meetings.Transit Visa: Issued for travelers passing through Tunisia for brief stays.Long-Stay Visa: For individuals planning to study, work, or reside in Tunisia, requiring prior approval.Visa-Free Entry: Available for citizens of certain countries, allowing them to enter Tunisia without a visa for short stays.E-Visa (Coming Soon): Planned as an online visa application system, but its launch has been delayed.Why the E-Visa MattersThe planned e-Visa system was seen as a pivotal move for Tunisia, particularly for its tourism sector. The country’s tourism industry plays a crucial role in its economy, and a digital visa platform was expected to make it easier for tourists to visit Tunisia. With the online system, travelers could apply for and receive their visas faster, enhancing the overall travel experience.In addition, the introduction of an e-Visa system would have aligned Tunisia with many other countries that already offer online visa services, helping to position it as a modern, accessible destination for international visitors.The delay in the e-Visa rollout, however, means Tunisia will miss out on these benefits in the short term. The current visa application process, which still relies on in-person visits to consulates and embassies, can be time-consuming and cumbersome for many travelers, particularly those from distant countries.The Road AheadFor now, Tunisia is faced with the challenge of re-launching its e-Visa tender process. As the government seeks a new contractor to develop the platform, there is no definitive timeline for when the digital visa system will be available.Tunisia remains a popular destination for tourists, thanks to its rich history, stunning Mediterranean coastline, and unique cultural heritage. However, the delay in the e-Visa system may deter some travelers, particularly those who are seeking a more streamlined and modern visa application process.Until the new e-Visa system is operational, visitors will continue to rely on the traditional visa process, which may lead to delays and inconvenience for some. Nevertheless, the government’s unwavering dedication to modernising the visa system fuels optimism that the digital platform will ultimately streamline travel to Tunisia, making the process more seamless and efficient for future visitors.Tunisia’s plans for an electronic visa system have encountered an unexpected delay, leaving travelers to navigate the traditional visa application process for the time being. While the development of the e-Visa system will continue to be a priority, the failure of the initial tender underscores the challenges the country faces in implementing a secure and user-friendly online visa platform.Tunisia’s 2025 e-Visa plans have been delayed after the government’s tender process ended without a winner. As a result, travelers must continue using the traditional visa application process until a new tender is issued.As Tunisia works to address the technical and administrative challenges, travelers will have to adapt to the current visa process. Despite the setback, Tunisia’s long-term vision for a digital visa system remains unwavering, and once implemented, it has the potential to transform the visa process, offering a seamless and groundbreaking experience for travelers.
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