On October 1, Mauritius reopened to international travelers. Guests do not have to quarantine upon arrival.
Residents of the tropical island greeted this news with relief and optimism. More than 100,000 of the nation’s residents work in the travel industry.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism accounted for 24% of the nation’s GDP. Francois Eynaud, director of Sun Resorts, stated that a successful reopening will turn the economy around and ensure the livelihood of the nation’s residents.
Nearly 69% of Mauritius adults and teenagers have completed COVID-19 vaccination. More than 89% of residents have received at least one dose of the two-dose vaccines.
The nation requires all tourism and travel industry workers to get vaccinated. Authorities continue to require face mask use in indoor and outdoor public spaces.
On Friday, international travelers from Dubai, London and Paris arrived. Earlier this year, Mauritius required a 14-day quarantine, but few people visited because of the tough restriction.
Even though Mauritius reopened its international borders, the CDC placed it on the do not travel list. However, the UK removed Mauritius from its no-fly list, which may cause some confusion among travelers.
Fully vaccinated travelers must have COVID-19 health insurance to enter Mauritius. They must provide evidence of their completed vaccination series.
Travelers must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR test performed within 72 hours of their departure. On days zero and five of their visits, travelers must undergo COVID-19 rapid testing.
Upon entry, fully vaccinated travelers must complete health screening and passenger locator forms.
Unvaccinated travelers may enter Mauritius, but the 14-day quarantine continues to apply to those guests. On days seven and 14, they must undergo PCR testing.
Unvaccinated travelers must show proof of COVID-19 health insurance upon arrival. They must also provide a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of their flight.
Mauritius counted 15,695 COVID-19 cases through October 3. The nation’s 7-day average peaked in August at 359.