Given the successful vaccination rollout in Mauritius, the island will further relax entry protocols for fully vaccinated travelers starting Sept 1, and will have a major drop in restrictions on October 1.
“Visitors who present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours prior to embarkation will be able to explore the island freely from the moment they arrive.” said the director of Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) Arvind Bundhun.
Until August 31, fully vaccinated visitors will still need to spend 14 days in “resort bubble” hotels before they could actually enjoy the island.
However, on September 1, the quarantine period will be reduced to only 7 days if the traveler tests negative for COVID-19 on day 7 of their stay.
Meanwhile, holidaymakers are encouraged to enjoy the swimming pools and the beach within their chosen resort premises. The list of pre-approved COVID-19 safe resorts is available here.
Bundhun also said this relaxation is “a major leap towards the full reopening of borders” scheduled for October 1, 2021.
Tourism is the major source of income for Mauritius and the industry is expected to rebound in the fourth quarter when quarantine is lifted.
From October 1, fully vaccinated travelers will only need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure to be allowed entry to the island.
After that, visitors will be allowed to freely explore Mauritius and its attractions from day 1 of their stay.
Unfortunately, the same benefits will not be granted for unvaccinated travelers who will need to spend 14 days in their hotels rooms.
They won’t be permitted to leave them even for having food. The government will require hotels to deliver meals to the unvaccinated guests’ rooms.
The positive developments have been possible thanks to the acceleration of the vaccination drive and the progress made towards reaching herd immunity by the beginning of October.
The country also prioritized frontline workers in the medical and hospitality industry to ensure a safe reopening.
To date, Mauritius has fully immunized 56% of its population.