In addition to their vaccination card, travellers entering Mauritius are also required to provide a negative PCR test performed within 5-7 days of arrival. Still, the main issue remains the mandatory quarantine. In fact, even though they have been fully vaccinated and tested negative for COVID-19, newcomers will have to wait 14 days more before they can truly enjoy their vacation under the tropics. Mauritius has a long list of hotels converted into quarantine centres designated "Safe Travels". So tourists and expats-to-be can choose one of them.
Keep in mind that you are not allowed to book any accommodation other than a designated hotel. However, newcomers will be able to enjoy not only the hotel's beach but also all the services provided by the hotel, except the spa. They will then be allowed to leave the hotel and explore the island if they are tested negative on the 14th day of quarantine.
Until now, many foreign nationals have repeatedly postponed their travel plans to Mauritius for these reasons. For now, no one can officially affirm when public beaches, restaurants and other places of interest in Mauritius will reopen. The first phase of deconfinement has even been extended to June 30 due to a significant rise in the number of COVID-19 cases in recent weeks. For Christian, a long-time expat in Mauritius, it's a good thing as only those who really need to travel to Mauritius will be able to do so. "Tourists can wait," he says.
It is only from October 1, 2021, that fully vaccinated foreigners will be able to enter Mauritius without any restrictions, that is to say, without PCR tests and quarantine requirements. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) website clearly indicates that from October 1, fully vaccinated travellers will be able to stay in their hotel and enjoy all of the island's attractions as long they can produce a negative PCR test carried within 72 hours before their flight.
Marc, a Belgian who is looking to return to Mauritius very soon, is very keen about all this. “I have been waiting for this news for a whole year. I received my second dose of Pfizer vaccine on June 14. So I can finally travel to Mauritius in November". And he is not the only one. Jason, who is from France, hopes to be able to travel to Mauritius in December too. Bu Alain simply prefered to change his strategy. "I had originally booked our tickets for September, but on hearing the news, I decided to change the dates for October 1,” he says. The only real issue for him is to know the entry requirements for his young children who cannot be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Ghee, who is also from France, is already planning to celebrate Christmas in Mauritius. “Finally some good news! We haven't seen our family for nearly two years and a half. So we can now start planning”, he says. Still, some issues are bothering him. "I heard that on the reopening in July, vaccinated expats would need to prove their vaccination status to access to restaurants, gyms, etc. Two people told me they had to show their vaccination card, one to a dentist and the other to a bank. I guess I'll have to keep an eye on this ”.
Meanwhile, Tom, a Hungarian, is looking to obtain a premium visa that would allow him to stay in Mauritius for a year. But he still has a lot of questions regarding the conditions of his stay. “Once the borders are open, I can travel to Mauritius, and as a vaccinated person, I can stay in one of the "safe" hotels for 14 days. I can't leave the hotel, but I can leave the room, use hotel facilities and even the beach. My question is: what happens after the 14th day? Do I have to leave the country, or can I move to a different hotel or rent a house if my PCR is negative? I plan to stay on a tourist visa initially until I figure everything out and find a place to stay. Then I would rent a house and apply for a premium visa. I would like to stay for one year or more. Is this possible after July 15, or do I have to wait until October 1, when all restrictions will be removed?
Note that the conditions for unvaccinated travellers from October 1 are the same as those currently in place. Indeed, in addition to having to undergo a PCR test on their 7th and 14th day of quarantine, they won't be allowed to leave their hotel room. They will only be able to leave the hotel after providing a negative PCR test on the 14th day of quarantine.
