Gerard, an expat in Mauritius, shared his frustration with Expat.com. “I didn't choose the Sinopharm vaccine, but it was the only available vaccine at a certain point of time”, he says. Gerard was eager to travel to France to reunite with his family. After inquiring with his embassy in Mauritius, he was told to get an international vaccination card and a negative PCR test, and this is what he did. But when he arrived at the Emirates counter at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, he was denied access to his flight. Like Gerard, many Mauritians have also been prevented from travelling during the past month because they have been vaccinated with Sinopharm.
However, countries like France have introduced special measures for travellers who have received unauthorized vaccines or who haven't been vaccinated at all. In fact, they are required to self-isolate for seven days upon their arrival. Other European countries, including England, have also introduced self-isolation upon arrival. However, vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel to England until now.
So what should you do if you have not been vaccinated or have been administered an unapproved vaccine?
Is the third dose an option?
Gerard is considering a third jab since Janssen from Johnson & Johnson is currently available in Mauritius. In Mauritius, however, people who have already got their two jabs are not allowed to get the Janssen vaccine. In fact, getting a third jab is currently under study in some European countries, so it has not been approved yet. In short, taking the third jab would be a personal risk. Meanwhile, French expats in Mauritius are eligible for the vaccination campaign launched by the French Embassy.
Consider a stopover in another country
If you are determined to travel from Mauritius, stopping over in another country where vaccination is not mandatory or where the vaccine you have received is recognised is another option. Keep in mind, however, that you have to pay attention to current health restrictions and take necessary precautions to avoid putting yourself and others at risk. Get a Covid-19 test done regularly and observe social distancing.
Choose your destination's national airline company
Your destination country's national airline company is likely to apply the local conditions and restrictions. But since there are chances that these measures change overnight, make sure to enquire thoroughly when booking your flight tickets.
Contact your embassy or consulate
If you haven't done this already, contact your nearest embassy or consulate and request notifications in case there is any change in travel conditions and restrictions. If you have been denied access to travel, make sure to inform them and seek their help, especially if you have urgent reasons to travel.
Wait
Another option is to wait for the situation to improve or for your vaccine to be approved. Regarding Sinopharm, approval requests have been made to many countries, especially in Europe where Covaxin and AstraZeneca's Covishield have been approved. But this, of course, depends on how urgent your travel plans are.
