Mauritius will open to vaccinated passengers later in 2021

Mauritius has signalled that it intends to re-open borders to British tourists later this year but all arrivals will need to provide a vaccination certificate to enter. Mauritius is one of a few countries that has announced it will not permit entry to non-vaccinated guests. British travellers make up approximate 10% of the 1.4 million annual visitors to the Indian Ocean island.

Mauritius has already commenced a vaccination programme for tourism staff after travel industry staff were categorised as frontline workers. Airport staff, hotel employees and other tourism industry workers are among those that have been prioritised for the vaccine.

No official date has yet been provided for when the borders will re-open. At this time, the 14-day quarantine requirement remains in effect for all passengers entering the country.

It remains unclear as to the type of vaccination certificates that will be acceptable for entry or how they will be authenticated.

MTPA Chairman Nilen Vencadasmy said the vaccination of frontline tourism staff was essential if borders are to safely reopen.

“2020 has been a difficult year for everyone within the tourism sector and we are working closely with operators, airlines, hotels and other stakeholders at home and internationally to ensure that we can reopen safely and securely in 2021,” he said.

“Mauritius is looking forward to welcoming back visitors to our Indian Ocean paradise island safe in the knowledge that we are a luxury Covid secure destination.”