Mauritius drops pre-arrival Covid tests for vaccinated travellers

Mauritius has relaxed its Covid-19 travel entry rules for international visitors.

Fully vaccinated foreign tourists no longer need a negative Covid test before departure to the Indian Ocean island.

They previously had to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before departure.

However, Covid testing on arrival remains a requirement.

The change was made on Saturday and confirmed by the Foreign Office.

Updated travel advice said: “From 12 March 2022, travellers do not need to present a negative PCR test before flying to Mauritius.

“Health or travel insurance covering COVID-19 related expenses is mandatory.

“You will be asked to present proof of your health or travel insurance before boarding and on arrival. Covid-19 testing will be required on arrival.

“If you’re fully vaccinated, you can enter Mauritius without needing to quarantine. You will be required to take a Covid-19 test on arrival.

“At least 14 days must have passed since your second dose of the vaccine. If you have received a single dose of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine, at least 28 days must have passed before travel. The vaccine must be approved by Mauritian authorities.”

Non-vaccinated arrivals face seven days in quarantine in “accommodation of your choice”.

Children aged 17 and under travelling with a parent or guardian do not need to show proof of vaccination to enter Mauritius, according to the FCDO.

The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said: “This move will make it much easier for business and leisure travellers to visit this Indian Ocean island and is being warmly welcomed by the travel and hospitality industry in Mauritius.

“Demand from tourists and business travellers has soared following the reopening of its borders to international travel since last October, which coincided with the loosening of travel restrictions in many of Mauritius’ key markets.

“Travellers are choosing Mauritius for its beaches, mountains, lagoons and business opportunities but also for its safety and security. As it stands, 90% of Mauritius’ adult population is fully vaccinated and our booster dose campaign is at full swing.

Tourism authority director Arvind Bundhun said: ‘We are delighted that the Ministry of Health and Wellness has reviewed the sanitary protocol for visitors to Mauritius.

“Automatically this renders experience of travelling to Mauritius far easier and more streamlined. We expect a further boost to tourism numbers as demand for travel to Mauritius is currently ramping up.”

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