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Mauritius fully opens borders on October 1

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Along with international borders, key properties are also reopening, such as pictured here. Credit: Anantara Iko Mauritius Resort & Villas

The Republic of Mauritius is fully reopening its borders on October 1, when vaccinated international travellers will be welcomed in without restrictions. Visitors who present a negative PCR test taken in the 72 hours before their departure will be able to explore the island freely from the moment they arrive.

Arvind Bundhun, Director of MTPA, said: “Mauritius is delighted to see the world opening up again for travel. We have been welcoming international visitors to our island since the middle of July and the ‘resort bubbles’ have proven a great success.

“We are looking forward to the next stage of our reopening on October 1, when vaccinated visitors will be able to explore the island without restriction from the moment of their arrival. The safety and security of Mauritian residents, citizens and guests remains paramount.”

Unvaccinated travellers are required to complete a 14-day quarantine period in a designated quarantine hotel.

At this time of year, visitors will find the perfect climate for enjoying the various outdoor activities Mauritius has to offer, such as hiking, kite surfing, water sports, as well as of course relaxing on the country’s world-renowned beaches.

The successful acceleration of the country’s vaccination programme has allowed Mauritius to progress with the full reopening and welcome visitors into a safe and secure environment. According to latest figures announced by Showkutally Soodhun, Ambassador to UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, 88 per cent of the local population has already been vaccinated and there are strict rules in place for all frontliners to be fully vaccinated.

It has also been announced that GCC nationals will not need a visa to go to Mauritius, while residents will get visas on arrival.

The Mauritian government took the decision in January to prioritise tourism workers and hotel staff in the vaccine rollout to ensure visitors will be welcomed into a safe and secure environment in Mauritius.

There is a marked change of strategy post pandemic: where Mauritius was more focused on tourists and travellers from Europe in the past, the Gulf countries are now considered a key feeder market with their relatively low flying times and flight connectivity.    

Airline capacity from Europe and the Middle East is currently provided by Air Mauritius, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Kenya Airways and British Airways.

Along with the opening of borders, a new Premium Visa has been announced. “This is a one-year residential visa for digital nomads,” said Shakeel Jaulim, Pavilion Director – Mauritius Pavilion. While they cannot have employment in Mauritius, Jaulim tells TTN, they are free to visit the country and enjoy the Mauritian lifestyle 365 days in a year.  

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