MAURITIUS - JUNE 15: Ile aux Cerfs (Deer Island) and the coral reef lagoon, east coast, Mauritius. (Photo by DeAgostini/Getty Images)
Cover Ile aux Cerfs (Deer Island) and the coral reef lagoon on the east coast of Mauritius. (Photo: DeAgostini/Getty Images)

Put Mauritius on your vaxication list: the island nation opens its borders to vaccinated travellers this summer

Summer travel is not as limited as you think, provided you're willing to serve quarantine when you return home (although that may change soon for vaccinated residents).

Following the reopening of Phuket on July 1st under the 'Phuket Sandbox' scheme, Mauritius has announced it will welcome vaccinated international travellers from mid-July. The gradual reopening of the island nation was announced by its tourism bureau, with the first phase running from July 15 to September 30. During this period, vaccinated tourists must stay in a certified Covid-19 safe hotel for 14 days; they can enjoy the hotel facilities as well as visit the beach.

Travellers will be subject to a PCR test at the airport on their arrival, and depending on the length of stay, they will also be required to do tests on Day 7 and Day 14. If they test negative on Day 14, they are free to explore the rest of the country, which is known for its white-sand beaches, sparkling sapphire waters, and rugged mountains great for hiking.

See Also: Phuket Opens to Vaccinated International Tourists: Everything You Need to Know

Alternatively, guests can visit for less than 14 days but they're only allowed to roam within the premises of the hotel or resort. Mauritius, located on the southeast coast of the African continent, has a fantastic selection of luxury resorts including stalwarts such as Constance Belle Mare Plage and the One&Only Le Saint Géran, as well as brands such as The Residence, Lux*, Four Seasons, St. Regis, The Oberoi and more.

So even if you're considering a stay shorter than two weeks, it would be well worth a dream beach holiday. 

See Also: Singaporean Hotelier Gary Xie on Travel and the Business of Hotels In Maldives, Mauritius And More

From October 1, Mauritius will progress to a full reopening where it will allow all vaccinated travellers to enter the country provided they present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure. They can book a Covid-19 safe hotel as well as explore the island as they please—venture on various wildlife excursions and taste authentic Mauritian cuisine, which is a mix of African, Chinese, European as well as Indian influences. 

Unvaccinated travellers are also allowed into the country, but they must first do a 14-day quarantine at an official hotel. There will be PCR tests on Day 7 and Day 14; a negative result on the latter gives them licence to transfer to a different hotel and explore the rest of the island. 

Find the complete details on Mauritius Now 

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