Mauritius Travel: Open For Business Or Still Restricted?

Mauritius is a tropical paradise, known for its white sandy beaches, lagoons, reefs, and lush forests. It is a popular tourist destination, offering a range of activities such as scuba diving, hiking, and shopping in local markets. However, before planning a trip to Mauritius, it is important to be aware of the entry requirements and travel restrictions that may be in place.

Visa requirements: Some nationalities need a visa, others don't

Most visitors to Mauritius are from visa-exempt countries or can obtain a visa on arrival. However, nationals of certain countries must obtain a visa in advance before being allowed into the country.

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter Mauritius:

• All European Union member states
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United Arab Emirates

The maximum stay for tourism visits is 180 days per calendar year, and 120 days per calendar year for business visits.

Additionally, a visa-free stay of 90 days will be granted to:

• Holders of diplomatic and official/service passports of any country (except Afghanistan, Angola, Mainland China, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen)
• Holders of a Laissez-Passer issued by the United Nations or any other internationally recognized organization
• Holders of an Interpol passport when traveling on duty
• Spouses and children under 14 of nationals and residents of Mauritius
• Holders of diplomatic, official, and service passports of Mainland China (for 60 days each visit)

Visitors from any country or territory that is neither visa-exempt nor included in the above list can obtain a visa on arrival for a maximum stay of 60 days. However, citizens of the following 16 countries and territories must obtain a visa in advance from one of the Mauritian diplomatic missions:

• Afghanistan
• Angola
• Bangladesh
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Eritrea
• Ethiopia
• Ghana
• Iran
• Nigeria
• Republic of the Congo
• South Africa
• South Sudan
• Sudan
• Syria
• Tanzania
• Yemen
• Zimbabwe

Passengers in transit with a confirmed onward ticket may transit through Mauritius without a visa for a maximum of 24 hours. This does not apply to citizens of the above 16 countries.

Travel restrictions: Mauritius has had COVID-related travel restrictions

Mauritius has had several COVID-related travel restrictions in place since the start of the pandemic. From the 10th of March 2021 to the 15th of April 2021, no passengers were allowed entry into Mauritius. This was extended until the 30th of June, with the exception of some authorised flights.

During this time, all prospective passengers, including children and infants, travelling to Mauritius were required to possess the following documents:

• A negative COVID-19 PCR test, taken between 5 and 7 days prior to the date of boarding at the last point of embarkation.
• A valid air ticket to Mauritius.
• Proof of purchase of a travel package, including accommodation on a full-board basis, at a designated hotel for a mandatory 14-day in-room quarantine, followed by 7 days of self-isolation.

From the 1st of October 2021, vaccinated travellers were allowed entry to Mauritius with a verified vaccination certificate. Unvaccinated travellers were required to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours from their last point of embarkation. All travellers were also required to have COVID-19 insurance health cover.

As of July 2022, Air Mauritius outlined the following requirements for passengers:

• All passengers must wear a mask at all times at the airport and onboard.
• Passengers must arrive at the SSR International Airport at least four hours prior to departure.
• All passengers must wear a surgical mask.
• All passengers must possess a negative PCR test result.
• All passengers must complete a 'Traveller Health Questionnaire'.

Transport: Public transport is operational but with restrictions

Public transport is operational in Mauritius, but there are restrictions in place due to COVID-19. Here are some important things to know about using public transport in Mauritius:

Bus Services

The bus service in Mauritius is convenient and efficient once you get the hang of it. However, it is recommended to avoid using the bus after 6 pm, as most places in Mauritius do not have a nightlife and tend to be quite deserted. Bus companies typically stop operating around 6:45 pm to 7 pm, so returning after a late outing can be challenging.

Domestic Measures

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Mauritian government has implemented several measures for public transport. These include:

• Mandatory facemasks on public transportation
• Quarantine requirements for individuals with possible exposure to COVID-19 (14-day quarantine at a government-approved facility)
• Social distancing guidelines
• Good personal hygiene practices

International Travel

Mauritius has implemented a phased reopening of its borders, currently in Phase 2 of a three-phase plan. Here are some key points:

• Mauritian nationals, legal residents, individuals working in Mauritius, and long-term tourists from approved countries are allowed to enter.
• All travellers must present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than seven days before arrival.
• Arriving travellers must quarantine for at least 14 days at a government-approved hotel and take at least three COVID-19 tests.
• All travel bookings must be made through the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) website.

It's important to note that these measures are subject to change, and restrictions may be reimposed if COVID-19 cases increase during the reopening phases. Therefore, it is recommended to reconfirm travel arrangements and stay updated with the latest information from official sources.

Face masks: Face masks are mandatory in public

As of 18 June 2022, face masks or coverings are mandatory in all public spaces in Mauritius, including workplaces and public transport. This applies to all shared/public spaces outside the home where other people are present or when social distancing is not possible.

Face masks were also mandatory in public during the lockdown that was in place from 11 March to 30 April 2021. During this time, access to public places was prohibited, including beaches, markets, cinemas, gyms, and restaurants. Food delivery was allowed, but restaurants remained closed.

Quarantine: Travellers must self-quarantine for 14 days

Quarantine Requirements for Travellers to Mauritius

As of October 1st, 2021, Mauritius has opened its borders to vaccinated travellers with strict protocols in place. All travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours from their last point of embarkation. Unvaccinated travellers must also provide proof of COVID-19 insurance health cover.

Upon arrival in Mauritius, all travellers are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine in a hotel approved by the authorities. This quarantine period is followed by a 7-day self-isolation period. Travellers must purchase a travel package that includes accommodation on a full-board basis for the duration of their quarantine.

During the quarantine period, travellers will be required to undergo PCR tests on the day of arrival, on day 7, and on day 14. If a traveller tests positive for COVID-19, they will be transferred to a public medical institution for treatment. Non-Mauritian nationals must pay a fee of Rs13,500 per person to their hotel to cover the costs incurred by the Ministry of Health, including the three PCR tests administered in Mauritius.

It is important to regularly check for updates on travel restrictions and requirements, as they are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions