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Mauritius reopens its borders: test, vaccine, form ... What awaits tourists on October 1st

2021-09-22T04:14:11.942Z


From October 1, vaccinated foreign tourists are allowed to travel freely on the island. Entry conditions, on-site restrictions, airfare ... Le Figaro takes stock.


The light at the end of the tunnel. Closed since March 18, 2020, the borders of Mauritius have gradually reopened initially for long-term tourists with a compulsory fortnight in an approved hotel, then since July 15 for vaccinated holidaymakers who were authorized to benefit. infrastructure of their hotel without being able to leave it for seven days. From October 1, the country begins a final phase of reopening which will allow visitors with a complete vaccination schedule to be able (finally!) To freely enjoy the island. An easing of restrictions made possible thanks to the "

success of the local vaccination campaign and the fact that very few positive cases of Covid-19 have been identified among foreign travelers this summer

», Explains Arvind Bundhun, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

To discover

  • Mauritius: the Figaro travel guide

Read alsoDubai, Maldives, Dominican Republic ... Where to spend Christmas in the sun despite the Covid?

The confirmation, on September 14, of a wider opening of the country by the Ministry of Health and Welfare was seen as a relief by the actors of the tourism sector, which represents 25% of the GDP of the Mauritius Island. "

We are seeing real enthusiasm for this destination which is still very popular with French holidaymakers in winter,

" said Yann Lloret, France director of Sun Resorts, which has four hotels on the island. “

Over the last three weeks, we have recorded 75% of the volume of reservations for 2019 and an increase of 15% this week compared to last week

,” he underlines.



A new wave of contamination observed since mid-August, however, has pushed the Mauritian government to be cautious.

On Monday, September 20, the authorities thus decided to strengthen the health protocol initially planned, by adding antigenic tests to be carried out during his stay.

What is the health situation there?

As of September 21, 2021, 61.88% of the population of Mauritius had received a full vaccination schedule, according to figures from John Hopkins University.

A rate which rises to 82% within the adult population.

14,735 confirmed cases of Covid-19 and 59 deaths have been recorded on the island since the start of the epidemic.

A resurgence of contamination has been observed since mid-August, with a record 359 cases recorded on September 3.

Mauritius remains classified in orange by the French authorities, which means that "

an active circulation of the virus is observed in controlled proportions, without dissemination of worrying variants

".

Read alsoMauritius: six activities off the beaten track

Arrival in Mauritius: what conditions for French tourists?

As of October 1, travelers will be required to present a full vaccination schedule (two doses or proof of recovery from Covid-19 and one dose) to freely explore the island, and perform a PCR test within 72 hours before boarding for Mauritius. Upon arrival at the airport, they must present the negative result of their PCR test, proof of their reservation in one of the hotels certified "Covid-19 safe" (the list of which is available on the Mauritius Now website) , the health declaration form and the passenger identification form, to be completed before departure or on the plane, as well as proof of insurance showing that they are covered for related medical expenses in the event of infection at Covid-19.



Travelers who have booked a stay in a hotel will then have to undergo an antigen test, taken care of by the host establishment, at the time of check-in. If the result, delivered in about fifteen minutes, is negative, then they will be able to circulate freely on the island. But if the test is positive, they will have to observe a quarantine of seven nights in a part of the hotel which will be dedicated to them and which will be geographically separated from collective infrastructures. All travelers staying more than 5 days in a hotel will have to perform a new antigen test after five days, also paid for by the establishment.



Travelers who do not have a reservation in a hotel will need to perform a PCR test on arrival at the airport and leave their contact details with the health authorities. This test of around thirty euros will be at their expense. They can then return to their accommodation and will be contacted, if their test is positive, to isolate themselves in the places provided for this purpose. Those whose PCR test on arrival is negative will then have to undergo an antigen test in a pharmacy after five days on site and report the result to the authorities.



As for unvaccinated travelers, they cannot in fact travel to Mauritius.

The country being classified orange by France, the unvaccinated must justify an overriding reason, family or professional.

Tourism is not one of them.

Read alsoOur top 10 best hotels in Mauritius, from the east coast to the north of the island

Curfews, masks, health passes ... What are the measures in force in Mauritius?

The mask is required in hotels, but not at the edge of the swimming pool.

(Here, the Heritage Le Telfair hotel.) ERIC MARTIN / Le Figaro

If groups of more than 50 people remain prohibited, no curfew has been established in Mauritius and access to restaurants and cultural activities is not subject to the presentation of a health pass, as is the case. is the case in France.

Only the respect of barrier gestures is in force, the wearing of the mask remaining obligatory inside and outside.

This rule applies within the confines of hotel establishments where travelers will however be allowed to remove their mask on the beach, by the swimming pool and when practicing physical activity in the open air.

Note that nightclubs and game rooms remain closed for the moment.

Read alsoMauritius: the 10 most paradisiacal beaches of the pearl of the Indian Ocean

What transport offer on site?

From the beginning of October, Air Mauritius will operate one flight per day, except Monday, from Roissy-Charles de Gaulle airport.

Air France will not offer a direct flight but a daily and night flight from Paris with a stopover in Reunion.

Corsair will relaunch its direct flights to Mauritius from Paris-Orly airport from October 22 with five flights per week.

From October 27, it will also be possible to reach the island directly from Marseille (Wednesday and Friday).

As for the Emirates company, it will offer a daily flight (two on Fridays) from Paris via Dubai.

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2021-09-22

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