UAE residents can now travel to yet another stunning beach destination! The Republic of Mauritius is all set to fully reopen borders from 1 October. Mauritius opened for international travel in July, implementing a two-phased reopening strategy. In the initial phase, from July 15 to September 30 vaccinated travellers are permitted to enjoy a holiday within 14 dedicated “resort bubbles”. However, only those staying for more than two weeks were able to visit other parts of the island. This rule has now been relaxed. From 1 September, vaccinated guests need to spend only 7 days in a special ‘resort bubble’ hotel before going out to discover more of the Indian Ocean paradise. Read on to know more.
Also read: Mauritius With Your Munchkins; The Perfect Beach Vacay!
What Are The Rules For UAE Travellers Arriving In Mauritius?
Mauritius has now relaxed travel rules, permitting visitors to visit other parts of the island. In order to do so, travellers must take a PCR test on day 14 of their holiday. Vaccinated travelers will be welcomed in without restrictions. However, 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.
Unvaccinated travellers are required to complete a 14-day quarantine period in a designated quarantine hotel. Furthermore, unvaccinated guests must undergo a PCR test on the day of arrival, on the 7th day and on day 14.
Starting October, Mauritius will kick off the second phase of reopening, thereby permitting vaccinated travellers to explore the island from the get-go.
Which Resorts Are Approved For Booking In Mauritius?
International visitors can currently book their ‘resort bubble’ holidays either via tour operators or directly with the hotels. The approved Covid-19 safe resorts are available at: www.mauritiusnow.com
Which Airlines Are Servicing Flights From The UAE To Mauritius?
Airline capacity from Europe and the Middle East is currently provided by Air Mauritius, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Air France, Kenya Airways and British Airways.
Emirates operates flights to Mauritius twice a week, with return economy flights starting from AED 4,515. Besides, Mauritius is currently on Abu Dhabi’s green list, meaning travellers will not have to quarantine upon their return to the capital.
Also read: Seychelles Travel Guide: Everything Vaccinated UAE-ites Should Know Before Visiting The Island
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. At this moment 1,322,232 vaccine doses have been administered in total to citizens and residents. The percentage of people vaccinated:
first dose: 60%
fully vaccinated: 48%
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.
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 1st October, 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.”
First Published: August 26, 2021 8:00 AM