Summer, Mauritius Reopens To International Travelers After 16 Months Lockdown

Illustration of a beach in Mauritius. (Wikimedia Commons/Hansueli Krapf)

JAKARTA - Mauritius has just reopened its borders to international travelers, after being closed for the past 16 months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vaccinated travelers can choose to stay in 14 'resort bubbles', where they will be allowed to use a wide range of facilities, including swimming pools and exploring the beaches on offer. These hotels are already listed on the Mauritius Tourism website, for visitors to choose from when they book their stay.

However, tourists will not be able to leave the resort even after being vaccinated, as they must remain in this bubble during the 14-day quarantine period.

Those who stay longer than two weeks, can explore all the beauty of this country after bagging a negative PCR test result.

"Mauritius is delighted to welcome international visitors to our safe and secure environment on the island," said Hon. Steven Obeegadoo, Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius and Minister of Tourism, quoted Euronews Monday, July 19.

Illustration of a beach in Mauritius. (Wikimedia Commons/HEY WHO)

Travelers coming to Mauritius must undergo a PCR test between five or seven days before departure with a negative result, which is required to enter the island. Vaccinated travelers must also undergo a PCR test upon arrival at the airport, on the seventh and then 14th day of their vacation.

In addition to tourists who have been vaccinated, tourists who have not received the COVID-19 vaccine can still come, book a room for 14 at an official quarantine hotel, where food will be delivered to their room.

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality industry reportedly accounted for 24 percent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), employing nearly a quarter of all residents. Apart from its many restaurants and bars, Mauritius is known as a tourist destination for its beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs.

Without visitors, Mauritius' economy fell by 15 percent in the last financial year meaning the country wants tourism back.

The decision to partially reopen the lockdown was made following the acceleration of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. Tourism workers and hotel staff are classified as frontline workers, receiving priority for the COVID-19 vaccine.

In June this year, Finance Minister Renanaden Padayachy said Mauritius is targeting to welcome 650,000 visitors over the next 12 months. However, the complete lifting of the lockdown will not be at least until October 1.