If you’ve been longing to explore unspoiled beaches and claim your slice of the paradise pie, then listen up luxury-seekers, because Mauritius has reopened to travellers coming directly from South Africa! This comes after South African tourists were excluded from the subtropical island country’s first phase of reopening.
Fully vaccinated visitors can explore every corner of the picturesque island from October 1, enjoying the coral reefs on their castaway adventure.
In a bid to boost the tourism sector, while keeping COVID-19 infections down and maximizing vaccine coverage across the island, Mauritius embarked on a phased reopening which started on September 1.
The lifting of these restrictions means that South Africans can now travel to Mauritius on authorised commercial without having to spend fifteen days outside of the country, director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA), Arvind Bundhun explains.
Authorised commercial flights from South Africa to Mauritius will commence on October 1, aligning with the second phase of the reopening through Air Mauritius, Comair South Africa, SAA and Fly Safair and other carriers, Bundhun adds.
“We welcome the decision by the Mauritian government. South Africa remains a proximity and priority market for tourism on the island.
“We are delighted that we will be able to restart our long-standing relationship after an 18-month ban on travel,” Bundhun said.
Fully vaccinated South African travellers consisting of those who have received either two doses of Pfizer or the single-shot Johnson & Johnson will still need to present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of departure.
All visitors will also need to complete a health self-declaration form and passenger locator form.
Unvaccinated travellers will have to undergo 14 days quarantine in a state designated quarantine facility.
Bundhun went on to say that: “South Africans have been longing for the Mauritius they know and love, from white sandy beaches and clear blue seas and skies to our warm and friendly people, and so much more. Mauritius is ready and we can’t wait to welcome South Africans back to our beautiful country.”
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