Mauritius to require tourists to show proof of Covid vaccination
Brits planning a holiday in Mauritius will need to provide a Covid vaccination certificate to enter the country, once borders reopen later in 2021, tourism officials have said.
It is one of the few nations to have confirmed that it will not allow anyone from overseas to enter who has not received a jab.
Mauritius welcomed up to 1.4 million visitors annually prior to Covid, including approximately 140,000 Brits.
The news came as the Indian Ocean country began vaccinating tourism staff after categorising those employed in the industry as frontline workers.
The roll-out of the vaccination programme, ahead of borders reopening ‘later in 2021’, means hotel employees, Air Mauritius and airport staff and other frontline tourism workers will receive a Covid jab as a priority.
Officials did not disclose a more specific timeframe to reopening tourism, but indicated that proof of vaccination will be among the entry requirements.
"With tourism front-line staff being prioritised for the vaccine, the Government has confirmed that the 14-day quarantine period will remain in place whilst the initial batch of vaccines are administrated to give public health experts and scientists an opportunity to analyse the rollout," the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Agency (MTPA) said in a statement.
"New arrival protocols will include requiring all international visitors to present valid Covid-19 vaccination certificates."
MTPA Chairman Nilen Vencadasmy said the vaccination of frontline tourism staff was essential if borders are to safely reopen.
"2020 has been a difficult year for everyone within the tourism sector and we are working closely with operators, airlines, hotels and other stakeholders at home and internationally to ensure that we can reopen safely and securely in 2021," he said.
"Mauritius is looking forward to welcoming back visitors to our Indian Ocean paradise island safe in the knowledge that we are a luxury Covid secure destination."
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