Mauritius

Foreigners are currently not allowed to enter Mauritius due to COVID-19. There are some exceptions for Mauritian citizens.

All cruise ships will be denied access to ports.

Passenger flights are restricted to special authorised flights only until further notice. All persons entering the country are required to undertake a PCR COVID-19 test (taken within 5 days of entering the country). 

Mauritius has extended its lockdown and curfew until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing and wearing of face masks in public remains mandatory. You may be fined or imprisoned if you don’t comply with restrictions. Movement is restricted to essential services only, though some restrictions will be eased. Employees in essential sectors may only travel if they have an approved COVID-19 Work Access Permit. Minors under 18 will only be able to leave their homes under special permission. Schools are expected to reopen in August.

The following businesses will be allowed to operate from 15 May: petrol stations, pharmacies, hardware shops, hairdressers, banks, bakeries, restaurant/fast food for home deliveries only, medical practices, hotels, sea ports and airports – though international flights, with the exception of cargo flights and repatriation flights, are not operating –  and related businesses – see Government of Mauritius portal. Work access permits will be required for all workers returning to work.

Public transport, including the metro and buses will also resume operations with strict social distancing measures. Taxis are expected to resume their normal services, but with new social distancing measures. Supermarkets are operating under strict measures, including organised shopping based on alphabetical order of surnames (opening hours are from 9:00am to 8:00pm Mondays to Saturdays. You must show identification to shop (e.g. ID Card, Passport, Residence Permit or work permit).

The lockdown has been lifted on the outer islands of Rodrigues and Agalega though no flights are operating.

If you wish to leave Mauritius, stay in touch with airlines or your travel operator for updates and any onward flight options. You can also register with the Australian High Commission in Port Louis (ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au): if we become aware of any departing flights, we’ll share this information via our social media (see Local contacts for links) and with those who have registered with us.

If you’re staying in Mauritius:

• follow the advice of local authorities
• take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19
• ensure you have arrangements in place for an extended stay
• keep in contact with family and friends so they know you’re safe and well.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government