Mauritius announces not only the resumption of commercial flights to Rodrigues on 12 January but also the lifting of restrictions on 9 African countries including South Africa, effective Friday, 7 January 2022.
The resumption date has been reset from 08 January to 12 January. Rodrigues will only accept entry of fully vaccinated passengers and those who have received a booster dose. Only minors will be exempted from this requirement as communicated by the Chief Commissioner’s office. Travelers will be required to present a PCR test done at least 24 hours prior to boarding either at a clinic or at SSRIA airport. It should be noted that the PCR test at the airport is charged at a price subsidised by the Ministry of Finance. This PCR will not concern students, patients, and persons on official visits to Rodrigues.
All passengers will be required to undergo 7-day isolation in a facility of their choice and at their own expense except for students, patients and accompanying persons and persons on official visits.
Travelers are advised to visit http://www.myrodrigues.travel/ for further advice.
Our borders reopened to Southern Africa
Tourism professionals had estimated the loss of revenue due to the Omicron variant, which was to last until 31 January with South African tourists, at several billion rupees. The loss of revenue will have to be reviewed. Tourism will breathe easier with the reopening of the borders between South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, and Zambia.
The MTPA issued a statement on Thursday afternoon. “We are very pleased that South Africans can travel to Mauritius again. Covid-19 has put considerable pressure on all countries to do the right thing, and we thank South Africans and the South African travel industry for their patience in this regard… The health protocols of the entire Mauritian hotel industry remain at the highest level, thus ensuring the local community and international guests maximum protection against the virus. Visitors can book their holidays in Mauritius with a high degree of confidence that their travels will be enjoyable, safe, and secure,” said Arvind Bundhun, Director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).
The MTPA invites interested parties to enquire with the airlines and the Covid-19 entry requirements and security protocols are available online: www.mauritiusnow.com
