The Mauritian government has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination programme to include all citizens, residents and long-term international visitors over the age of 18.

Visitors holding the Premium Visa as well as residents of Mauritius holding a Work Permit, Residence Permit or Occupational Permit are eligible to receive their vaccinations free of charge.

The expanded vaccination programme is part of the national campaign to continue keeping Mauritius COVID-safe and to allow the full reopening of international borders once herd immunity is reached.

To encourage long stays, Mauritius recently introduced a new, renewable Premium Visa valid for a period of one year.

This Premium Visa allows non-citizens from countries listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Passport Regulations to come to Mauritius. The online application for the visa is free of charge and approval is granted within 48 hours.

“This is an opportunity for operators of the Mauritius tourism sector to come up with innovative packages to attract visitors as well as digital nomads. Our island is COVID-safe and with its modern infrastructure would be an ideal spot for them to work remotely,” said a spokesperson for the Mauritian Department of Foreign Affairs.

The following categories of visitors are eligible:

• Repeat tourists who had planned to retire and migrate to Mauritius before the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Retirees seeking a COVID-safe haven.
• Investors and professionals who wish to come with their family and work remotely from Mauritius. They also have the possibility to offer this facility to their staff members.
• Visitors who have children studying in Mauritius.

In order to qualify for the Premium Visa visitors must provide evidence of their long stay plans and must have adequate travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay. The visitor’s main place of business and source of income should be outside Mauritius.

Meanwhile the Mauritian government has expanded its COVID-19 vaccination programme to include all citizens, residents and long-term international visitors over the age of 18.

Visitors holding the Premium Visa as well as residents of Mauritius holding a Work Permit, Residence Permit or Occupational Permit are eligible to receive their vaccinations free of charge.

The expanded vaccination programme is part of the national campaign to continue keeping Mauritius COVID-safe and to allow the full reopening of international borders once herd immunity is reached.