Mauritius premium visa holders to get free vaccine

The government of Mauritius said that visitors holding the Premium Visa as well as residents of Mauritius holding a work permit, residence permit or occupational permit are eligible to receive Covid-19 vaccinations free of charge.

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

Mauritius is the only country in the world which offers long-term visitor visas free of charge and a free Covid vaccine to holders of these visas. The expanded vaccination programme is part of the national campaign to continue keeping Mauritius Covid-secure and to allow the full reopening of international borders once herd immunity is reached.

Mauritius is using the Oxford/AstraZeneca Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) is encouraging all those eligible to accept this offer and is working across the tourism sector to promote take-up.

Eligible international visitors with appointments must attend, and must bring their passport as well as documentation showing either their Premium Visa or Residency status. Vaccinations for international visitors will be carried out at the International Vaccination Centre, Mutual Aid Building, Port Louis.

Other national vaccination centres and mobile vaccination centres are open to Mauritian citizens aged 18+. Priority will be given to those aged over 60 and those with underlying health conditions.

Mauritius' Premium Visa allows international visitors to stay in Mauritius for up to 12 months to work remotely, retire or simply enjoy a longer holiday. The visa is renewable.

Applications for the Premium Visa are open to those currently in Mauritius on short-stay visas and those based internationally who wish to relocate to Mauritius for the long term.