March 30. 2020
Location: Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion (France – Overseas Department)
Event:
The Mauritius Ministry of Health has confirmed 110 cases of COVID-19.
The government of Mauritius has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
Effective March 20, 2020, a period of confinement for two weeks has been announced. Only essential services including police, medical, and fire rescue are permitted to operate. Schools and universities are closed until further notice.
Effective March 23, 2020, a curfew is in place from 20:00 to 08:00 local time until further notice. No one is permitted to be in the streets during those hours except for emergency purposes.
Effective March 24, 2020, an increased shutdown is in effect until Tuesday, March 31, 2020. Supermarkets, corner shops, and bakeries will remain closed. Pharmacies and banks are operating with reduced hours and additional regulations. The Ministry of Commerce and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry have established a website for the distribution of essential goods.
Visit the Mauritius Ministry of Health website for additional information.
If you are planning on returning to the United States but have been unable to obtain space on a commercial flight, please contact PTLConsular@State.gov with your name, the names of your immediate family members who are also traveling, and all appropriate contact information.
The Seychelles Department of Health has confirmed eight cases of COVID-19.
The government of Seychelles has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
Effective March 25, 2020, any passenger arriving from any country (except returning Seychellois citizens) will not be allowed to enter Seychelles.
Effective March 30, 2020, the government of Seychelles announced the daily closure of all shops at 18:30 and the prohibition of gatherings of more than four people in public places.
Visit the Seychelles Department of Health website and Facebook for additional information.
The Embassy is aware of only one remaining commercial option to depart Seychelles and return to the United States on Qatar Airways. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with Qatar Airways to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
The Reunion Regional Public Health Agency has confirmed 207 cases of COVID-19 in Reunion.
The Reunion Regional Public Health Agency has implemented measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.
Effective March 20, 2020, travelers arriving for pleasure, such as tourism and family visits, are not permitted entry to Reunion Island. All other passengers are screened by medical staff. Masks and pamphlets in French, English, and Mandarin are given to passengers to inform them of what to do within the 14 days of arrival if symptoms are present.
Visit the Reunion Regional Public Health Agency (French) for additional information.
The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.
Actions to Take:
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
- Reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
- Visit the COVID-19 page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
- Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Visit the Embassy webpage on COVID-19 for information on conditions in Mauritius, Seychelles, and Reunion.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website for the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
Assistance:
- S. Embassy Port Louis, Mauritius
- 4th Floor, Rogers House
- John Kennedy Avenue
- +230 202 4400
- PTLConsular@state.gov
- https://mu.usembassy.gov
- S. Consular Agency, Victoria, Seychelles
- 2nd Floor Oliaji Trade Centre, Victoria
- +248 422 5256
- Conagencyseychelles@state.gov
- State Department – Consular Affairs
- 888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)to receive Alerts.
- Follow us on Facebookand Twitter
