Mauritius Tightens Border Controls Over Ebola Outbreak Concerns
PORT LOUIS, Mauritius — The Mauritian government has announced a series of stringent health measures, including temporary travel restrictions, in response to the ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan, writes Naome Chisala.
The measures were approved by the Cabinet on June 6 and are aimed at protecting the Mauritian population and preventing the importation of the Ebola virus into the island nation.
Effective June 8, foreign nationals who have stayed, transited through, or been present in the three affected countries within the previous 21 days will not be permitted to enter Mauritius.
However, Mauritian citizens and foreign nationals holding valid work permits, residence permits, employment permits, business visas or student visas will still be allowed entry.
They will be required to undergo a mandatory 21-day quarantine if they have visited or transited through the affected countries during the previous 21 days.
The government has also made it compulsory for all travellers entering Mauritius by air or sea to complete the “All-in-One Travel Form” and a health declaration form before boarding.
Health authorities will conduct enhanced screening and risk assessments at all points of entry.
Travellers arriving from affected countries will undergo temperature checks, verification of health declarations and risk assessment interviews.
Anyone displaying symptoms associated with Ebola virus disease will be immediately isolated and subjected to clinical evaluation.
The SAJ Recreation Centre in Riambel has been designated as the country’s official quarantine facility.
To enforce the measures, the government will issue several regulations under the Public Health Act and the Quarantine Act 2020. An official quarantine period has been declared from June 8 to Aug. 7, 2026.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said it has maintained a high level of preparedness through the implementation of an updated National Preparedness Plan for viral hemorrhagic fevers, including Ebola and Marburg virus disease.
Authorities have also strengthened infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, particularly regarding the use of personal protective equipment by health workers.
Mauritius is working closely with the World Health Organization, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Indian Ocean Commission to continuously assess risks and implement appropriate preventive measures.
The government said the measures are necessary to safeguard public health while ensuring the country remains prepared to respond swiftly to any potential Ebola-related threat.