A PCR test for chikungunya now required to enter Mauritius

IN BRIEF Epidemic of chikungunya in Reunion since early 2025 Several thousands of confirmed cases and hundreds of hospitalizations Measures taken by the Mauritian authorities Requirement of a RT-PCR test certificate to travel from Reunion to Mauritius Test performed within 48 hours before travel Checks at the embarkation airport and upon arrival in Mauritius Exemption for Mauritian citizens, residents, crew members, and transit passengers Chikungunya transmitted by mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti Symptoms: high fever, muscle pain, rashes Recommended protection: repellents, long clothing, mosquito nets Chikungunya vaccine available for those >18 years

Attention travelers, if you plan to cross the sea to join the island of Mauritius, prepare for a new requirement! Starting April 9, 2025, a PCR test for chikungunya will be essential for everyone coming from Reunion. This measure echoes an alarming epidemic affecting the neighboring island, making the situation concerning for both authorities and travelers. Let’s look together at what this entails and how it could change your next island adventure!

Since the beginning of 2025, the island of Reunion has been facing an *epidemic of chikungunya*. As cases rise, neighboring Mauritius has decided to take preventive measures. Starting April 9, 2025, any traveler coming from Reunion will now need to present a RT-PCR test certificate conducted 48 hours before their trip. This necessary step ensures everyone’s safety but also raises concerns.

Strict Measures for Travelers

The Mauritian authorities have not taken this lightly. Presenting a test certificate will be mandatory for all passengers arriving from Reunion. This check will be applied both at the departure airport and upon arrival at the Seewoosagur Ramgoolam airport in Mauritius. Offenders, those who do not have this precious document, will be turned away without hesitation. These measures aim to prevent the importation of the virus onto the island and to protect the local population.

Exceptional Cases

It is worth noting that certain categories of travelers will be exempt from this testing requirement. Mauritian citizens, foreign residents in Mauritius, and airline crew members will not have to undergo this test. However, transit travelers, provided they remain in the airport and do not have Rodrigues as their destination, can also go about their activities without fear as long as they do not cross the security barrier.

What is chikungunya?

Chikungunya is a tropical disease that can be particularly severe, especially for vulnerable individuals. Transmitted by the bite of infected mosquitoes, particularly the tiger mosquitoes that proliferate in Reunion, this disease causes symptoms of alarming intensity. The first signs generally appear between 2 and 7 days after infection, leading to high fever, extreme fatigue, and joint pain that makes the experience for the sick a true ordeal.

Preventing the Spread of the Virus

Prevention is crucial in this fight against chikungunya. The advice for self-protection is varied and accessible. The use of repellents, a mosquito net for sleeping, and wearing long, light-colored clothing are several measures to take. Moreover, it is essential to eliminate stagnant water around homes, as they provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

The Chikungunya Vaccine

A glimmer of hope in this battle: since 2024, there is a vaccine against chikungunya named IXCHIQ, which is intended for persons over 18 years old. Promoting this vaccine could prove to be an effective strategy to combat this disease, in addition to the other prevention measures.

For those who wish to learn more about the symptoms and the PCR tests to be provided, a wealth of information is available online. For example, you can consult helpful resources here: Spanish, Dutch, Portuguese, German, and Turkish.