Mayotte: Officials tighten COVID-19 international travel restrictions as of Dec. 6 /update 21

Event

Authorities in Mayotte are tightening international travel restrictions as of Dec. 6 due to concerns over a new COVID-19 variant. All travelers 12 years of age or older leaving the territory must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 48 hours of departure.

Domestic Restrictions
Authorities are maintaining territorywide measures.

• Facemasks are compulsory in select public areas, businesses, and public transportation.

• Nightclubs remain closed.

• Gatherings of more than 10 people are banned.

International Travel Restrictions
France uses a three-tiered, color-coded system to classify countries based on COVID-19 risk and imposes entry restrictions accordingly. Green countries are those assessed to have the lowest disease risk, with orange countries as moderate risk and red as the highest risk. For a detailed list of entry restrictions, including current country color classifications, click here; entry restrictions applying to French overseas territories are accessible here.

• Vaccinated travelers need to present a PCR test taken less than 72 hours before departure or an antigen test taken less than 48 hours before departure if traveling from France or countries marked as Green or Orange on the travel safety list.

• Travelers arriving from Red countries must present a PCR or antigen test taken no more than 48 hours before departure.

• Authorities will only permit unvaccinated travelers to enter if they have an essential reason for the trip. Such individuals are subject to the same testing requirements and must self-isolate for seven days upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers from Red countries must quarantine for seven days.

• Unvaccinated travelers leaving Mayotte to mainland France will need to justify an essential reason for the trip and present a PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure or an antigen test taken less than 48 hours before departure. These travelers will also need to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Resources

World Health Organization (WHO)
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, France (French)
Mayotte State Services (French)