Mayotte: Authorities tighten COVID-19 international and domestic restrictions as of Jan. 8 /update 23

Event

Authorities are tightening international restrictions as of Jan. 8 due to concerns over the Omicron COVID-19 variant. All travelers 12 years of age or older arriving in the country must present a negative PCR or antigen test taken no more than 24 hours before departure, irrespective of vaccination status. As of Jan. 8, authorities have also imposed a state of health emergency until further notice. Under the state of health emergency, a nightly 20:00-05:00 curfew has been implemented until further notice, except for restaurants (from 22:00) where patrons should show a vaccine pass. Gatherings of more than six people are also banned, and shops operate at 50-percent capacity.

Domestic Measures
Authorities are maintaining territorywide measures.

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

• Nightclubs remain closed.

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.

As of Jan. 8, the following measures are in place:

• Authorities will only permit unvaccinated travelers to enter if they have an essential reason for the trip. Such individuals are subject to the 24-hour testing requirements and must self-isolate for seven days upon arrival. Unvaccinated travelers from red countries will undertake COVID testing upon arrival and must quarantine for ten days.

• Vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers leaving Mayotte to mainland France will need to present a PCR test or antigen test result taken less than 48 hours before departure. Unvaccinated travelers will also need to justify an essential reason for the trip and 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)