The Indian Ocean island of Mauritius has become one of the first long-haul destinations to announce it will only give quarantine-free access to fully-vaccinated adults this summer.

It has unveiled its gradual reopening plan, which includes welcoming back fully-vaccinated tourists from 15 July.

The country, which is on the UK amber travel list, says it will have a phased reopening, with the first phase lasting until the end of September.

During the first phase, tourists will have to stay in a Government-approved resort hotel for the two weeks of their holiday. They will be allowed to use the pool and beach, but they won’t be allowed beyond the confines of their hotel. A list of approved hotels is available from mauritiusnow.com.

Adults must be fully vaccinated and provide a negative PCR test.

After 14 days they may explore the rest of the island, but only after taking another negative PCR test.

Phase two of the reopening starts on 1 October when vaccinated holidaymakers will be allowed restriction-free access to the island on production of a negative PCR test.

Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority said the announcement follows the acceleration of the island’s vaccination campaign and the progress towards herd immunity, which is expected by the end of September.