23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 995 or 115.
Call 114 or 999 for Service Aide Medicale d'Urgence, a free state-run ambulance and emergency service.
Go direct to a hospital.
Call 118 for Darne private clinic.
Call 8924 for the COVID-19 hotline.
Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.
Call 133 for Vacoas Headquarters.
Call 148 for Crime Prevention Unit.
Call 468 0034 or 4680035 for the Police Hotline.
Call 210 3894 for Tourist Police.
Call 686 5500 for Emergency Response Service Headquarters.
Do not travel to Mauritius.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Crime levels in Mauritius are low. However, petty crime happens and includes:
Some incidents of assault, rape and murder have occurred, including in resorts.
The risk increases:
The rate of crime is higher in downtown Port Louis and in the coastal tourist centres of:
Staying at unregistered beachside bungalows can also be dangerous. Some travellers have been assaulted and robbed at such accommodation.
Stay in accommodation that's registered with local authorities.
To protect yourself from crime:
Avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMs in:
Stay alert when withdrawing cash.
Mauritian authorities now use camera surveillance, particularly in tourist areas.
Rallies and demonstrations occur sometimes.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Transport and tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities like diving and swimming with dolphins.
Travellers have died in accidents during water-based activities.
If you plan to do an adventure activity:
If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.
For water-based activities, ask if your operator:
Mauritius can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:
Monitor local media and other sources including:
If a natural disaster occurs:
Cyclone season is from November to May. However, cyclones can occur throughout the year.
Cyclones can cause:
The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.
If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:
Stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts. Monitor the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre.
If a cyclone is approaching or a warning is in place:
For up-to-date cyclone information:
Mauritius can experience high levels of rainfall. This can cause severe floods.
Stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts throughout your stay.
Mauritius can experience tsunamis.
Be alert to warnings. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake.
To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Co-ordination System.
To protect yourself from tsunamis, move immediately to high ground if you:
Don't wait for official warnings.
Once on high ground, monitor local media.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mauritius. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Mauritius. If you're in Mauritius, you can call the COVID-19 hotline: 8924.
For information on the COVID-19 vaccination program in Mauritius, refer to the Facebook page or website of the Mauritius Ministry of Health and Wellness. You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally.
The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
Insect-borne illnesses occur, particularly in the warmer months from October to May.
Disease risks include:
Some cases of malaria and dengue are reported in Mauritius. There's no risk on Rodrigues Island.
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle pain, a rash or a bad headache.
HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if taking part in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Swine flu (influenza A H1N1) occurs.
Have a flu shot before travelling.
More information:
Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are a risk, including:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
More information:
The standard of public medical facilities varies.
Most travellers go to private doctors or clinics. You will usually need to pay upfront before they will treat you.
There's only one decompression chamber, at Victoria Hospital in Quatre Bornes.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and may be difficult to arrange given the current restrictions around COVID-19.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
Mauritius has implemented strict sanitary measures and you may be fined or imprisoned if you don't comply with these measures. You must respect social distancing regulations, wear a face mask and use hand sanitiser in public.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Legal cases take a long time to process. If you become involved in a legal matter, you may have to stay in Mauritius until your case is resolved.
Mauritius has severe penalties for drug offences, including fines and jail terms of up to 60 years.
More information:
In Mauritius, it's illegal to:
Same-sex relationships are legal, however Mauritian society is conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
Mauritius has conservative standards of dress and behaviour.
Take care not to offend, especially if you visit:
Requests for extensions to Tourist/Business visas and resident permits that have expired due to COVID-19 lockdowns and border closures should be made through the Mauritian Passport and Immigration Office (Tel: +230 210 9418 or +230 260 2073 or by email on piovisa@govmu.org).
Mauritius has introduced a one-year, renewable Premium Visa for non-citizens who intend to stay in Mauritius for a maximum period of one year as a tourist, a retiree or as a professional.
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
If you're staying less than 60 days a 'free of charge' visa will be provided to you on arrival. For other types of visits, you'll need to apply for a visa prior to your travel.
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest embassy or consulate for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Departing Mauritius
If you want to depart Mauritius, stay in touch with airlines or your travel agent for flight options. If you want to return to Australia, you can register with the Australian High Commission.
Entering Mauritius
You must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test on arrival in Mauritius, taken three to seven days prior to boarding your final flight to Mauritius. You must also submit a health self-declaration form and passenger locator form to immigration and health officials on arrival in Mauritius. You will undergo a COVID-19 swab test on arrival at the airport in Mauritius.
If you're fully vaccinated against COVID-19, you must present evidence of your vaccination on arrival. The Mauritius Tourism Authority website outlines the list of recognised vaccines. You must also present confirmation of your booking at a certified COVID-19 safe hotel. There is a list of certified hotels on the Mauritius Tourism Authority website. You'll be confined to the hotel for 7 days, but you'll be able to use the hotel facilities (including beaches) during your stay. You must take a COVID-19 (PCR) test on day 7 and would be able to leave the hotel after producing a negative test.
If you're unvaccinated, you must present confirmation of your booking at an official quarantine hotel. There is a list of quarantine hotels on the Mauritius Tourism Authority website. You will be confined to your hotel room for 14 days. You must undertake a COVID-19 (PCR) test on day 7 and 14. You'll be able to leave the hotel after producing a negative test on day 14.
Cruise ships are not allowed to enter the Port of Mauritius.
Staying in Mauritius
While borders are closed in Mauritius, services are operational with restrictions and strict sanitary measures in place.
You can access educational institutions and medical facilities if you're vaccinated or can present a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test result. Students, patients, and those with medical certificates are exempt.
Cultural, social and sporting activities are subject to strict sanitary measures. Restaurants are operational at reduced capacity. Outdoor, individual physical activities are allowed. Children under 18 are not allowed to use gymnasiums or enclosed sporting facilities. Cinemas, casinos, bars and nightclubs are closed.
Public and private gatherings are limited to 50 people; this includes for religious ceremonies.
Public transport services are operational with strict sanitary measures. Passengers must respect social distancing regulations, use hand sanitiser and wear a face mask.
You may be fined or imprisoned if you don't comply with sanitary measures.
If you're staying in Mauritius:
More information:
The following information may not apply while COVID-19 travel restrictions are in place.
You must give details of your accommodation on arrival. If you can't show proof of a booking, immigration officials may not let you enter.
If you're arriving from a country known to have malaria, you'll receive a follow-up visit from the Mauritian Health Department. You must do a blood test for the malaria-causing parasite.
You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mauritius if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever.
More information:
Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
The local currency is the Mauritius Rupee (MUR).
Declare all amounts of more than MUR 500,000 when you arrive and depart. This covers all forms of currency, not only cash.
Don't change money on the street. Use banks and official exchange bureaus.
ATMs are common in most towns and in large shopping centres.
You can use credit cards at most hotels, restaurants and large shops.
Ask your bank if your cards will work in Mauritius.
To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either:
Obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.
More information:
You're twice as likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Mauritius as in Australia. Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption and driving.
Hazards include:
If you plan to drive:
More information:
Make sure your insurance policy covers you before riding a motorbike or similar vehicle.
Always wear a helmet.
Use only registered taxis and limousines. Try to book them through your hotel.
Book in advance if you're travelling at night.
Public transport is operational with strict sanitary measures. Passengers must respect social distancing regulations, use hand sanitisers and wear face masks.
More information:
Cruise liners visit Mauritius.
There have been no pirate attacks in Mauritius's territorial waters. However, piracy is a major threat in the Indian Ocean.
Don't travel within 1000 nautical miles (1852km) off the Somali coast. Sailing vessels are a target for pirates. Read piracy reports from the International Maritime Bureau.
More information:
DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Mauritius' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
Air Mauritius is in voluntary administration. Receive updates on future flight plans by staying in contact with the airline or your travel agent.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 995 or 115.
Call 114 or 999 for Service Aide Medicale d'Urgence, a free state-run ambulance and emergency service.
Go direct to a hospital.
Call 118 for Darne private clinic.
Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.
Call 133 for Vacoas Headquarters.
Call 148 for Crime Prevention Unit.
Call 468 0034 or 4680035 for the Police Hotline.
Call 210 3894 for Tourist Police.
Call 686 5500 for Emergency Response Service Headquarters.
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Get consular help from the High Commission in Mauritius. The High Commission is open to the public for essential passport, consular and notarial services by appointment only. Appointments can be requested via email (contact details below).
2nd Floor, Rogers House
5 President John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Phone: (+230) 202 0160
General enquiries: ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au
Consular enquiries: consular.portlouis@dfat.gov.au
Website: mauritius.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission in Mauritius
Twitter: @AusHC_MU
The website provides details about opening hours, any temporary closures to the public, and services offered.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.