Mauritius

Crime levels in Mauritius are low. However, petty crime occurs and includes:

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• opportunistic theft

This is most likely to occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas, tourist areas, such as beaches, and near ATMs. Women walking alone are at greater risk of verbal harassment and criminal targeting.

Violent crime is not common, but some incidents of assault, rape and murder have occurred, including in resorts. There have also been cases of assault and robbery at unregistered beachside bungalows. 

The crime rate is higher in downtown Port Louis and in the coastal tourist centres of Grand Bay, Pereybere and Flic en Flac.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious behaviour
• avoid secluded or poorly lit areas, especially after dark
• avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMS in banks, shops, hotels or shopping centres
• always lock your vehicle and accommodation and keep your valuables out of sight
• stay in accommodation that's registered with local authorities
• be alert to petty scams and overcharging by vendors on streets, at beaches and in markets.

Taxi scams

There have been reports of taxi scams at the airport, where tourists have been robbed after entering unregistered vehicles.

To protect yourself from taxi scams:

• only use registered taxis. In Mauritius, these are clearly marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door
• check the credentials of the driver and agree on the fare, before entering the vehicle
• where possible, book taxis through your hotel or accommodation. 

More information:

• Tourism police (Mauritius Police Department)

Cyber Security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Civil unrest is rare, but protests can occur. Avoid large public gatherings, monitor the media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Mauritius can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including cyclones, floods and tsunamis.

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with your friends and family
• monitor local media and other sources of information including radio broadcasts
• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship.

Monitor local media and other sources including:

• Mauritius Meteorological Service
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre.

Cyclones

Cyclone season in Mauritius is from November to May. However, cyclones can occur throughout the year. Cyclones can cause:

• floods
• gale force winds
• property damage
• disruptions to services, including power and water.

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• airports and ports may close
• flights may be delayed or suspended, and available flights may fill quickly
• you may need to shelter in place
• shelter may not be available.

If a cyclone is approaching or a warning is in place:

• monitor cyclone bulletins from official sources and local media
• follow the advice of local authorities
• identify your local shelter.

The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning. It's important to stay up to date with weather conditions and forecasts. 

More information:

• Government Information Service (Facebook page)
• Mauritius Meteorological Service
• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre (Facebook Page)
• National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Centre Mauritius (X)
• Meteo France Ocean Indien
• call 8996 from a landline (French)
• call 171 from a mobile phone (French)

Floods

Mauritius can experience high levels of rainfall. This can cause severe floods. Some areas are also prone to landslides. 

In case of heavy rain or flooding, do not enter waterways. Avoid underground parking areas. If you're caught in heavy rain, you should shelter in place until the water subsides. Monitor local media and stay up to date with weather conditions. Follow advice of local authorities.

Tsunamis

Mauritius can experience tsunamis.

Be alert to warnings. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a nearby tremor or earthquake. 

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive tsunami alerts.

To protect yourself from tsunamis, move immediately to high ground if you:

• are advised by local authorities
• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings.

Once you're on high ground, you should monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Tours and adventure activities

Tour operators don't always follow safety and maintenance standards. This includes adventure activities like diving and swimming with dolphins.

Travellers have died or have been seriously injured in accidents during water-based activities and land-based activities such as ziplining.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if it's covered in your travel insurance policy
• only use registered operators that have been issued a valid permit by the Ministry of Tourism
• ask about and insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use available safety gear, such as life jackets or seatbelts

If proper safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Swimming safety

If you plan to spend time in or on the water:

• regularly check weather reports
• take warnings seriously
• check media and local sources for information about potential dangers
• speak to your travel provider about safety equipment and weather conditions before continuing with planned activities
• if possible, take a friend or family member with you when you undertake swimming or water activities
• ensure you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for planned activities.

Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks. See our advice on partying safely while overseas.

Get urgent medical help if you think you or a companion have had your drinks spiked.

Methanol can be used in unregulated alcohol production to lower costs. Methanol is highly toxic. As little as one shot can be fatal. Act quickly if you suspect you or someone you're travelling with has been poisoned. Urgent medical attention could save your life or save you from permanent disability. Report suspected cases of methanol poisoning to the police.

• be careful drinking cocktails and drinks made with spirits
• drink only at reputable licensed premises
• avoid home-made alcoholic drinks
• labels on bottles aren't always accurate

More information:

• Partying safely while overseas 

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

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 thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away (including if stopovers on the way to your destination are covered)

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of someone you know, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

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:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Insect-borne illnesses occur in Mauritius, particularly in the warmer months from October to May. 

There have been cases of dengue, chikungunya and malaria in the past.

To protect yourself from these diseases:

• use insect repellent on all exposed skin, including feet
• wear light-coloured clothing that covers your legs and arms
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof

Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, a bad headache or a rash.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if participating in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Other health risks 

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are a risk, including:

• gastroenteritis
• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• Influenza

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled or bottled water with sealed lids
• always wash and dry your hands, especially after touching animals or soil
• thoroughly wash fruit and vegetables before eating
• wash cans and other containers before use
• avoid flood water and any other water you think might be contaminated.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, sore muscles, vomiting or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

The standard of medical facilities varies in Mauritius. 

Most major public hospitals are modern and well equipped. All doctors speak English and specialised care is available for most injuries and illnesses. Waiting times can be long in public hospitals and services may be limited in small rural hospitals. You may be charged some fees to cover costs. 

Most travellers go to private doctors or clinics. Services can be expensive, and upfront payment is generally required. If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to Reunion Island or South Africa. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

There is no healthcare agreement between Australia and Mauritius.

Make sure your travel insurance covers hospital and medical evacuation. 

Diving accidents

There's only one decompression chamber at Victoria Hospital in Quatre Bornes.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Check local laws before travelling.

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.

In Mauritius, legal cases take a long time to process. 

If you're under police investigation, you'll be provisionally charged and not allowed to leave the country without consent from a judge. It can take up to 2 years for the authorities to decide whether to issue a formal charge. You're not allowed to renew your occupation permit or resident permit if you’re provisionally charged with a crime. If you cannot support yourself financially, you’ll be kept in prison while the police finish their investigation.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

Mauritius has severe penalties for drug offences, including fines and jail terms of up to 60 years.

Pack all luggage yourself and do not carry anything through customs for anyone else. If you're found with any drugs, it’s unlikely you’ll be bailed, regardless of the type of drug. Prosecutions take a year or more to come to court, and you’ll be detained until your trial.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

In Mauritius, it's illegal to:

• buy counterfeit or pirated goods
• own cigarette papers or rolling machines
• import, distribute or sell e-cigarettes
• smoke or vape in all indoor public places and some outdoor places.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws overseas, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Mauritius recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, we will only be able to assist you in exceptional circumstances.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Mauritian society is conservative. Nudism is not permitted. 

Take care not to offend, especially if you visit:

• rural areas
• a shrine, temple, mosque or other religious site
• a religious event

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Whilst same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in October 2023, LGBTQIA+ people still face discrimination. Consider avoiding public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact your airline or your nearest embassy or consulate of Mauritius for details about the latest visa and entry requirements.

Visas

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

If you're staying less than 60 days, a visa will be provided to you free of charge on arrival. For other types of visits, you'll need to apply for a visa before your travel at your nearest Mauritius embassy, High Commission or consulate. 

If you need to extend your Tourist/Business visas or resident permits contact the Mauritian Passport and Immigration Office or by email on piovisa@govmu.org.

More information:

• Passport and Immigration Office (Government of Mauritius, English)

Other formalities 

You should complete the Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form either online before you travel or when you arrive at the airport. 

If you're arriving from a country known to have malaria, you'll receive a follow-up call or visit from the Mauritian Health Department. You may be asked to do a blood test.

More information:

• Mauritius Travel Advice (Government of Mauritius, English)
• Airports of Mauritius

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.

Lost or stolen 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:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Mauritius Rupee (MUR).

If you're travelling with more than MUR 500,000, you'll need to declare it 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.

There are ATMs in most towns and in large shopping centres.

You can use credit cards at most hotels, restaurants and large shops.

Check with your bank if your cards will work in Mauritius.

Road travel 

The risk of being injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident in Mauritius is higher than in Australia.

Hazards include:

• poorly maintained and unlit narrow roads
• pedestrians and stray dogs on roads
• motorcyclists
• deep ditches beside roads
• lack of guardrails

Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption and driving. If you test positive for alcohol, you risk penalties like heavy fines, imprisonment or licence suspension.

If you plan to drive:

• check you have the right insurance cover
• get to know local traffic laws and practices

In case of an accident, when no injury has occurred, motorists may exchange information and report details to the authorities. You should remain at the scene and request the assistance of local law enforcement.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Driver's license

To drive in Mauritius, you need to be at least 18 years old and have either:

• a valid Australian driver's licence (digital driver's licences may not be accepted); or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Mauritius Police Force Traffic Branch

Motorcycles

Make sure your insurance policy covers you before riding a motorbike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines. In Mauritius, all registered taxis are clearly marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door. Try to book them through your hotel or accommodation.

Taxis are not metered. Negotiate the fare for your journey before engaging their services. 

Book in advance if you're travelling at night.

Public transport

Public transport is operational. While not compulsory, face masks are recommended on public transport.

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Mauritius. Public buses that run between the main towns are generally reliable however some buses may not meet the same roadworthy standards as in Australia.  The metro express is a modern, reliable network but only runs between Port Louis and Curepipe.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

There have been no pirate attacks in Mauritius' 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:

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, you should contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 995 or 115.

Medical emergencies

Call 114 or 999 for Service Aide Medicale d'Urgence, the public ambulance and emergency service.

If you would prefer the ambulance to take you to a private hospital, you will need to contact that hospital to collect you.

Police

Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.

Call 210 3894 for Tourist Police.

Call 148 for the Police Hotline.

Call 468 0034 or 4680035 for the Police Information & Operations Room.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

National Coast Guard

Call 177

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

For consular assistance, contact: 

Australian High Commission, Port Louis

2nd Floor, Rogers House
5 President John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius

Phone: (+230) 202 0160

The High Commission is open to the public for passport, consular and notarial services by appointment only. Appointments can be requested via email (details below).

General enquiries: ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

Consular enquiries: consular.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

Passport enquiries: passports.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

Website: mauritius.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australian High Commission in Mauritius

X: @AusHC_MU

The website provides details about opening hours, any temporary closures to the public, and services offered.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia