Mauritius

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

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• theft
• street robbery near ATMs

Some incidents of assault, rape and murder have occurred, including in resorts.

The risk increases:

• after dark
• on beaches
• in poorly lit city streets
• in secluded areas

The rate of crime is higher in downtown Port Louis and in the coastal tourist centres of:

• Grand Bay
• Pereybere
• Flic en Flac

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:

• be aware of your surroundings
• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour

Avoid using ATMs on the street. Stay alert when withdrawing cash. 

Use ATMs in:

• banks
• shops
• hotels 
• shopping centres

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:

• avoid all crowds and demonstrations
• monitor the media and avoid protest areas
• follow the instructions of local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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 and land-based activities such as ziplining.

If you plan to do an adventure activity:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• use only registered operators that have been issued a valid permit
• 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.

Mauritius can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• cyclones
• floods
• tsunamis

Monitor local media and other sources including:

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

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
• ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected

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

The direction and strength of cyclones can change with little warning.

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• ports may close
• shelter may not be available

Stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts. If a cyclone is approaching or a warning is in place:

• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship
• identify your local shelter

For up-to-date cyclone information:

• call 8996 from a landline
• call 171 from a mobile phone

Floods

Mauritius can experience high levels of rainfall. This can cause severe floods. Monitor local media and stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts.

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 on high ground, monitor local media.

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 1000s 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)
• if your travel insurance covers cancellation for COVID-19, which covers you to cancel if you or a travelling companion contracts COVID-19.

While not mandatory to enter Mauritius, you are encouraged to have insurance that covers COVID-19 medical costs on arrival. 

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:

• 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)
• COVID-19 vaccines (Department of Health and Aged Care)

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:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 remains present in Mauritius. If you're in Mauritius and have contracted the virus, you can call the COVID-19 hotline on 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 approved for use outside Australia's regulatory process.

Face masks are not compulsory, but are still recommended in airports, during airport transfers, on public transport and in all healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies.

If you test positive for COVID-19 while in Mauritius, you'll have to self-isolate for 7 days in your accommodation. Close contacts don't need to isolate.

More information:

• Be Safe Moris (Government of Mauritius, English)
• COVID-19 (Government of Mauritius, French)
• Ministry of Health and Wellness (Government of Mauritius, English)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health and Aged Care)

Insect-borne diseases

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

Disease risks include:

• dengue
• malaria
• chikungunya

Some cases of malaria and dengue have previously been reported in Mauritius. There's no risk on Rodrigues Island.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

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

HIV/AIDS

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

Swine flu

Swine flu (influenza A H1N1) occurs.

Have a flu shot before travelling.

More information:

• Influenza

Other health risks

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

• gastroenteritis
• hepatitis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid raw or undercooked food, such as salads

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

The standard of public medical facilities varies.
The public regional hospitals have modern equipment and can offer specialised care for most injuries and illnesses. However, you will have limited access to services in rural public clinics. All doctors speak English. Foreign patients will generally be charged minimal fees to cover consumables after treatment.

Mauritius also has several private hospitals and clinics that have modern equipment and can offer specialised care for most injuries and illnesses. All doctors speak English. These facilities will generally require upfront payment before treatment. 

There is no healthcare agreement between Australia and Mauritius.

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 to Reunion Island or South Africa. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

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.

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.

More information:

• Arrested or jailed

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

In Mauritius, it's illegal to:

• buy counterfeit or pirated goods
• take part in sodomy, regardless of gender
• own cigarette papers or rolling machines used to make cigarettes

Same-sex relationships are legal, however Mauritian society is conservative. Avoid public displays of affection.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Mauritius recognises dual nationality.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Mauritius has conservative standards of dress and behaviour.

Take care not to offend, especially if you visit:

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

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 'free of charge' visa will be provided to you on arrival. For other types of visits, you'll need to apply for a visa before your travel. 

Requests for extensions to Tourist/Business visas and resident permits should be submitted to the Mauritian Passport and Immigration Office (Tel: +230 210 9418 or +230 260 2073 or by email on piovisa@govmu.org).

More information:

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

Border measures

On arrival in Mauritius, you must present a completed Mauritius-All-in-One Travel Digital Form or an Immigration Disembarkation Card at the airport.

While no longer compulsory, face masks are recommended in airports and during airport transfers.

You will not be allowed to board a flight to Mauritius if you've tested positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of departure.

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:

• Mauritius Travel Advice (Government of Mauritius, English) 
• Airports of Mauritius
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF)

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.

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.

Road travel

You're more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Mauritius compared to Australia. Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption and driving.

Hazards include:

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

If you plan to drive:

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

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; or
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

Obtain your IDP before leaving Australia.

More information:

• Mauritius Police Force Traffic Branch, phone: (+230) 208 1212

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. Try to book them through your hotel.

Book in advance if you're travelling at night.

Public transport

Public transport is operational. You must wear a face mask on board. While not compulsory, face masks are recommended on public transport.

More information:

• Transport and getting around safely

Sea travel

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:

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

Air travel

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.

More information:

• Air travel

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.

Call 118/132 for Darne and Wellkin private clinics.
Go directly to a hospital.

Police

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.

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

Twitter: @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