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
• avoid walking alone at night

Avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMs in:

• banks
• shops
• hotels 
• shopping centres

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:

• 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

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:

• check if your travel insurance policy covers it
• use only well-known and registered operators
• 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.

For water-based activities, ask if your operator:

• has a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Tourism
• is equipped to contact the coast guard if necessary

Mauritius can experience natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• cyclones
• high rainfall
• floods
• tsunamis

Monitor local media and other sources including:

• Mauritius Meteorological Service
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

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 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. Monitor the World Meteorological Organisation Severe Weather Information Centre.

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.

Stay up to date on weather conditions and forecasts throughout your stay.

Tsunamis

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:

• 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

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.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication 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 medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine
• High Commission of Mauritius
• Consulates of Mauritius

COVID-19

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Mauritius has established 24/7 hotlines for individuals to call to seek guidance. Individuals can use the following numbers in Mauritius:

• 8924: between 0900 and 1600 every day
• 8925: Dr. A.G. Jeetoo Hospital in Port Louis, after 1600
• 8926: Hospital SSRN in Pamplemousses, after 1600
• 8927: Flacq Hospital, after 1600
• 8928: Victoria de Candos Hospital, after 1600
• 8929: J.Nehru Hospital in Rose-Belle, after 1600

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 are 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:

• tuberculosis
• hepatitis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid raw or undercoooked 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.

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 flown to South Africa or another place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive and may be difficult to arrange given the current restrictions around COVID-19.

Medical facilities are being affected as authorities respond to the Novel Coronavirus. Contact your local hospital and/or health clinic before you arrive. Some quarantine and isolation clinics may be prohibited for entry by others.

Local law

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

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 people

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

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

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 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.

COVID-19

The Mauritian Government has confirmed COVID-19 cases in Mauritius. It has implemented entry restrictions at airports and seaports. No one is allowed entry into Mauritius for 15 days from 0600 GMT (10am local Mauritius time) on 19 March. The Government is making a few exceptions for repatriation of its nationals back to Mauritius. All cruise ships will be denied access to the port.

Passenger flights are restricted to special authorised flights only until further notice. Australians should remain in contact with airlines and travel operators for updates and onward flight arrangements, particularly if you have flights booked to or from Mauritius on a future date (see also Airports of Mauritius website).

The Mauritian Government has revised and strengthened its measures announced on 20 March.  It extended the health curfew until 8pm on 15 April. Supermarkets will re-open on 2 April operating under strict measures, including organised shopping based on alphabetical order of surnames (Opening hours: 0900-1700 from Monday to Saturday).  You will be required to show identification (eg. ID Card, Passport, Residence Permit or work permit).  Details of these arrangements will be made available on the Government website and Mauritius Chamber of Commerce website.  

Employees in essential sectors may travel only in possession of an approved COVID-19 Work Access Permit. Information and application forms are available on the Prime Minister’s Office webpage. Measures may change at short notice and it is important that you remain up-to-date with local advice. Authorities are enforcing these measures and have introduced possible fines and imprisonment for those that do not comply.

The Australian High Commission office in Port Louis (Rogers House) is temporarily closed and staff are working remotely.   If you can't or don't want to leave, 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 and well. If you need urgent consular assistance call +61 2 6261 3305. You can register your details with the Australian High Commission in Mauritius be sending an email to: ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au.

More information:

• Mauritius Ministry of Health and Wellness website
• Mauritius Prime Minister’s Office website
• Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry website
• COVID-19 Smartraveller news bulletin 

*The below advice predates COVID-19 and the Australian Government's travel ban for all Australians*

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:

• 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.

Driving permit

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

Road travel

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:

• 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

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

The Metro is no longer operating. Public and private buses may still be running but check with operators on their times

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

Depending on what you need, contact your:

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

Fire and rescue services

Call 995.

Medical emergencies

Call 114 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.

Police

Call 999 or visit the nearest police station.

Call 210 3894 or 686 5500 for the tourist police.

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 Port Louis.

Australian High Commission, Port Louis

2nd Floor, Rogers House

5 President John Kennedy Street

Port Louis, Mauritius

Phone: (+230) 202 0160

Email: ahc.portlouis@dfat.gov.au

Website: mauritius.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook: Australia in Mauritius, Seychelles, Madagascar and Comoros

Twitter: @AusHC_MU

The High Commission is temporarily closed to the public and staff are working remotely. Check the High Commission website for further details.

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