Travel Information

Visa requirements

Citizens of certain countries, including most European countries, the US, Canada, and Australia, do not need a visa to enter Mauritius for stays of up to 90 days. However, all travelers will need a passport that is valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry.

Check whether you need a visa at the Mauritius Passport And Immigration Office.

Getting here

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, located near the town of Plaisance, is the main international airport in Mauritius. The airport is served by several airlines, which offer direct flights to Mauritius from major cities around the world.

Transportation

Once in Mauritius, you can get around by public bus, taxi, or rental car. Bus service is cheap and efficient but not always punctual and taxis are widely available, but fares are not regulated so be sure to negotiate the price before getting in.

Currency

The official currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee (MUR). Currency exchange is available at banks and foreign exchange bureaux, but it's also possible to use international credit cards and travellers cheques in most of the hotels and large shops.

Accommodation

There is a wide range of accommodation options in Mauritius, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury resorts. There are many options of hotels, apartments, villas and guest houses

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Mauritius is from May to December when the weather is generally milder and there are no cyclones. Between January to April, while the weather is still hot and humid, there are frequent cyclones.

Safety

Mauritius is considered a safe destination for tourists, but it's always a good idea to take standard safety precautions such as not carrying large amounts of cash or expensive jewelry.

Activities

There are many activities to do in Mauritius, including swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing and deep-sea fishing. It's also worth visiting the island's capital Port Louis and its market, the botanical garden of Pamplemousses and the Hindu temple of Grand Bassin

Food

Mauritian cuisine is a mix of Creole, Indian, Chinese and European influences, and it's known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. Some popular dishes include rougaille (a type of curry), dholl puri (a type of roti), and mine frit (a type of fried noodle).

Language

The official languages in Mauritius are English, French and Creole. The Creole language is widely spoken by the local population and is derived from a mix of French, English, and African languages.

Culture

The culture of Mauritius is a melting pot of its history, the main influences are Indian, African, Chinese and European. You'll find an array of cultures, religions, languages and festivals to be celebrated on the island.

Cost

The cost of traveling to Mauritius can vary depending on the time of year, how long you stay, and how much you spend on accommodation, food, and activities. However, it's generally considered to be a more expensive destination compared to other places in the region.

Driving in Mauritius

Mauritius uses the British driving system (driving on the left).

Due to the high import tax on new cars and spare parts, driving on Mauritius can be expensive. Only unleaded petrol is available on Mauritius and all cars use this. It costs slightly less than in Europe.

Vaccination

Mauritius is fairly unique for a tropical country in that it is free of such diseases as malaria, yellow fever and cholera. This is because of the very effective efforts of the government to combat these diseases. For most people vaccinations before departure are not necessary. If in doubt please check with your local Mauritian embassy before departure.

Health Care

The medical standard in Mauritius is good and hospitals are free of charge. This applies to visitors as well. There are also many private clinics in the island and they offer a more attractive environment plus frequently some of the latest medical equipment available. They are however not free and you would be well advised to check that your health insurance is valid for Mauritius before you come.

The local water is generally clean and locals drink it without boiling. However, as a visitor, it is advisable to boil water before drinking or buy bottled water.

Mosquitoes

As in all tropical countries there are a lot of mosquitoes in Mauritius. We recommend using a mosquito repellant cream to keep them away.

Some holidays houses are equipped with electrical mosquito repellers (vapes) which you can use at night. Small impregnated tablets are inserted into the apparatus which is then plugged into the electricity. The effect will last for about 8 hours. You may leave 1 window open in the bedroom but you should ensure that there is no strong wind as this blows the vapor away. If you run out of tablets they can be purchased locally for about 65 rupees.

Sun Screen Lotion

The sun is exceptionally strong on Mauritius and many people who do not use protection suffer sunburn for several days. Even on cloudy days, make sure that you use a good sun cream.

Electricity

The power supply is 240 volts and the power sockets use the British 3 pin standard. If you bring electrical appliances with you then you will probably need an adaptor.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE COMING TO MAURITIUS

Addresses (IMPORTANT)
The full address of your Hotels or private Holidays Houses and Bungalows before you arrive. Please note this carefully as you will be required to write it on a card to be given to the Mauritian immigration authorities in the airport on your arrival.

Airport:

  • Flic-en-Flac is about one hour from the airport. Le Morne/Grand Baie [1.5 Hrs], Belle Mare/Palmar [1.2 Hrs], Port-Louis [1 Hr], and Mahebourg [20 mins]. Transfer costs varies from 600 to 1400 rupees.

  • We recommend that you change some money in the airport immediately on arrival.

  • You need to re-confirm your return ticket at least 72 hours before departure. For Air Mauritius (230-208-7171), British Airways (202-8000), Condor (207-3000), and SAS (208-5538).