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Mauritius reopens to foreign visitors after coronavirus shutdown

The Indian Ocean holiday destination fully reopens to rebuild its vital tourism industry after long months of isolation.

The island nation of Mauritius has fully opened its doors to international visitors, hoping to rebuild its key tourism industry after long months of isolation because of the coronavirus pandemic.

The move on Friday was greeted with a mixture of optimism, relief and some caution in the Indian Ocean paradise.

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“This reopening is inevitable because 100,000 families depend on tourism to live,” Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism Minister Steven Obeegadoo said at a news conference on Thursday.

He said 68 percent of the 1.3 million population had been fully vaccinated and 89 percent had received at least one dose – among the highest rates in the world.

Sheila Figaro, who specialises in handicrafts including making traditional Mauritian dolls, gave a sigh of relief at the border opening.

“Without the tourists, we are nothing. I can’t wait for work to return so we can start earning a living again like we did before COVID-19,” the 49-year-old said.

The first planeloads of tourists were arriving from Dubai, Paris and London on Friday and will have to meet certain COVID-19 testing requirements during their stay.

Obeegadoo said the country had “prepared well” for the return of international visitors.

“At the same time, increased vigilance will be required to reduce the risk of further contamination,” he said.

The idyllic holiday destination, renowned for its spectacular white sandy beaches and turquoise waters, had partly reopened to vaccinated visitors in July for the first time since the pandemic emerged in early 2020.

But they had to remain in “resort bubbles” for 14 days before being allowed to venture further afield.

Mauritius was removed from the United Kingdom’s red list last month, although the United States Centers for Disease Control added Mauritius to its list of high-risk COVID-19 destinations, saying travellers should “avoid” the country.

According to figures on the Africa CDC website, Mauritius had recorded 13,685 cases of the coronavirus as of September 26, but the weekly average has dropped sharply from an August peak.

In mid-July, when the country partially reopened, the number of infections was at 2,190.

A briefing note to the AFP news agency put the number of COVID-related deaths at 71 as of September 26.

On Wednesday, the government announced it had injected $280m to shore up the national flag carrier Air Mauritius, which had been put into voluntary administration in April last year because of the pandemic.

Tourism share

Before the pandemic hit in March 2020, the tourism and hospitality industry raked in about 24 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and employed nearly a quarter of the workforce.

Boat skipper Jean-Alain Fanchette, 51, said he was happy to be able to resume operating tourist trips.

“We will then be able to feed our families,” he said. “But various problems are on our minds: Will we really have customers? Then how do we observe the protocol on board, like physical distancing? It will be really difficult.”

François Eynaud, executive director of Sun Resorts, which owns or manages several top hotels in Mauritius, said he was aware that the restart would be slower than expected.

“We have to succeed in this reopening after 18 months of closure. We can’t miss it. Mauritius was very careful in its approach to the pandemic, but I think it was the right approach.”

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Mauritius to ease travel restrictions for double-jabbed travellers from September

Fully vaccinated people must still quarantine, but for half the time, article bookmarked.

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From September, fully vaccinated travellers visiting Mauritius will only have to quarantine for one week after arrival in the country.

The island’s authorities are reducing the quarantine period from two weeks, which must be spent in one of 14 designated ‘resort bubble’ hotels around the island.

The change in rules for double-jabbed visitors kicks in from 1 September - from when single- and non-vaccinated travellers must still quarantine for the full two weeks.

The news comes ahead of a more dramatic lift of restrictions from 1 October, when fully-vaccinated visitors arriving with a negative PCR test result - taken within the previous 72 hours - will be able to “explore the island freely from the moment they arrive”, said Arvind Bundhun, the director of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

He called the move a “major leap” in the process of opening up international travel.

Mauritius has been open to vaccinated tourists since 15 July, when it first piloted the resort bubble method of containing and tracking visitors.

“Mauritius is delighted to be welcoming international visitors from July 15 with our 14 unique resort bubbles that allow international visitors to enjoy a safe and secure holiday experience,” said Nilen Vencadasmy, chairman of the MTPA, at the time.

He said the country had “worked closely with hotels, airlines and tour operators to develop and prepare the resort bubble concept in advance of our full reopening on 1 October.”

During quarantine, Mauritius visitors must stay in their rooms at approved hotels, where meals are delivered to them.

Resorts on the list include the five-star Long Beach Mauritius, golf resort Trou Aux Biches Beachcomber and the two-star Cocotiers Hotel in northwest Baie du Tombeau.

Mauritius is on the UK’s amber list, so all travellers, regardless of vaccination status, must take a Covid-19 test on or before day two after they arrive home, with unvaccinated arrivals required to quarantine for 10 days and take a subsequent test on day eight.

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Travel Ban Lifted

As of Friday 7 January 2022, the Covid-19 travel ban imposed by the Republic of Mauritius on the Republic of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia will be lifted and commercial passenger flights from these countries to Mauritius can resume. 

Travellers are requested to get in touch with airlines and tour operators to confirm availability of flights, as well as the necessary Covid-19 protocols to follow. Full details of Covid-19 entry requirements and safety protocols are online: www.mauritiusnow.com

“We are very pleased that South Africans can once again travel to Mauritius. The Covid-19 has placed significant pressure on all nations to do the right thing and we thank South Africans and the South African travel industry for their patience in this regard,” says Arvind Bundhun, Director, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA).

The Mauritian health authorities are continuing to implement a wide-ranging COVID-19 response and are presently prioritising the rollout of booster doses for those who are already double vaccinated. The vaccination of 15 to 18-year-old is also well underway.

The health authorities remain confident in their ability to manage the recent increase in infection rates and will continue to follow world-leading scientific advice in this regard. 

“Sanitary protocols throughout the Mauritius hospitality industry remain at the very highest standards, ensuring that the local community and international guests are afforded maximum protection from the virus. Visitors can book holidays to Mauritius with a high degree of confidence that their trips will be enjoyable, safe, and secure,” says Arvind.

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Mauritius travel advice, what do i need to know, mauritius is open to everyone.

Since 1 July 2022, you no longer have to test for Covid to enjoy a Mauritius holiday. Explore the beauty of our island from the very first day of your stay. Come and feel our island energy!

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

• Mauritius is open to everyone, both vaccinated and unvaccinated
• No testing is needed before flying to Mauritius or on arrival
• You do not need to wear a face mask during your holiday. It is only recommended in airports, during airport transfers, on public transport and in healthcare facilities

THE ALL IN ONE TRAVEL FORM

Prior to travel, it is recommended that all travellers fill out the Mauritius All in One travel form, which you can access via the link below. It will generate a PDF document with a QR Code. Please print a hard copy of this completed form and present it to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. If you have not filled out the All in One travel form, foreign nationals must fill out an Immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival at the airport.

Fill out the All in One Travel form and bring a printed copy with you.

Plan your Mauritius holiday

Want to know what to expect at every stage of your Mauritius holiday? Here’s our step-by-step guide.

Pre-Departure

• Plan your holiday to Mauritius, booking flights and your accommodation
• You do not need to book a Covid-19 test before flying to Mauritius
• Prior to travel, it is recommended that all travellers fill out the Mauritius All in One travel form, which you can access via the link below. It will generate a PDF document with a QR Code. Please print a hard copy of this completed form and present it to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. If you have not filled out the All in One travel form, foreign nationals must fill out an Immigration Disembrakation Card on arrival at the airport.

All in One Travel Form

Airport & flight

• It is recommended, but not mandatory, to wear a mask covering your nose and mouth throughout the flight, unless eating or drinking. Disinfect your hands regularly.
• Passengers travelling through hubs or making a stopover must take into consideration the COVID-19 protocols in the respective countries

Arrival & transfer

• You will have a temperature check on arrival via thermal camera
• Wearing a face mask at the airport or port is recommended. Regularly sanitising your hands is also recommended
• Testing on arrival is no longer required for travellers
• Present your completed All In One travel form to Health Officials on arrival at Mauritius Airport. If you have not filled out the All In One travel form, foreign nationals must fill out an immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival at the airport
• After baggage collection, you can be taken to your hotel by a DMC, taxi or other means of transportation. Wearing a face mask is recommended in the vehicle.

At your accommodation

• You do not need to take a COVID-19 test on arrival at your accommodation
• It is no longer mandatory to wear a mask during your holiday. We do recommend wearing a mask when at a port, airport, during airport transfers and on public transport. We also recommend wearing a face mask if visiting healthcare settings, such as a hospital or pharmacy.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, you will have to isolate for seven days within your accommodation. You can find out full details via our FAQs page
• All hotel staff, as well as their immediate family, have been vaccinated
• Housekeeping in guest rooms will be carried out in strict compliance with sanitary protocols
• Enjoy activities including watersports, scuba diving, golf courses and fitness centres during your stay
• Kids’ and teens’ clubs within hotels will be open and babysitting services are available, with sanitary protocols in place
• The use of the spa is allowed
• You can explore our beautiful island’s landscapes and attractions from day one of your holiday. We recommend wearing a mask on public transport
• Relax and enjoy your holiday!

If you need to take a PCR test to travel home or onwards to a new destination, you must pay for this. The extra cost will be between Rs 2500 – 3500

Stay in other accommodation

Not staying in a hotel? Whether you’re vaccinated or not, here’s everything you need to know!

Pre-departure

• Plan your holiday, staying in one of the island’s self-catered villas, bungalows, guest houses, B&Bs or your home if you are an island resident
• You will have a temperature check on arrival via a thermal camera
• After baggage collection, you can be taken to your hotel by a DMC, taxi or other means of transportation. Wearing a face mask is recommended in the vehicle. .
• Relax in your accommodation or at your home on the island
• If you test positive for COVID-19 and are asymptomatic, you will have to isolate for seven days within your accommodation.
• You can explore our beautiful island’s landscapes and attractions, abiding by the local sanitary protocols
• Activities such as watersports, scuba diving and golf are allowed
• Spas are allowed
• Guests who must take a PCR test during their stay to travel home or onwards to a new destination must pay the extra cost, between Rs 2500 – 3500

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The Tourism Authority has been informed by the Information and Communication Technologies Authority (ICTA) that only 218 OUTSIDE LAGOON (OL) category pleasure craft licensees are holders of a Ship Station Licence (commonly referred to as Radio Licence) to be able to operate a VHF Radio Set when in fact there are 2679 licensees who hold […]

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The Tourism Authority has been informed that certain individuals are posing as official consultants of the authority, falsely claiming to assist permit applicants in their procedures, upon fees. Learn more below.

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COMMUNIQUE – Commercial Pleasure Craft Licence

Following the completion of a study on the carrying capacity of the lagoons around Mauritius, the Tourism Authority invites applications for commercial pleasure craft licences exclusively for excursions from 03 July to 14 July 2023 at the undermentioned embarkation points only: Learn more    

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Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

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Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services

Call 995 or 115.

Medical emergencies

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.

Advice levels

Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

Exercise normal safety precautions in Mauritius.

• Cyclone season is from November to May, but cyclones can happen any time. Cyclones can result in heavy rainfall, strong winds and flash flooding. They can also disrupt power and water supplies and can result in airport closures. Stay up to date with local weather conditions. Follow the advice of local authorities. Know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship. Confirm flight timings with your airline or travel provider.
• Crime levels are low, but petty crime occurs, including pickpocketing and bag-snatching. Don't walk alone after dark. Use ATMs in banks, hotels and shops, not on the street.
• Some travellers have been robbed and assaulted in unregistered beachside bungalows. Stay in accommodation that's registered by local authorities.
• There have been reports of taxi scams at the airport. Only use registered taxis marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door.
• Rallies and protests occur sometimes. These can turn violent. Avoid large public gatherings.

Full travel advice: Safety

• There's an increase of dengue  cases in Mauritius. Always protect yourself from mosquito bites. Get medical advice if you develop a fever, muscle or joint pain, vomiting, a bad headache or a rash.
• Insect-borne diseases including dengue and chikungunya are present. There have been cases of malaria in the past. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. 
• Foodborne, waterborne and other infectious diseases can include gastroenteritis and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you're taking part in high-risk activities.
• The standard of public medical facilities varies. Private doctors or clinics can be expensive. If you're seriously ill or injured, you may need medical evacuation. Ensure your travel insurance covers this.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences include prison sentences and heavy fines.
• Know and follow local laws. It's illegal to buy counterfeit or pirated goods. It's also illegal to own cigarette papers or rolling machines.
• If you break the law, you may need to stay in Mauritius to wait for your court hearing. Legal cases take a long time to process. 
• Mauritius has conservative dress and behaviour standards. Take care not to offend, especially when visiting rural areas, religious sites, or religious events. Avoid public displays of affection.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• If you're staying less than 60 days, you can get a 'free of charge visa' on arrival. You'll need to apply for all other visa types before you arrive. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact your nearest Mauritian High Commission or Consulate for the latest details.
• Before you arrive, fill out the  Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form   and keep a printed copy to present to health authorities on arrival. If you haven’t filled out the form, you'll need to complete an Immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival. 
• You won't be allowed to board your flight to Mauritius if you've tested positive for COVID-19 within 7 days of departure.
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country where yellow fever is present. 
• Face masks are not compulsory but are still recommended in certain situations, including on public transport, health facilities, and ports and airports.  
• Cyclones can result in the airport being closed, which can then cause flight cancellations or delays. Make sure your travel insurance covers this. 

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  details what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• For consular assistance, contact the  Australian High Commission in Mauritius . The High Commission is open to the public for passport, consular and notarial services via appointment only. Appointments can be requested via email. See  Consular Contacts . 
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

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

• pickpocketing
• bag snatching
• street robbery near ATMs

The risk increases:

• in poorly lit city streets
• in secluded areas

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

• Flic en Flac

To protect yourself from crime:

• be aware of your surroundings and alert to suspicious behaviour
• watch your belongings on buses and taxis, especially at night
• avoid using ATMs on the street. Use ATMS in banks, shops, hotels or shopping centres 
• don't go out alone after dark or to isolated places, especially on foot
• stay in accommodation that's registered with local authorities
• always keep your vehicle and accommodation locked
• be alert to suspicious behaviour

There have been reports of taxi scams at the airport.

In Mauritius, all registered taxis are clearly marked with a yellow sign and the name of the operating base on the door.

To protect yourself from taxi scams :

• only use registered taxis
• find out what transport services are available at the airport before you travel
• before embarking, check the credentials of the driver and agree on the fare
• book taxis through your hotel or accommodation. Book in advance if you're travelling at night.

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 and political tension

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.

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 in accidents during water-based activities and land-based activities such as ziplining.

If you plan to do an  adventure activity :

• check if it is covered in your travel insurance policy
• only use 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.

Climate and natural disasters

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

• gale force winds
• property damage
• disruptions to services, including power and water
• airport closures

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

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
• know how to evacuate from your hotel or cruise ship
• 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. 

For up-to-date cyclone information:

• metservice.intnet.mu/
• facebook.com/nationaldisastermauritius
• twitter.com/NDRRMC_MRU
• facebook.com/GIS.Mauritius
• facebook.com/MeteoFranceOceanIndien
• call 8996 from a landline (French)
• call 171 from a mobile phone (French)

Mauritius can experience  natural disasters  and  severe weather , including:

If a natural disaster occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof place
• keep in touch with your friends and family
• ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected

Monitor local media and other sources including:

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

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.

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 and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Travel insurance

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.

• 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)

Physical and mental health

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.

• 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

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Insect-borne illnesses occur in Mauritius, particularly in the warmer months from October to May. There has been an increase in the number of cases of dengue since the end of December 2023.

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

To protect yourself from these diseases, protect yourself from mosquito bites:

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

Other health risks

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

• gastroenteritis

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.

Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

The standard of medical facilities varies in Mauritius. 

Most 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. Foreign patients will generally 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.

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.

• Arrested or jailed

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

Carrying or using drugs

In Mauritius, it's illegal to:

• buy counterfeit or pirated goods
• own cigarette papers or rolling machines

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

Mauritian society is conservative. Take care not to offend, and wear non-revealing clothing, especially when visiting rural areas, religious sites, or religious events. Nudism is not permitted. 

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

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

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

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.

Dual nationals

Local customs

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 and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

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  [email protected] ).

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

Border measures

You should fill out the  Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form   and keep a printed copy to present to health authorities when you arrive in Mauritius. If you haven’t filled out the form, you'll need to complete an Immigration Disembarkation Card on arrival. 

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.

• Mauritius Travel Advice  (Government of Mauritius, English) 
• Airports of Mauritius
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 253KB)

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. 

• LGBTI travellers  

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.

Local travel

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 plan to drive:

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

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.

• 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.

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.

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.

Transport and getting around safely

Cruise liners visit Mauritius.

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.

• Travelling by boat
• Going on a cruise

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.

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.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

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:  [email protected]

Consular enquiries: [email protected]

Passport enquiries: [email protected]

Website:  mauritius.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook:  Australian High Commission in Mauritius

X (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

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