Mauritius

Crime levels in Mauritius are low. However, petty crime and opportunistic theft occurs, including pickpocketing and bag snatching.

This is most likely to occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas, tourist areas, such as beaches, and near ATMs. There have also been cases of theft 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.

Women walking alone are at greater risk of verbal harassment and criminal targeting.

Violent crime is not common, but incidents of assault, rape and murder have occurred, including in resorts.  

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 registered with the Mauritius Tourism Authority.

If you are a victim of crime, contract the Mauritius tourism police on 999.

More information:

• Tourism police (Mauritius Police Department)

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. 

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

Cyber Security

Civil unrest is rare, but protests can occur. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

Avoid large public gatherings, monitor the media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping

Kidnapping can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Mauritius can experience extreme weather and natural disasters and , 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.

More information: 

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

If there's a cyclone or severe tropical storm:

• roads, airports and ports may close
• flights may be delayed or suspended, and available flights may fill quickly
• you may need to shelter in place

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
• ensure you have essential suppliers (touch, non-perishable food, power bank etc.)
• avoid coastal areas and waterways

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)
• 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. 

To stay safe:

• shelter in a safe place until the water subsides
• don't enter waterways, underground carparks or underpasses
• 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, snorkelling and swimming with dolphins.

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

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 safety equipment, 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:

• check media and local sources for information about potential dangers
• regularly check weather reports
• take warnings seriously
• don't undertake swimming or water activities alone
• ensure you have travel insurance and that your policy covers you for planned activities.

More information: 

• Water safety

Insect-borne diseases

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

There have been cases of dengue and chikungunya in Mauritius. Malaria outbreaks have occurred 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 present. 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
• influenza
• leptospirosis

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.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Mauritius for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

The standard of medical facilities varies in Mauritius. 

Public hospitals provide most medical services but it is not at the standard of Australia. Waiting times can be long and tourists must pay for services. 

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

Diving accidents

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

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

If you're under police investigation, you'll be provisionally charged and won't be allowed to leave the country without consent from a judge. It can take up to 2 years for formal charges to be laid. 

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 can take more than a year before going to court. You’ll be detained until your trial.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Drink driving

Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption and driving. Penalties include licence suspension, heavy fines or imprisonment.

More information:

• Driving or riding

In Mauritius, it's also 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.

Mauritius recognises dual nationality. If you are a dual national of Australia/Mauritius you should carry both passports, entering and exiting each location on the passport of that country.

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

More information:

• Advice for 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 relationships were decriminalised in October 2023, LGBTQIA+ people still face discrimination. 

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

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.

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.

More information:

• Passport and Immigration Office (Government of Mauritius)

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.

If you're travelling from a country where yellow fever is widespread, including transiting through an infected area or country with transmission risk, you may need a valid yellow fever certificate to enter Mauritius. This does not apply to a child aged under 12 months. 

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

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.

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 

Road travel hazards include:

• poorly maintained and unlit narrow roads
• pedestrians and stray dogs on roads
• motorcyclists

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, you should remain at the scene and request the assistance of local law enforcement.

Drink driving

Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption and driving. Penalties include licence suspension, heavy fines or imprisonment.

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.

Motorcycles

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

Always wear a helmet.

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Use only registered taxis and limousines. 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

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 all roadworthy standards.  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

Check Mauritius' air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

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

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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