Road Conditions and Safety: Most roads are narrow and uneven, lack guardrails, and are bordered by deep ditches. Night driving is hazardous, particularly on country roads, due to inadequate street lighting, narrow roads, and cyclists riding without lights.

Traffic Laws: A valid U.S. driver?s license is required. For more information, contact the Mauritius Police Force Traffic Branch at +230-211-8434, +230-208-6077 or via email at cctb.mpf@govmu.org. Drive on the left side of the road. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts. Drivers and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets. Babies and toddlers must be placed in child seats. It is illegal to use your phone and drive. Mauritian authorities implemented a zero tolerance drinking and driving law in 2018; anyone planning to drink while out should make alternate arrangements.

Accidents: When no injury has occurred, motorists may exchange information and report details to the authorities. Foreigners should remain at the scene and request the assistance of local law enforcement.

Public Transportation:

Buses: Public and private buses run between main towns between 5:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and in

remote areas until 6:00 p.m.

Taxis: Book taxis in advance if traveling at night. Uber is not available in Mauritius.

See our Road Safety page for more information. 

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Mauritius, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Mauritius? Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA?s safety assessment page.     

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Mauritius should check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts at the U.S. Department of Transportation?s Maritime Security Communications with Industry webpage. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard Homeport website and as a broadcast warning on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency?s website.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. All care providers expect payment in Mauritian Rupees.

Consult the CDC website for Mauritius prior to travel. 

Medical attention is adequate at major hospitals and private clinics. Emergency ambulance service is available, but of variable quality and speed. 

Recommendations:

• Carry prescription medication in original packaging.
• Verify with the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius that your medications are legal before traveling. Drugs such as tranquillizers, hypnotics, narcotics and strong pain killers require prior authorization. 
• Check details with the Mauritius Ministry of Health  

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Hepatitis A
• Typhoid 

Please note that passengers may be quarantined during seasonal plague outbreaks IF travelling from plague-infected countries.

HIV/AIDS: HIV/AIDS prevalence is increasing among the population, especially tied to intravenous drug use.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Yellow fever vaccination is required for entry if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

See the list of Health Care Providers on the Embassy Port Louis web page. 

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in prison sentences up to 35 years and heavy fines. 

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information. 

Beach wear: Nudism is not permitted. Topless sunbathing is acceptable on certain beaches.

Phone Service: Cellular phones are widely used on the main islands, though there are coverage gaps in some remote areas. Local SIM cards can be purchased to use with a compatible cell phone. 

Currency: The Mauritian Rupee (MUR) is the official currency. U.S. dollars and euros are also accepted at major tourist hotels or shops. ATMs are available at the international airport and around the major tourist destinations, and malls, but only dispense Mauritian Rupees. Credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, are accepted in all resorts and generally in urban areas and locations commonly visited by tourists.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details: 

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report? see country reports
• Human Rights Report? see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers: While the law does not specifically criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals may face societal discrimination, harassment, and abuse by families, neighbors, and police. Sodomy is a criminal offense among both same-sex and heterosexual couples, with penalties up to five years? imprisonment. 

See our LGBTI Travel Information page and section six of our Human Rights report for further details. 

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: Access to transportation, lodging, and public buildings is limited. There are few sidewalks and most buildings lack functioning elevators. 

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips. 

Women Travelers:  See our tips for Women Travelers. 

Precautions:

• Keep valuables locked in a hotel room safe.
• Be aware of surroundings, especially at night.
• Avoid demonstrations. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn violent.
• Maintain caution at public gatherings and areas frequented by foreigners.
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media, and the Embassy?s Facebook page and Website.

Crime: Most criminal activity directed against foreigners is non-violent. Non-violent crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts, occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas, including areas that cater to the robust tourist industry, and have occurred near ATMs. Tourists should be alert for petty scams by street vendors and inflated ?tourist prices? in markets. Women walking by themselves may be at greater risk for verbal harassment and criminal targeting. Individual violent crimes (serious assaults, murder, rape) are known to occur.

See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams. 

Victims of Crime:

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the police, followed by the hospital and/or the U.S. Embassy.

Report crimes to the local police by dialing 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +230-202-4400. After hours life and death emergencies: +(230) 202-4400, press one (1) after the automated greeting.

Tourist Police telephone: +230-212-7979. 

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. 

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport 

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism: The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced.  Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available on the main island of Mauritius.  Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. Visitors to Rodrigues or other islands may require evacuation to the main island of Mauritius for urgent care.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. 

Requirements for Entry:

• Valid passport with at least one blank page
• Evidence of onward/return travel
• Proof of sufficient funds

No visa is required. On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. 

Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius website or the nearest Mauritius Embassy or Consulate for further information. 

Customs: 

It is prohibited to bring into Mauritius:

• Drugs, including cannabis and cannabis oil, and drug paraphernalia
• Spear fishing equipment
• Plants and fruits
• Pepper spray, mace, and similar substances
• Guns 

There is a minimum one-month mandatory quarantine for domesticated animals, depending on the country of origin. 

Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius for specific information regarding customs requirements. 

Visitors with HIV/AIDS seeking residency or work permits face restrictions. Please verify this information with the Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius before you travel.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites. 

Special Note: Overseas departments and territories of France (e.g., French Reunion) are not included in the Schengen Agreement. See the Embassy of France website for further information. 

See the Department of State?s Fact Sheet on Mauritius for information on U.S. – Mauritius relations. 

U.S. Embassy Port Louis

4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone: +(230) 202-4400 
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(230) 202-4400,
press one (1) after the automated greeting
Fax: +(230) 208-9534
Email: PTLConsular@state.gov