Risk level

Safety and security

Crime

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs sometimes across the country. Incidents are more frequent in Port Louis, Flic en Flac and Grand-Baie, especially at night.

Theft is frequent in:

• popular tourist areas, including markets and public beaches
• hotel rooms
• at or near street ATMs

During your trip to Mauritius:

• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and your other travel documents are secure at all times
• avoid walking alone after dark
• pay attention to your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
• be extra cautious when withdrawing cash from ATMs
• stay in accommodations that have adequate security measures and are registered with the Mauritius Tourism Authority

Violent crime

Although rare, violent crime has occurred, namely:

• assault
• burglary
• sexual assault
• murder

Tourists are usually not targeted; however, you could be at the wrong place at the wrong time.

During your trip:

• always be aware of your surroundings, at all times
• avoid poorly lit and isolated areas
• if you're robbed, hand over cash, electronic devices and valuables without resistance

Local driving habits may pose risks. Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws and can be reckless.

Emergency and roadside assistance is limited.

If you chose to drive:

• always drive defensively
• plan your trip in advance, especially if you are visiting a rural area
• ask about insurance coverage options for roadside assistance when you rent a vehicle

Stonefish stings are unusual but can be fatal.

Aquatic equipment offered at the beach may not meet international safety standards.

• Ensure that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities
• Respect the areas reserved for swimming
• Always maintain a safe distance from boats and restricted areas
• Always respect warning flags advising of dangerous conditions
• Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
• Ask about the presence of dangerous species
• Wear swimming shoes to protect yourself from reefs, rocks, corals or sea species

Water safety abroad

Public transportation

Public transportation is reliable across the country.

The light rail service from Port Louis to Curepipe is safe and convenient.

Buses and taxis are available between cities and remote areas. Ride-sharing apps are also available.

Most taxis don’t have meters.

• Only use registered taxis
• Negotiate the fare in advance and ensure that the amount appearing on the receipt matches the fare

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur, and even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment or verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Piracy

Pirate attacks and armed robbery against ships occur in the Indian Ocean. Mariners should take appropriate precautions.

Live piracy report - International Maritime Bureau

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from Mauritian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Mauritius and must contain at least one blank page.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of less than 60 days, with possible extensions
Premium tourist visa: valid for 6 months, required prior to arrival
Student visa: required
Work permit: required, maximum 120 days per year 

A letter of authorization from the inviting organization is required for persons travelling to Mauritius on business.

Health screening

Due to the ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease in neighbouring countries you may be subject to a quick thermal scanner screening and/or a health questionnaire at the airports upon boarding or disembarking a plane.

Pre-arrival form

To save you time on arrival, you should complete the Mauritius All-in-One Travel Form prior to arrival.

All in One Travel Form - Government of Mauritius 

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are available in Mauritius, but standards vary. Adequate medical services are available in public hospitals and clinics. Private clinics are often more modern and better equipped, but services can be expensive and upfront payment is generally required.

Travellers requiring specialized care or having sustained serious injury may need to be evacuated.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Medication

Some prescription medications may not be available in Mauritius.

If you take prescription medications, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

• Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
• Always keep your medication in the original container
• Pack them in your carry-on luggage
• Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and lengthy jail sentences, up to 25 years. You must remain in the country until your case is concluded.

Some pharmaceutical drugs are prohibited, and the importation of these drugs could lead to prosecution and a fine.

It's also illegal to own cigarette papers or rolling machines used to make cigarettes.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Mauritian law prohibits some sexual acts between individuals. Those convicted can face up to 5 years of imprisonment.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mauritius.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mauritius.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mauritius, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. The convention applies between Canada and Mauritius.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mauritius, and if the applicable conditions are met, you may apply for the return of your child to the Mauritian court.

If you are in this situation:

• act as quickly as you can
• contact the Central Authority for your province or territory of residence for information on starting an application under The Hague Convention
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mauritius to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

Useful links

• List of Canadian Central Authorities for the Hague Convention
• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• The Hague Convention - Hague Conference on Private International Law
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Dress and behaviour

Mauritius has conservative dress and behaviour standards.

Public displays of affection, including holding hands and kissing, are not socially accepted.

Revealing clothing is considered inappropriate.

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions
• seek permission from locals before photographing them

Identification

Local authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

• Carry valid identification or a photocopy of it at all times
• Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place in case it’s lost or seized
• Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Pornography

Possession and importation of obscene literature and pornographic material is prohibited.

Import Restrictions– Government of Mauritius 

Driving

Traffic drives on the left.

You can drive in Mauritius with a valid Canadian driver’s licence for up to four weeks.

• Legal age to drive a vehicle is 18
• Legal age to drive a motorcycle is 17

In the event of a car accident:

• remain at the scene
• report the accident to the local police: 230-208-1212

However, if you feel unsafe:

• drive to the nearest police station or a secure location
• report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible

The country has a zero-tolerance policy for drinking and driving. Penalties for drinking and driving include:

• heavy fines
• imprisonment
• license suspension

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR).

Natural disasters and climate

Cyclone season

The cyclone season occurs from November to May.

Severe storms can put you at risk and can hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Mauritius during this time:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities

Useful links

• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Latest weather and seasonal outlook - Mauritius Meteorological Services

Tsunamis

Mauritius is located near an active seismic zone. Tsunamis may occur.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of a tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying in Mauritius, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.