Advice changes quickly. Check it before you travel and again before you leave.
Prices here are about 39% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
The official site below sets out the visa rules for your passport, so check it. Before booking, get confirmation from a Mauritian embassy or from the Passport and Immigration Office, and find out whether your flight requires an online arrival form. Carry proof of funds, hotel details, a return ticket and a passport that is valid for 6 months.
Buddhist, Christian, Muslim and Hindu communities live side by side in Mauritius, where Creole, French and English are spoken. On a visit to a mosque or temple, dress modestly: shoes come off, and shoulders and knees are covered. Finding halal food is easy. Driving is on the left. Roughly November to April is the cyclone season, so check forecasts. Because currents beyond the reef can run strong, swimming should be limited to safe spots, and reef-safe sun cream is the one to use. Tips are appreciated but small. Corals and shells should be neither touched nor taken.
999 for police, ambulance and fire (112 also works).
Mauritius's Ministry of Tourism calls it wise to stick to bottled water for drinking. UK TravelHealthPro also tells all travellers to take care with personal, food and water hygiene, and links to a separate food and water hygiene factsheet.
The currency is the Mauritian rupee. The Ministry of Tourism says major credit cards are accepted throughout the island. Canadian advice warns that theft is frequent at or near street cash machines, so extra caution is needed when withdrawing cash.
UK advice says it is illegal to possess or import cigarette papers, and Canadian advice adds rolling machines. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, carry severe penalties, and bail is unlikely for drug offences. Police may ask to see ID at any time. Canadian advice describes conservative dress and behaviour standards and asks visitors to seek permission before photographing people. UK advice says same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in October 2023.
Between cities and remote areas, buses and taxis are available, and so are ride-sharing apps, Canadian travel advice says. Most taxis have no meter, so negotiate the fare before the ride and check that the amount on the receipt matches what you agreed. Stick to registered taxis.
local government
Helps with: Mauritius' tourism promotion authority. Contact its Port Louis head office for visitor information. Its page also lists offices at the airport and on Rodrigues.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling in Mauritius or planning a trip there.
Phone: +230 203 1900
Email: [email protected]
Address: 4-5th Floor, Victoria House, St Louis Street, Port Louis 11302, Republic of Mauritius
local government
Helps with: The national police force. Its website lists 999 as the emergency line and shows a Tourism Police unit, for which it gives no separate contact details.
Who qualifies: Anyone in Mauritius, including visitors, who needs the police.
Phone: 999
ngo
Helps with: The national Red Cross society of Mauritius. Phone its head office on weekdays, 8h30 to 17h00 according to its website, for its humanitarian services and information.
Who qualifies: People in Mauritius who need its humanitarian or first aid services.
Phone: +230 670 0276
un agency
Helps with: The UN migration agency. In Mauritius it supports the government on migration, counter-trafficking referral systems, return and reintegration, and ethical recruitment.
Who qualifies: Migrants, returnees and people at risk of trafficking. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +230 2104250
Email: [email protected]
Address: 12th Floor, Atalian Tower, 57 Labourdonnais Street, Port Louis, Mauritius
Grand BaieShopping, water sports, boat trips and beaches fill this lively northern bay, with the island's busiest nightlife.Photo: Karsten Ratzke, CC0
Flic en FlacSunset views, calm water and good diving mark this long west-coast beach, close to many resorts.Photo: Arne M眉seler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Port LouisIn the capital are the UNESCO-listed Aapravasi Ghat, the Caudan Waterfront and a central market that is busy.Photo: Thierry, CC BY-SA 3.0
Belle Mare and Ile aux CerfsIle aux Cerfs, a lagoon island, is reached by boat trips from this east-coast stretch of upscale resorts and white beaches.Photo: Arne M眉seler, CC BY-SA 3.0 de
Le MorneKitesurfing and quiet beaches are the draw on this southwest peninsula, below Le Morne Brabant, a UNESCO-listed mountain.Photo: "dronepicr", CC BY 2.0
ChamarelClose to a forest in the Black River Gorges, this inland area has the Seven Coloured Earth dunes and a tall waterfall.Photo: "dronepicr", CC BY 2.0
religious
On foot, hundreds of thousands head for the sacred lake.
culture
The nation marks the day with celebrations.
religious
On foot, hundreds of thousands head for the sacred lake.