Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
Hospitality is central to Mauritian culture. Food and drink are always offered to unexpected guests - its polite to accept!
UPDATE May 2016
As a consequence of the Ebola virus epidemic in west Africa, the government of Mauritius has declared that NO passengers will be granted entry to Mauritius if they have visited Guinea-Conakry within the last 21 days.
Nationals of this country will be refused entry to Mauritius until further notice.
For further information with regard to the Ebola virus please contact the Passport and Immigration Office: piomain@govmu.org
South African passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Mauritius.
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and expect to hear Hakka, Hindi, Tamil, Bhojpuri and Urdu being spoken too.
English is the official language in Mauritius and is widely understood and spoken.
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.
Information updated - May 2016
As a consequence of the Ebola virus epidemic in west Africa, the government of Mauritius has declared that NO passengers will be granted entry to Mauritius if they have visited Guinea-Conakry within the last 21 days. Nationals of this country will be refused entry to Mauritius until further notice.
For further information with regard to the Ebola virus please contact the Passport and Immigration Office: piomain@govmu.org
A value added tax of 15% is payable on goods and services including hotel and restaurant bills. A government tax is included in your hotel bill.
Tipping is left to the discretion of the visitor depending upon appreciation of the service offered, and is by no means compulsory.
Private Sector : Monday to Friday: 8.30 am - 4.15 pm Saturday : 9am -noon (Some offices)
Public Sector : Monday to Friday: 9 am - 4 pm
Saturday : 9 am - noon (Skeleton service).
Mauritius is four hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time and three hours ahead (2 hours in summer) of mid-European Time.
A tourist police service has been set up to ensure security in tourist zones.
An anti-terrorist law has also been proclaimed.
A specific law relating to all tourist activities and corrupt practices has also been voted.
Keep an eye on all personal belongings at all times.
Be careful when withdrawing money from a cash point.
Avoid wearing expensive jewellery.
Do not leave anything inside your car.
Keep your passports, plane tickets, jewellery of value and large sums of money in safe custody.
For sea excursions, do not rent boats with inadequate security standards.
During individual sea trips, always notify the person responsible for the boat house.
Do not go swimming in areas where it is forbidden.
There are 15 public holidays every year. Seven of them are fixed holidays: January 1st & 2nd, 1st February, 12th March, 1st May, 2nd November and 25th December. The remaining public holidays are religious festivals whose dates vary from year to year.
Please show due respect when visiting religious places. Wear appropriate clothing (and remove leather shoes and belts) when entering the premises.
Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on our public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.
Hospitality is central to Mauritian culture. Food and drink are always offered to unexpected guests - its polite to accept!
Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax and internet services. The Mauritian Country Code is +230
Take your best beach, sports and casual wear. In the winter months (June -September), carry some light woollen clothing for the cooler evenings.
Mauritians are relaxed when it comes to dress code, but do remember to show due respect at religious sites by wearing appropriate clothes and taking off your shoes while visiting the temples.
Police(ambulance ) :999, Police : 208-7018/20
Fire : 995, Samu : 114
220 volts
Anyone over 18 years of age may import the following duty-free items:
250 grams of tobacco (including cigars and cigarettes),
1 litre of spirits,
2 litres of wine, ale or beer,
one quarter litre of Eau de Toilette and perfume not exceeding 100 ml.
A plant import permit must be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, prior to the introduction of plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruits, vegetables and seeds.
It is prohibited to introduce sugarcane and parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrate animals.
All imported animals including animal products need an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture and a health certificate from the country of origin.
Drug trafficking is illegal and carries very heavy penalties. Firearms and ammunition need import permits and must be declared on arrival.
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs).
You can exchange your foreign currency at all Mauritian banks, at hotels, as well as at the airport.
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am -3.30 pm , Saturday :9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only).
Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.
Foreigners with a driving licence issued by a Competent Authority in their respective countries are allowed to drive during their stay in Mauritius.
Be prepared - the roads are generally not well maintained, so expect a bumpy journey!
Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.
Local events and festivals give a fascinating insight into the pervading culture and traditions. The National Day of Independence is celebrated on 12 March, and Le Festival Creole is celebrated later in the year. The Mauritian Regatta also runs May, June and September, where you will cheer on local fishermen as they weave across the cobalt sea under billowing, bright sails.
UPDATE May 2016
As a consequence of the Ebola virus epidemic in west Africa, the government of Mauritius has declared that NO passengers will be granted entry to Mauritius if they have visited Guinea-Conakry within the last 21 days.
Nationals of this country will be refused entry to Mauritius until further notice.
For further information with regard to the Ebola virus please contact the Passport and Immigration Office: piomain@govmu.org
South African passport holders do not require a visa for travel to Mauritius.
Mauritius caters fresh, exciting dishes for everyone from adventurous foodies to experienced gourmands.
The dishes are as diverse as their heritage!
Breathe in the rich scent of exotic masalas as you mop up your curry with freshly baked, buttery local bread.
Sip on a young coconut and try out some fresh fruit covered in chilli and sugar from one of the many street food vendors. Or treat yourself to a moreish bowl of Chinese noodles after a long day at the beach.
Or try the dalpuri , a thin flatbread cooked on a heated tawa stuffed with ground yellow split peas and served with bean curry, atchar and chutney. Also be sure to stop at one of the local street food vendors for gajak, which are deep-fried Mauritian snacks.
The island also offers plenty of opportunity to dress up and savour the best of haute cuisine at one of their many fine hotels or restaurants. The annual Festival Culinaire is a highlight, and colonial houses and agricultural estates offer authentic local food that cannot be missed. When the feast is over, you can wash it down with some vanilla tea or even some locally distilled rum.
The Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Internatinal Airport is serviced by Air Mauritius who operates over 30 weekly flights to and from all the European major cities including 15 combined flights with Air France to and from Paris, British Airways Comair who operates four weekly flights, Emirates Airlines three and Condor one.
There are many ways to holiday in Mauritius.
There is a wide array of star-graded accommodation, including well-known international hotel groups such as Beachcomber, One & Only Resorts, Lux Island Resorts, Accor Hotels, Veranda Leisure and Hospitality, Attitude Resorts and Hotels, Constance Hotels and Resorts, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, Sofitel Luxury Hotels, Le Meridian Hotels and Maritim Resort and Spa. Here you will find luxury and world-class experiences to suit many budgets.
Travellers can also opt for a beach or golf villa in an Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS) or a luxury apartment in a Real Estate Scheme (RES).
Most Mauritians will appreciate the French greeting ‘Bonjour!’ If you are travelling in the Hindu areas, you can press your palms together and use the greeting ‘Namaste.’
Mauritius is the ideal hub for spiritual seekers of all faiths. Whether you are looking to visit temples to experience different cultures, or are marking a meaningful celebration for your faith, Mauritius will make you feel at home. Visitors of the Hindu faith will find spectacular celebrations of Maha Shivaratree, Pere Laval and Diwali. Mauritius also embraces Shivalas, Mandirs, Temples, Mosques, Churches and Pagodas, making it a true microcosm of faith and spirituality.
Since the country was declared a Duty Free destination, Mauritius has become one of the world’s most coveted shopping attractions. Luxury goods, designer clothing, cameras and electronics – shopping up a storm is much more fun at duty free prices!
Here are some of the must-see shopping spots in Mauritius:
The Grand Bazaar in Grand Bay.
Choose from row upon row of casual and formal clothing, beautiful linen, crafts and much more, at smile-worthy prices.
Floreal Square houses a Textile Museum and a café.
Twelve factory and duty free shops will ensure you’re spoiled for choice of adult and children’s wear, home ware, silk, jewellery, handmade carpets and fine food.
The Mauritius Glass Gallery in Pont Fer Phoenix.
So much more than a shopping hub, here you can watch as skilled craftsmen bring recycled glass back to life using traditional techniques.
Caudan Waterfront.
A modern precinct known for its designer shops and duty free jewellery but also for its cosmopolitan craft market, covering two floors of spices, souvenirs, basketry and craftsmen at work.
Gallerie des Iles in Curepipe.
If you appreciate culture and art, this is a must.
Local craftsmanship can be found in things like model ships, jewellery, clothing, shells, spices, local rum, stamps, souvenirs, art and handicrafts.
Visit the colourful markets in Port Louis or Curepipe and enjoy some price bargaining with the friendly locals.
Shopping hours in the main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday).
Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays.
Bagatelle Mall:
Monday to Thursday 10h00 to 20h30
Friday & Saturday 10h00 to 22h00
Sunday 10h00 to 15h00
Cascavelle Shopping Mall, Flic en Flac area:
Monday to Thursday 10h00 to 20h00
Fridays & Saturdays 10h00 to 22h00
Sunday 10h00 to 15h00
La Croisette Shopping Mall, Grand Bay area
Monday to Thursdays
10h00 to 20h00
Fridays & Saturdays
10h00 to 21h30
Sunday 10h00 to 16h00
Remember, though that there are no shops open in Rose-Hill, Curepipe and Quatre-Bornes on Thursday afternoon.
In the heart of the Indian Ocean, 800km to the east of Madagascar, lies the crown jewel of the Indian Ocean – the majestic island of Mauritius.
This small, multi-cultural island offers something for everyone - be it an exclusive retreat, or couples, groups or families seeking adventure and relaxation.
world map of Mauritius