Beginners’ Guide to Mauritius Entry Requirements and Customs
Port Louis | Capital City
Mauritius Entry Requirements Guide: To enter Mauritius, most nationalities do not require a visa. However, visitors must possess a passport with a minimum of 6 months’ validity and at least two blank pages. Additionally, children must have their passports complete with a photo.
Passport Validity & Visa Requirements
Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay.
It should have at least one blank page.
Ensure that your passport and other travel documents comply with the requirements by checking with your travel provider. Renew your passport if necessary. Entry will be denied if you lack a valid travel document or attempt to use a passport reported as lost or stolen.
Mauritius allows visa-free visits for up to 60 days. Upon arrival, a border official will stamp your passport indicating the end date of your allowed stay. Proof of onward or return travel must be presented.
For extended stays (for work, study, business travel, or other reasons), you must adhere to the Mauritian government’s entry requirements. Booking confirmation for your accommodation (for the first three nights, including contact details)
Digital Travel Form
Complete the Mauritius All-in-One travel form online before arrival. Print a copy of the form with a QR code.
Present this form to the officials upon airport arrival. If not completed beforehand, you will be required to fill out an immigration disembarkation card at the airport.
Vaccine Requirements
Refer to Travel HealthPro’s Mauritius guide for specific health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations.
Health Screening:
Travelers from countries where malaria is prevalent may be asked for a blood sample by border officials to fulfil Ministry of Health requirements. If not tested at the airport, officials may follow up during your stay.
Customs Requirements:
Strict regulations govern the import and export of goods in Mauritius. You must declare any items that are prohibited or subject to taxes or duties. It is strictly forbidden to import weapons, drugs, pornography, cigarette papers, fruit and vegetables, meat, and plants.
You are allowed to bring the following items in the specified quantities: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco; 1 litre of liquor and 2 litres of wine or beer; 25 ml of perfume.
Safety and Security in Mauritius
While Mauritius has no recent history of terrorism, the possibility of attacks cannot be dismissed.
Crime
The majority of crimes are non-violent, such as burglaries at tourist villas and theft of unattended bags. Petty crime is prevalent, especially in tourist hotspots like Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac. Incidents of sexual assault on tourists have been reported.
Protecting Yourself and Your Belongings
To minimize risks, consider the following steps:
Ensure your hotel room or accommodation is secure.
Store important documents, like your passport, in a hotel safe.
Avoid walking alone at night on beaches or in dimly lit town areas, especially the backstreets of Port Louis’ business district.
Rent only from accommodations registered with the Mauritius Tourism Authority.
Avoid transactions with street or beach vendors.
Report any incidents to the Mauritius tourist police by calling 999.
Laws and Cultural Differences
Personal ID
You may be asked to show identification by the police, such as your passport or driving license.
Cigarette Paper
Possessing or importing cigarette papers is illegal.
Illegal Drugs and Prison Sentences
Severe penalties are enforced for all drug-related offences. Always pack your luggage personally and refrain from carrying items through customs for others.
Being caught with drugs likely means no bail, regardless of the drug type. Legal proceedings can exceed a year before reaching court, with detention until trial.
Police Investigations
Under police investigation, you will be provisionally charged and barred from leaving the country without a judge’s permission. It may take up to two years for a formal charge decision. You cannot renew your occupation or resident’s permit if provisionally charged with a crime. Without financial self-support, you will remain in prison during the police investigation.
Driving in Mauritius
When driving in Mauritius, remember that traffic moves on the left side of the road. The roads are well-maintained, but traffic can be heavy in cities and tourist areas. Driving at a fast pace is common, and roundabouts are widely used instead of traffic lights. You can use your own country’s license for the first 4 weeks, but after that, you will need an International Driving Permit. Pedestrian crossings are not always respected, so be cautious.
The speed limits:
- 40 km/h in urban areas
- 80 km/h on main roads,
- 110 km/h on the motorway
Always carry your driving license with you. For more information on road safety and speeding, visit the Mauritian Police Force
