GENVISEC
Protecting People and Profit
Mauritius
Overall country Risk Rating:
A - Stable state, there is a medium HSE risk. Worksite risk is deemed to be medium. The number of road traffic accidents is above the european average, the drink drive limit is zero.The country scores 47/175 on the corruption perceptions index with a score of 0.67 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)
Genvisec advises that all business and leisure travel should continue to Mauritius
Crime
Petty crime is common. Take care of bags and valuables in popular tourist areas including Port Louis, Grand Baie and Flic en Flac. Use a hotel safe, where practical. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, separately.
Make sure accommodation and hotel rooms are secure. Avoid renting accommodation that isn’t registered with the Ministry of Tourism.
Most crime is non-violent, but weapons have been used in some burglaries. Although uncommon, there have been some instances of sexual assault. Avoid walking alone at night on beaches or in poorly lit areas especially in the back streets of the business district of Port Louis.
There have been local media reports of street robberies near or at ATMs. Take extra care when withdrawing cash.
In 2011, an Irish tourist was murdered in her hotel room at a resort in the north of the Island. Incidents like this are very rare, but you should remain vigilant.
Avoid doing business with street or beach vendors. Make sure water-sport operators hold a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Tourism.
Report any incidents to the Police du Tourisme (telephone: 213 2818).
Road travel
The standard of driving varies and there are frequent minor accidents. Be particularly careful when driving after dark as pedestrians and unlit motorcyclists are serious hazards. Always have your international driving licence on your person when driving.
Sea travel
In August 2014, a young British tourist drowned whilst swimming with the Dolphins in Tamarin Bay. If taking part in such activities you should ensure that the operator holds a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Tourism, there are life jackets on board and the captain has a means to contact the Coastguard if necessary.
There have been attacks very close to the Exclusive Economic Zone (200 mile limit) of Mauritius and piracy is a significant threat in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, and has occurred as far as 1,000 nautical miles from the coast of Somalia. Sailing vessels are particularly vulnerable. Genvisec advises against all but essential travel by yacht and pleasure craft on the high seas (more than 12 nautical miles from shore) in the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea and part of the Indian Ocean.
Local laws and customs
Punishments for drug smuggling can be severe. Trafficking carries a life sentence (up to 45 years) and importing 15 grams of cannabis could attract a one-year sentence and a fine of 100,000 Mauritian rupees. Prosecutions take a year or more to come to court, with detention until the trial. Bail is not usually granted for drug-related crimes, regardless of the type of drug.
If you’re under police investigation you’ll be provisionally charged and not allowed to leave the country without consent from a judge. Commonly it can take up to 2 years for the authorities to decide whether to issue a formal charge. You’re not allowed to renew your occupation or resident’s permit while you’re under a provisional charge. If you’re unable to support yourself financially you’ll be detained in prison while the police finish their investigation.
It is illegal to possess or import cigarette papers
You can bring common medicines for your own personal use but you must carry a copy of the prescription and the drugs must have been obtained legally from a pharmacy. Other drugs like tranquillisers hypnotics, narcotics and other strong pain killers will require prior authorisation.
The police sometimes ask foreigners to show identification. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and your driving licence and leave the original documents in a safe place.
While the law does not criminalise homosexuality, the act of sodomy is illegal regardless of sexual orientation.
Health
Good private healthcare is available, but can be costly if you are not insured. More complex cases could require evacuation to Reunion or South Africa. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Although there are no malarial mosquitoes in Mauritius, the Ministry of Health may ask you for a blood sample either at the airport or at a later stage during your stay if you have travelled from a country where malaria is common.
Cases of dengue fever transmitted by mosquitoes have been reported. You should take mosquito bite avoidance measures.
Stonefish stings are rare but can be fatal. Seek urgent medical attention if you are stung. Many hotels stock anti-venom serum.
If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 or 114 and ask for an ambulance. Private and state ambulance services are available, but are of varied quality and speed. If you can you should go directly to the hospital. Otherwise, seek advice from your hotel reception. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Money
ATM’s are widely available in most towns in the island and at large shopping centres. Visa cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and large retailers.
Natural Disasters
The cyclone season in Mauritius normally runs from November to May. Cyclones can cause extensive damage to property. There is a well-structured system of phased warnings. You should follow advice issued by the local authorities. During a cyclone you are not allowed to leave your accommodation and car insurance policies often cease to be valid.
Monitor local weather updates at Mauritius Meteorological Services and from the World Meteorological Organisation. Information is also available on Telmet by dialling 8996 from land lines or 171 from mobiles. See our Tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.
Some areas are prone to landslides, especially during cyclones and torrential rains. Mauritius Meteorological Services distribute 5-stage landside warnings and local authorities may organise evacuations of threatened areas if necessary.
Entry Requirements
Visas
Most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Mauritius. On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel. If you intend to work in Mauritius, you must get a work permit before you travel.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. It should have at least one blank passport page.
The authorities in Mauritius have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in May 2014.
Ebola
You will not be allowed to enter Mauritius if you have visited Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone within 21 days of the date of your arrival.
Emergency Travel Documents
Emergency Travel Documents (ETD) are accepted for entry, transit and exit from Mauritius.
Yellow fever
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Consular Assistance
UK Citizens
Honorary British Consul Grenada
For emergency Consular assistance contact British High Commission in
Mauritania
British High Commission, main contact
High Commission Port Louis
7th floor, Cascades Building
Edith Cavell Street, P.O. box 1063
Port Louis
Port Louis
Mauritius
Enquiries
Telephone +230 2029400
Enquiries
Fax +230 2029408
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday: 7:45 am to 3:45 pm
Friday: 7:45 am to 1:45 pm
US citizens
For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact:
Embassy of the United States of America
4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Avenue
P.O. Box 544
Port Louis
Republic of Mauritius
Tel: (230) 202-4400
Fax: (230) 208-9534
Email: usembass@intnet.mu
Canadian Citizens
Canadian Consulate in Port Louis, Mauritius
c/o Blanche Birger Co. Ltd.
18 Jules Koenig Street
P.O.Box 209
Port Louis
Mauritius
TELEPHONE (+230) 212 5500
FAX (+230) 208 3391
EMAIL canada@intnet.mu
WEBSITE OFFICE HOURS 09.00-12.00
HEAD OF MISSION Mr Philip Marc Birger, Consul
Norwegian Citizens
Norwegian Consulate in Port Louis, Mauritius
c/o Scott & Co. Ltd
Industrial Park No. I
Riche Terre
Port Louis
Mauritius
TELEPHONE(+230) 206 9400
(+230) 497 2368
FAX(+230) 248 9400
EMAIL scott.secretary@scott.mu
WEBSITE OFFICE HOURS 09.00-12.00
HEAD OF MISSION Mr Tim Taylor, Consul
Swedish Citizens
Taylor Smit & Co Ltd, Aqualia Building, Old Quay D Road
Port Louis
Mauritius
Phone
+230-2063203
Fax
+230-2402884
German Citizens
Royal Road
St. Antoine
Goodlands
Mauritius
Phone
+00230-283-7500
Fax
+00230-283-7500
Chinese Citizens
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Mauritius
Address: Royal Road , Belle Rose , Rose Hill , Republic of Mauritius
Tel: (230) 4674600 Fax:(230) 4646012 , 4549111
Russian Citizens
Address: P.O. Box 10, Queen Mary Avenue, Floreal
Phone:(230) 696-1545
(230) 696-5533
Fax:(230) 696-5027
Email:rusemb.mu@intnet.mu
Office hours ofthe Consular Section:Tuesday, Wednesday. Thursday
10:30 till 12:30