Vistors from certain countries may require a visa. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. The visa can be extended upon request at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, 11-19 Lislet Geoffroy Street, Port-Louis, Tel: (230) 210-9312 to 210-9317 Fax: (230)210-9322. For more information click on the VISA link.

The duty-free allowances are: 250 g cigarette or pipe tobacco (including cigarettes & cigars), two litres of wine, one litre of spirits or other alcoholic beverages, 100 ml perfume, 250 ml Eau de Toilette, and gifts, souvenirs and other goods with a value of R500 or less.  Customs charges are payable before leaving the customs hall.

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.

Mauritius has international direct dialling facilities to most parts of the world as well as high speed fax. Public payphones found everywhere can be operated by coins, phone cards or credit cards.

Cellphones (GSM standard) can be used if you make the necessary arrangements with your phone company. There are at present two mobile phone companies in Mauritius.

The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). The international symbol for the currency is MUR. Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops.

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.

The bus is the main mean of transport in Mauritius. The public transport system covers the whole island and is quite efficient and cheap. Delayed and overcrowded buses are however quite frequent. Taxis are also widely available.

People in Mauritius drive on the left-hand side of the road and give way to the right.

Situated near the Tropic of Capricorn, Mauritius has the advantage of a subtropical climate. The heat is never unbearable. There are two seasons: summer from November to April and winter from May to September. Mauritius can experience tropical cyclones with heavy rain, but only about four days a year.

Shopping hours in our main cities range from 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (Monday-Saturday). Some shops are open till noon on Sundays and public holidays.

When planning a trip, take note that most shops, businesses and public services are closed on a public holiday. Hindu festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and thus influence the exact date of certain public holidays.

01-02 January - New Year's Day  /  01 February - Abolition of Slavery Day  /  Mid February - Maha Shivaratri  /  Mid February - Chinese New Year  /  12 March - National Day  /  March or April - Ougadi  /  01 May - Labour Day  /  15 August - Assumption Day  /  Mid September - Ganesh Chathurti  /  October - End of Ramadaan  /  October or November - Festival of Lights  /  01 November - All Saints Day  /  02 November - First Labourer's Day  /  25 December - Christmas Day

As in most countries of the world, travelers are advised to take the necessary safety precautions.  It is not advisable to walk alone in deserted streets, especially after dark, and only taxis booked through a reputable taxi company should be used.  Visitors should try to avoid attracting unnecessary attention by not carrying bulky camera bags or wearing expensive jewellery.  All valuables should be locked in the hotel's safety deposit box.  Ideally, traveler's cheques or credit cards should be used, to avoid carrying around large amounts of cash.  By exercising reasonable care, visitors can ensure an enjoyable stay in the country.

Nudism and topless sunbathing are frowned upon on public beaches. No hotel permits nude sunbathing on beaches. Topless sunbathing is sometimes tolerated.