Mauritius
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Latest updates: The Health tab was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)
Risk level(s)
Risk level(s)
MAURITIUS - Exercise normal security precautions
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Mauritius. Exercise normal security precautions.
Safety and security
Safety and security
Crime
Petty crime, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching and theft, has increased. Pickpockets are active in the central market in Port Louis and in crowded markets, in Grand Baie and in Flic en Flac. Ensure that your bags and personal belongings are secure.
Residential break-ins are reported regularly.
Exercise caution when withdrawing money from automated banking machines (ABMs) as robberies have been reported.
There have been some reports of assaults and rapes. Avoid walking alone after dark outside hotel grounds and on beaches.
Do not trek or hike alone.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur and have the potential to suddenly turn violent. They can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media.
Road travel
Traffic drives on the left. Some roads are narrow, uneven and poorly lit. Many are bordered by deep ditches and lack guardrails. Local driving habits and the presence of pedestrians on the road pose risks. Emergency and roadside assistance is limited. In the event of a traffic accident, drivers must remain at the scene until the police arrive. However, if you feel threatened, proceed directly to a police station. Car rentals are available and travellers should purchase sufficient car insurance.
An International Driving Permit is recommended.
Public transportation
Public transportation and taxis are available between cities and to remote areas.
Air travel
The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.
Piracy
Pirate attacks occur in coastal waters and, in some cases, further out at sea. Mariners should take appropriate precautions. For additional information, consult the Live Piracy Report published by the International Maritime Bureau.
General safety information
Exercise caution when swimming, particularly outside marked areas. Stonefish stings are unusual but can, in some cases, be fatal. You should get immediate medical attention if stung. Many hotels carry anti-venom serum.
There is only one decompression chamber in Mauritius, at the Victoria Hospital in Vacoas.
Aquatic equipment offered at the beach may not meet Canadian safety standards. Ensure that your travel insurance covers accidents related to recreational activities.
Entry/exit requirements
Entry/exit requirements
It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from Mauritian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of Mauritius, in Washington, D.C. for up-to-date information.
Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.
Passport
To visit Mauritius, Canadians must present a passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Canadians are also required to have a ticket for return or onward travel and proof of sufficient funds.
Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.
Visas
Tourist visa: Not required for stays of less than 90 days
Student visa: Required
Work permit: Required
A letter of authorization from the inviting organization is required for persons travelling to Mauritius on business.
Children and travel
Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.
Yellow fever
See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.
Health
Health
- Chikungunya: Global Update - August 26, 2016 00:00 EDT
- Measles: Global Update - July 28, 2016 00:00 EDT
Vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Be sure that your routine vaccines are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Vaccines to Consider
You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A is a disease of the liver spread through contaminated food and water or contact with an infected person. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.
Influenza
Seasonal influenza occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Get the flu shot.
Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease and is common in most parts of the world. Be sure your measles vaccination is up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.
Yellow Fever Vaccination
Yellow fever is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.
Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.
| * It is important to note that country entry requirements may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements. | |
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Food/Water
Food and Water-borne Diseases
Travellers to any destination in the world can develop travellers' diarrhea from consuming contaminated water or food.
In some areas in East Africa, food and water can also carry diseases like cholera, hepatitis A, schistosomiasis and typhoid. Practise safe food and water precautions while travelling in East Africa. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
Travellers' diarrhea
- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.
- Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.
- The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.
Typhoid
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among pediatric travellers, travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives or travelling for a long period of time. Travellers at high risk visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should speak to a health care provider about vaccination.
Insects
Insects and Illness
In some areas in East Africa, certain insects carry and spread diseases like African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness), chikungunya, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, dengue fever, leishmaniasis, lymphatic filariasis, malaria, onchocerciasis (river blindness), Rift Valley fever, West Nile virus and yellow fever.
Travellers are advised to take precautions against bites.
Dengue fever
- Dengue fever occurs in this country. Dengue fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases it leads to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal.
- The risk of dengue is higher during the daytime, particularly at sunrise and sunset.
- Protect yourself from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.
Malaria
Malaria
There is no risk of malaria in this country.
Animals
Animals and Illness
Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, monkeys, snakes, rodents, and bats. Certain infections found in some areas in East Africa, like avian influenza and rabies, can be shared between humans and animals.
Person-to-Person
Person-to-Person Infections
Crowded conditions can increase your risk of certain illnesses. Remember to wash your hands often and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette to avoid colds, the flu and other illnesses.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV are spread through blood and bodily fluids; practise safer sex.
Medical services and facilities
Medical facilities are available but may be limited. Basic medical services are available in public hospitals and clinics, but travellers requiring specialized care or having sustained serious injury may need to be evacuated.
Keep in Mind...
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.
Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.
Laws and culture
Laws & culture
You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.
Penalties for drug offences are severe and include heavy fines and/or lengthy prison sentences. Some pharmaceutical drugs are prohibited, and the importation of these drugs could lead to prosecution and a fine.
Keep your prescription medicine in its original container, and have a copy of the prescription readily available for inspection by customs officials. For further information on the importation of medicines, contact the High Commission for the Republic of Mauritius.
The laws of Mauritius prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mauritius. See Homosexual, bisexual and transgender travel for more information.
Ask permission before taking photographs.
You should dress conservatively.
Spear-fishing equipment, plants and fruits cannot be imported into Mauritius. There is a six-month quarantine period for warm-blooded animals. Contact the High Commission for the Republic of Mauritius for specific information regarding customs requirements.
Money
The currency is the Mauritian rupee (MUR).
Natural disasters and climate
Natural disasters & climate
The cyclone season extends from November to May. Keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. For the cyclone information line, dial 96. You can also consult the Mauritius Meteorological Services website.
Assistance
Assistance
Local services
Emergency services
In case of emergency, dial:
- police: 999 / 112
- medical assistance: 114
- firefighters: 995 / 115
Consular assistance
Port Louis - Consulate of Canada
Pretoria - High Commission of Canada
For emergency assistance after hours, call the Canadian High Commission to South Africa, in Pretoria. Listen to the full message and follow the instructions. You may also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613 996 8885.
The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. The Government of Canada takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provides credible and timely information in its Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad. In the event of a large-scale emergency, every effort will be made to provide assistance. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.
See Large-scale emergencies abroad for more information.