Mauritius — Visas and Healthcare
Passports and Visas
All foreign passengers to Mauritius must hold (i) a confirmed booking for accommodation in Mauritius, (ii) return or onward tickets to their country of origin or residence, (iii) the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, and (iv) sufficient funds to cover their expenses while in the country (a minumum of USD 100 per day). Note that the final decision to admit any passenger into Mauritius rests solely with the Immigration Authorities, and that any visitor who remains in Mauritius after the expiry the period granted on their visa or entry permit, shall be deemed to have committed an offense, and shall be liable for prosecution by a Court of Law. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required to enter Mauritius, if arriving within 10 days of leaving or transiting through an endemic area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Americans
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required, for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
UK Nationals
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required for holders of British passports (irrespective of the endorsement regarding their national stuatus contained therein), for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
Canadians
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required, for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
Australians
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required, for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
South Africans
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required, for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
Irish Nationals
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required, for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
New Zealanders
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the period of intended stay in Mauritius. No visa is required, for stays of up to 60 days (for tourist purposes), or 90 days (for business purposes).
Healthcare
No vaccination certificates are required for entry into Mauritius, unless traveling from a country infected by yellow fever or where yellow fever is classified as endemic. It's a good idea to pack shoes that can be worn in the sea to protect against sharp coral, sea urchins and stonefish. Stonefish stings are uncommon but can in some cases be fatal. You should obtain urgent medical attention if stung; many hotels stock anti-venom serum. Visitors should take precautions against mosquito bites, as there have been several cases of the Chikungunya virus, which is spread by mosquito bites, although this is more common from October to May. Travelers should stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are good and free in public hospitals, but private clinics are expensive and medical insurance is recommended.
Safety
A visit to Mauritius is usually trouble free, however petty crime can be a problem and it is not wise to wander alone at night outside the grounds of hotels. Visitors should be aware of pick pocketing in the central market in Port Louis. Care should be taken of bags and valuables when visiting popular tourist areas such as Pereybere, Grand Baie, Flic en Flac and Tamarin. There has been an increase in break-ins in self-catering accommodation and visitors are advised to only rent accommodation from registered proprietors. Cyclone season is from November to May.
