Mauritius - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: Dress should be modest when visiting religious shrines and footwear removed before entering temples and mosques.

Drug smuggling is a serious offence with severe penalties. The importation of 12 grams of cannabis can lead to a one-year sentence. Cigarette papers are illegal.

Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Dress is normally informal.

Suits are usually worn in business circles. Mauritius has a newly built conference centre with a capacity of 2,500. Office hours are Mon–Fri 0900–1600.

Immigration and customs: A three-month visa will be issued on arrival to those in possession of a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket. Visa requirements are subject to change and should be checked well before travel. Foreigners are sometimes asked for ID so it is advisable for all visitors to keep a copy of the photopage of their passport and their visa on them at all times.

Scheduled drugs like narcotics and strong painkillers need authorisation before import.

Prohibited imports include sugar cane, and related parts thereof, soil micro-organisms and invertebrates. Vegetables, fruits, flowers and seeds must all be declared. Firearms require a permit. All imported animal products require a permit and a health certificate.

A yellow fever certificate is required from anyone travelling from infected countries and those travelling from a malarial area may be asked to take a blood test.

Lone parents travelling with children need documentation showing parental responsibility.

Travel within the country: Traffic drives on the left. There are a number of car-hire firms and drivers must be over 23 years of age. A national driving licence is sufficient and visitors should keep their driving licences on them at all times. There is a good road network around the country. There is an 80kph speed limit on the motorway and 50kph in built-up areas. The wearing of seatbelts is mandatory.

Air Mauritius operates daily flights from Plaisance Airport to Rodrigues and there are also helicopter transfers. Coralin sails from Port Louis to Rodrigues once a week.

There are good and efficient bus services and taxis are available at reasonable rates; all taxis are regulated and metered.

Travel health: Medical care standards are high and there are several private clinics. Foreign visitors have to pay at state-run clinics and hospitals so should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance. Hepatitis A and tetanus are the only required vaccinations at present but inoculations can change at short notice and should be checked before travel.

Chikungunya, a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, can be a problem from October to May and dengue fever also occurs. Visitors should exercise adequate precautions to avoid being bitten and should take insect repellent and suitable loose-fitting clothing.

Water for drinking or cleaning teeth must be boiled, though bottled water is widely available.

Prescription medicines should be kept in their original containers and be clearly labelled to avoid confusion.

Money: Banks and bureaux de change tend to give a better rate on travellers cheques than cash. Mastercard and Visa are the most widely accepted and there are ATMs all over the country. Banking hours are Mon–Thur 0915–1515, Fri 0915–1530 and Sat 0915–1115. (Some banks also open to coincide with airport arrivals and departures.)

There were 761,063 tourist arrivals in 2005.