Summary

Travel Insurance

The Department of Foreign Affairs strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before travelling to Mauritius. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Irish Citizens should note that the Irish Government does not provide funds for emergency medical repatriation or for repatriation of remains.

Entry Requirements

Irish passport holders do not do not need to obtain visas before arrival. A visa, normally valid for three months, will be issued on arrival to holders of valid Irish passports in possession of return tickets.

You must hold a valid passport to enter Mauritius. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry into Mauritius. You may be refused entry to Mauritius if your passport has less than six months validity remaining or if you do not have a return ticket.

If you intend to work in Mauritius, you must arrange a work permit in advance.

Entry requirements should be checked in advance with the nearest Embassy of Mauritius. Contact details are available here.

Diplomatic and Consular Missions

The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is accredited to Mauritius. Contact details are available here.

Any citizen of an EU State in a country where their own country does not have a resident Consular Mission is entitled to seek assistance from any other EU Consular Mission resident in that country.

Safety and Security

In Mauritius, you can call the police (emergency) by dialling 999 or 112, the medical emergency service by calling 999 or 114 and the fire service by dialling 995 or 115.

You can drive on your Irish driving licence, but you must have it with you at all times. Vehicles drive on the left.  Speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour and all road and traffic signs are posted in English. Drivers and all passengers are required to wear seat belts.  Drivers and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets.  Babies and toddlers should be placed in child seats.  The standard of driving varies and there are frequent minor accidents. Be particularly careful when driving after dark as roads are often narrow and uneven with inadequate lighting. Speed limits are strictly enforced and camera speed checks are very common and speeding fines are substantial. 

Crime

Petty crime is common, with many active pickpockets and purse snatchers in popular tourist areas including Port Louis, Grand Baie and Flic en Flac.  It is recommended that visitors keep their valuables in hotel safes, where possible, and make copies of important documents, including passports.

Mauritius has generally low levels of violent crime.  However travellers are advised to exercise caution at all times.  Avoid walking alone at night on deserted/public beaches or in poorly lit areas especially in the back streets of the business district of Port Louis.

While there have been no attacks by pirates in Mauritian waters, vessels have been attacked up to 1000 miles off the Somali coast.  Sailing vessels are especially vulnerable so visitors are advised not to travel in yachts or pleasure craft in international waters in this part of the Indian Ocean.

Local Laws and Customs

Local Laws

The Mauritian authorities take a serious approach to drug trafficking.  Attempts to import even very small amounts are punished severely.  Prosecutions can take over a year to come to court, with detention the norm until the trial. Bail is not usually granted for drug-related crimes, regardless of the type of drug. It is also illegal to possess or import cigarette papers.

Visitors requiring prescription medication are advised to bring copies of their prescription with them.  Scheduled drugs, such as psychotropic preparations (e.g. tranquillisers, hypnotics), narcotics (e.g. morphine) and other strong pain killers require, by law, authorisation before import. Failure to obtain prior authorisation may result in arrest.  Visitors are advised to consult with the Mauritian High Commission in London if they believe their prescription medications may require prior authorisation.

The police sometimes ask foreigners to show identification. It is recommended to carry photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport and driving licence and leave the original in a safe place.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Mauritius, but it is as well to bear in mind that society in general is quite traditional in its outlook.

Natural Disasters and Climate

Mauritius is a tropical island just above the Tropic of Capricorn in the Indian Ocean.   It has good all year round temperatures.  In summer, (November to April) the temperature ranges between 26°C and 32°C.  In winter, (May and October) the temperature ranges from 20°C to 26°C with July experiencing the lowest temperatures, on average about 21°C.  The water temperature of the Indian Ocean can go up to 28°C.  Mauritius can experience heavy rainfall between January and March.

The cyclone season in Mauritius normally runs from November to May.  Cyclones can cause extensive damage to property. The authorities have a well-structured system of phased warnings. You should follow advice issued by the local authorities.

Additional Country Info

Money

The currency in Mauritius is the rupee.  Bureaux de Change and ATM machines are widely available in most towns on the island and at large shopping centres. Credit cards are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and large retailers.

Health

Good private healthcare in Mauritius is available, although this can be costly if you are not insured.   Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Malarial mosquitoes are not found in Mauritius.

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.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 or 114 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Diplomatic and Consular Missions

The Embassy of Ireland in South Africa is accredited to Mauritius. Contact details are available here.  

Any citizen of an EU State in a country where their own country does not have a resident Consular Mission is entitled to seek assistance from any other EU Consular Mission resident in that country.