Mauritius

Mauritius

Use Normal Level of Caution

The Republic of Mauritius is an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of southern Africa and east of Madagascar. The population is about 1.3 million people.

The government of Mauritius is a republic and parliamentary democracy. A president serves as chief of state, and a prime minister serves as head of government. The president is elected by the National Assembly, and the prime minister is appointed by the president. The National Assembly is the legislative body and members are elected by popular vote.

Mauritius is considered a middle-income diversified economy dependent mainly on tourism, sugarcane, textiles, and the service sector. It is considered one of the most successful economies in Africa. Mauritius is one of the leading tourist destinations in Africa for a tropical holiday.

Currency MUR: Mauritian rupee
Language English. Creole and French are more commonly spoken.
Capital Port Louis
Recent Alerts 2
Latest Alert July 20, 2021 - COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Mauritius (20 July Update)

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Mauritius. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Mauritius.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Mauritius through contaminated food or water. 

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Mauritius.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Mauritius, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in rural areas of Mauritius. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya is a viral disease that occurs in Mauritius. Outbreaks of this disease usually occur during the tropical rainy season but can occur during the dry season as well.

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

This kind of marine seafood toxin poisoning occurs sporadically in Mauritius.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Mauritius.

Yellow Fever Vaccine

The yellow fever vaccination is not recommended for this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Mauritius.

None required.

Safety and Security in Mauritius

Emergency Numbers

999
114
115
+230 210 3894 Tourist Police
+230 213 7878 Tourist Police

Personal Safety

Travellers do not usually have any safety and security issues in Mauritius; however, petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, does occur, particularly in crowded markets. Travellers should avoid showing signs of affluence, like expensive clothing or jewellery, and ensure their personal belongings and travel documents are safe at all times. Avoid walking alone after dark and on isolated beaches as assaults and rapes have occurred.

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