Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Mauritius. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country and during the length of their entire visit. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is granted upon entering the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(230) 202-4400; EMER: +(230) 5253-3641; US Embassy Port Louis, 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis, Mauritius; PTLConsular@state.gov; https://mu.usembassy.gov/
Telephone Code
230
Local Emergency Phone
999
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical, modified by southeast trade winds; warm, dry winter (May to November); hot, wet, humid summer (November to May)
Currency (Code)
Mauritian rupees (MUR)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, G
Major Languages
Creole, Bhojpuri, French
Major Religions
Hindu 48.5%, Roman Catholic 26.3%, Muslim 17.3%, other Christian 6.4%
Time Difference
UTC+4 (9 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Yes
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Left
Tourist Destinations
Chamarel; Flic en Flac Beach; Port Louis; Black River Gorges National Park; Mauritius Botanical Garden
Major Sports
Soccer, athletics (track and field), badminton, basketball, boxing
Cultural Practices
It is common to be playfully slapped on the shoulder in normal conversation in Mauritius.
Tipping Guidelines
A gratuity is already included with the bill in most restaurants, but wait staff appreciate any small change, especially if you are satisfied with the service. Taxi fares are usually negotiated in advance. If the driver has been particularly informative or helpful, a tip of 100-200 rupees will suffice to show your appreciation.
Souvenirs
Pareo fabric, ship models, spices, woven items, tax free luxury goods
Traditional Cuisine
Dholl Puri — pan-fried, split pea flatbread stuffed with a variety of fillings including rougaille (a tomato-based sauce), green chutney, kheer rice pudding, or lima bean curry
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
