Mauritius, an island country in the Indian Ocean, is a popular destination for travelers seeking beautiful beaches, diverse culture, and unique experiences. This guide provides essential information for US citizens planning a trip to Mauritius.
Location of Mauritius
Essential Facts About Mauritius
Visa Requirements
US citizens do not need a visa for stays under 60 days. Initial entry is granted for one month, but extensions for a further three months are available at Port Louis. Be sure to check other entry requirements and how long you can stay for.
You don't need a visa for Mauritius if you have a United States passport.
Language
Mauritian Creole is the main language spoken in Mauritius, although English and French are widely spoken. English however remains the language of law, business and government. The Mauritian population, numbering less than 1.3 million, is multilingual and most are equally fluent in English and French.
Read also: Honeymoon Packages for Locals
Currency
The Mauritian Rupee (MUR) is the official currency of Mauritius. It is widely accepted and can be withdrawn from an ATM or currency exchange at the airport, hotel, or at the local market. Dollars and euros are also accepted at major tourist hotels or shops. ATMs are available at the international airport and around the major tourist destinations, and malls, but only dispense Mauritian Rupees. Euros, USD, and CAD are not accepted locally.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to travel to Mauritius is May to December. This is the peak season for travel to Mauritius and offers long sunny days and cool nights. Mauritius has two distinct seasons: a warm, humid summer stretching from November to April and a cool, dry winter from June to September. Temperatures stay between 25 to 32°C.
Mauritius also has a cyclone season from January to March and it’s best to avoid this period to limit any issues faced while travelling.
Ideal Traveler
Mauritius is great for family beach vacations, romantic getaways for couples and honeymooners, and anyone who loves the beach. It’s especially great for people who love diving, snorkelling, and surfing. Mauritius has some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and sea life, offering an underwater treat that should not be missed.
Diving in Mauritius - Lagoons
Getting There from North America
Major Airports
There is only one major airport in Mauritius: Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. It is set in the south of the island 4km from the coastal town of Mahebourg, it takes approximately an hour to get to your resort or hotel, regardless of what coast it is on. Everyone looking to vacation on the island has to land there.
Read also: Your Albion Holiday
Major Air Routes
There are no direct flights to Mauritius from the United States or Canada. All flights go through a major hub such as Doha, Dubai, or Paris.
Essential Sights of Mauritius
Charamel and the Seven-Coloured Earth
Charamel is a small village and area in the heart of Mauritius known for its dense forests and coloured earth, which was formed due to the different cooling periods of lava. Hike the forests and end your trip on the Charamel sand dunes to admire this geological wonder.
Black River Gorges National Park
Very close to Charamel is the Black River Gorges National Park, one of the last remaining verdant areas of the island and a must-see if you travel to Mauritius. The park houses many of the endemic species of the island. It was established in 1994 and has since become an important part of Mauritius.
Le Morne Brabant
Le Morne is the southernmost peninsula of Mauritius. It is a hill with spectacular views of the whole island. A short two hour hike will bring you to the summit to experience one of the best views of Mauritius.
Other Highlights of Mauritius
Kayaking in Tamrin Bay
While you can kayak anywhere in Mauritius, as every hotel will offer SUPs, kayaks, and snorkelling gear, one of the best places to kayak is Tamrin Bay. The white sands and crystal clear waters make for an enviable kayaking experience. Stop at a private beach for a meal and enjoy the sun while you’re at it.
Read also: Hotel in Mauritius
Rhumerie de Charamel Distillery
This rum distillery is close to the Charamel Mountains and a favourite local attraction in Mauritius. You can visit the sugarcane fields around the distillery or take a tour of the distillery itself. The distillery still makes its special brand of rum with the same recipe as it was 100 years ago. Buy yourself a bottle at the end of the tour and experience how rum was meant to taste.
Ile aux Cerfs
This small island off the coast of Mauritius is dotted with bars and restaurants and is a perfect getaway for the day to explore more of the Mauritian coastline. Ile aux Cerfs is known for its white sandy beaches, beautiful lagoons, and castaway experience.
Flic en Flac Beach
Flic en Flac Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Mauritius. Visit the seaside village and experience everything Mauritius has to offer from restaurants, water sports and bars, to just lounging on the beach under the sun.
Trou aux Cerfs
This is another beautiful natural attraction in Mauritius, Trou aux Cerfs is a dormant volcano on the centre of the island of Mauritius. Unlike most other volcanic craters, Trou aux Cerfs is surrounded by verdant forests and endemic species only found on the island of Mauritius. Walk or jog around the park during your stay and experience what Mauritius was like 700,000 years ago.
Trou aux Cerfs
Essential Mauritian Foods to Try
Dholl Puri
Dholl Puri is a dish of Indian origin found on every street corner of Mauritius. Many Indians reside on the island as part of the British push to develop the islands during the 1800s, and their cuisine is a basis for many Mauritian dishes. Dholl Puri is a fried bread served with split peas and bean curry. For some extra flavour eat it with fresh red onions and a small green chilli.
Vanilla Tea
At one time, Mauritius was a big exporter of Vanilla and as such you will find vanilla in many dishes in Mauritius. One such delicacy is the vanilla black tea found in many parts of the island. The black tea is the perfect background for the soothing vanilla flavour.
Dim Sum
Mauritius is a melting pot of different cultures with Asian, Indian, Dutch, French, and British influences, and as such has cuisines from all over. The humble dim sum is a staple here on the island with the Sino-Mauritian culture.
Health and Safety
Vaccinations
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mauritius.
- Typhoid: Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness spread through contaminated food and water.
- Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact.
- Chikungunya: Chikungunya, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, leads to fever and joint pain. Preventive measures like using repellent and wearing protective clothing are vital.
- Rabies: Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals.
- Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR): Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses.
It’s important to note that embassy services may vary depending on the location and specific circumstances.
If you have any questions about traveling to Mauritius or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic.
Safety Tips
Mauritius is a pretty safe place to travel, but it’s still important to be careful. Most criminal activity directed against foreigners is non-violent. Non-violent crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts, occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas, including areas that cater to the robust tourist industry, and have occurred near ATMs. Tourists should be alert for petty scams by street vendors and inflated “tourist prices” in markets. Women walking by themselves may be at greater risk for verbal harassment and criminal targeting.
Other Considerations
- Road Conditions and Safety: Most roads are narrow and uneven, lack guardrails, and are bordered by deep ditches. A driver’s license is required. Drive on the left side of the road. Drivers and all passengers must wear seat belts. Drivers and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets. Babies and toddlers must be placed in child seats. It is illegal to use your phone and drive.
- Beach wear: Nudism is not permitted.
- LGB Travelers: While the law does not specifically criminalize consensual same-sex sexual activity, LGB individuals may face societal discrimination, harassment, and abuse by families, neighbors, and police.
Practical Tips
Sustainable Travel
Sustainable travel is a must when visiting the island as they already have too many tourists coming through. Every little bit can help to ease the strain. Choose to bike to the village close to your hotel, or better yet walk a bit to conserve fuel. Other points to note would be to always carry a reusable water bottle with you so that you do not buy bottled water. You can fill it up at most hotels, restaurants, and bars. Always remember that the islands have a fragile ecosystem and we must do our part as responsible travellers.
What to Pack
As most of your Mauritius holiday will likely be spent on the beach, light beach wear and cotton clothing will be most comfortable during the day: shorts and t-shirts, swimming costumes, sun hats, sunglasses and sandals are essential.
Additional Information
Hotel rates generally include breakfast, dinner, all non-motorized water sports and unlimited waterskiing. You can sometimes opt for an all-inclusive rate which also covers lunch and drinks (except imported beers and spirits). Although it is not compulsory, tipping is highly appreciated in Mauritius.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa | Not required for US citizens for stays under 60 days |
| Currency | Mauritian Rupee (MUR) |
| Language | Mauritian Creole, English, French |
| Best Time to Visit | May to December |
| Vaccinations | Recommended: Typhoid, Hepatitis A/B, MMR, Chikungunya, Rabies |
