Visas are required by all except nationals of Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Japan, Scandinavia, and the USA.
All visitors need to have an outward bound ticket and proof of sufficient funds to support their stay. Passports are required by all and must have at least 6 months to the expiry date.
Renewable one-month visas may be granted on arrival, although it may be better to contact a Mauritian embassy prior to your visit.
Health risks: Slight risk of malaria; proof of yellow fever vaccination is required of those entering Mauritius from an infected area.
Public Transport: Buses connect every part of the island. Taxis are numerous and are recognisable by white registration plates with black figures.
Private cars have black number plates with white figures.
All taxis should have meters.
Money & Costs: The currency is the Mauritian rupee. Traveller's cheques in any major currency can be exchanged without a hitch in Mauritius - and they bring a better rate of exchange than cash.
The government sets the exchange rates, so there is no need to bank hop.
Credit cards are widely accepted, with cash advances available from most major banks. Local cafes generally don't add tax or service charges to their bills, while mid-range to upscale restaurants and hotels add government tax.
Tipping is optional in restaurants. Airport porters do expect a little something.
Time: GMT/UTC plus four hours.
Travel Insurance: We recommend the Post Office, a trusted household name.
It takes just minutes to setup, offers low premiums and FREE kids insurance!
Travel Advice and Contacts:
Mauritius High Commission: 32-33 Elvaston Place, London SW7 5NW,
UK Tel: (020) 7581 0294. Fax: (020) 7823 8437
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0930-1200 (consular section)
Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority:
11th Floor, Air Mauritius Building, President John Kennedy Street, Port Louis, Mauritius - Tel: 210 1545. Fax: 212 5142.
British High Commission:
PO Box 1063, Les Cascades Building, Edith Cavell Street, Port Louis,
Mauritius Tel: 202 9400. Fax: 202 9408 or 202 9407 (visa & consular section)