Africa
Mauritius
Safe, polished island with beaches, hiking and mixed Creole, Indian and French food. Easy English and a long-stay Premium Visa suit nomads; costs are high for the region and there is little nightlife outside resorts.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa113 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyMURUS$1 ≈ Rs47.84Details
- Price level39%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English3/5Common in tourist areasDetails
- PlugsType C, G230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency112Police 999 · Ambulance 114 · Fire 115 · Tourist police 148 · All emergencies 112
- Tap waterFilter or boilTap water is treated but many residents filter or buy bottled water; bottled is the safe choice for visitors.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalDecriminalised in 2023 and equal-opportunity law bans discrimination; attitudes remain conservative and public displays are rare.Details
- DrivingOn the leftHome licence is accepted for short stays; carry an IDP if it is not in English or French.
- Digital nomad visaYesPremium VisaDetails
Where to go in Mauritius
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grand BaieTown | 4/5 | $1,670–2,720 | May–Jun, Sep–Nov | 45/100 |
| Port LouisCapital city | 4/5 | $1,360–2,090 | May–Jun, Sep–Nov | 64/100 |
| Flic en FlacBeach town | 4/5 | $1,360–2,190 | May–Jun, Sep–Nov | 62/100 |
When to visit Mauritius
May–December is cooler and drier; October–December has the best weather. January–April is hot, humid and cyclone-prone.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the free Mauritius All in One travel form online before arrival and show the QR code; ignore paid look-alike sites.
- Most nationalities enter visa-free; expect to show a return ticket and proof of accommodation.
- Passport must be valid for your stay with a blank page; yellow fever certificate is needed if arriving from risk countries.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences including cannabis carry heavy penalties
- Topless sunbathing is not allowed on public beaches
- Drone use needs permission
Etiquette
- Dress modestly when visiting temples, mosques and churches
- Remove shoes before entering religious sites and homes
- Greet with a smile; many locals speak Creole, French and English
Tipping
Not expected; 10% appreciated if no service charge. Hotels often add a service charge.
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Mauritius Travel Form
- Economic Development Board Mauritius
- UK FCDO travel advice: Mauritius
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.