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.

You can enter Mauritius for up to 60 days without a visa as a UK national.

For more details regarding your visas please contact the embassy at 32/33 Elvaston Place, London, SW7 5NW (Telephone: (020) 7581 02948)

When to Travel

Inland, maximum daytime temperatures range from around 24°C in August to approx 30°C in February. On the coast, daytime temperatures are generally 3 to 5 degrees higher. The western and northern regions of Mauritius are generally warmer and drier than the south. The cyclone season is from December to March and sees frequent tropical storms.

Health and Immunisation

No vaccination certificates are required for entry into Mauritius, unless traveling from a country infected by yellow fever or where yellow fever is classified as endemic. Typhoid and hepatitis vaccinations are recommended. Travellers should stick to bottled water. Medical facilities are reasonable and free in public hospitals, but private clinics are expensive and medical insurance is recommended.

We must stress that our suggestions for medical protection are purely advisory and you should always consult your doctor for the latest information. See also the NHS Fit For Travel website.

Currency

The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and larger hotels, though travellers cheques are not as widely accepted as they once were. ATMs are available in most towns and many large hotels. In the cities, restaurants and retailers will usually accept major credit cards.

Tipping

Tipping in Mauritius is discretionary. However, some extra money paid for services, such as a taxi ride, is appreciated. In hotels travellers can add around 5% of their incidental expenses when paying the bill on departure, if service has been good. Government tax is added to all hotel and restaurant bills and this is included in the basic price. However, all incidental hotel expenses will incur a 12% tax, which is generally included in the price quoted.

As a general guideline, guides may be tipped $7-10 per person per day. Assistant guides and drivers may be tripped $5-7 per person per day. For larger groups, or for longer itineraries, individual contributions may be lowered.