About

Country Information

Mauritius will enchant you and uplift your soul, making you feel that you belong to the chosen few. Every visitor enjoys personal attention. Every encounter is an opportunity to discover a friendly face. Behind each smile lies the promise of a unique holiday. The contrast of a multitude of colours and tastes, the island, set in the turquoise sea, is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Mauritius, a melting pot where past and present are smoothly blended together, offers an essential beauty that will compel you to return to its shores time and time again. May your stay with us remain engraved in your memory forever.

Of volcanic origin and generally sheltered by barriers of coral reefs forming natural, safe, crystal clear lagoons, Mauritius has long been a dream destination. Known to the Arabs as early as the 10th century, but officially discovered in 1505 by the Portuguese navigator Pedro Mascarenhas, the island was occupied successively by the Dutch (1598-1712) and the French (1715-1810), and was ceded to Great Britain in 1814 through the Treaty of Paris. On 12 March 1968, Mauritius became Independent. Republic Day was proclaimed on 12 March 1992.

Language
Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Visa

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Mauritius set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Mauritius’ entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

Travellers do not need to present a negative PCR test before flying to Mauritius. Health or travel insurance covering COVID-19 related expenses is no longer mandatory for travellers, but is recommended.

Regardless of vaccination status, there is no longer a requirement for travellers to test or self-isolate on arrival in Mauritius. However, travellers should complete the Mauritius All-in-One Travel Form prior to arrival.

For the latest information on entry requirements to Mauritius, visit the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority page.

If you’re fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Mauritius are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

If you’re not fully vaccinated

Entry requirements for Mauritius are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

If you are transiting through Mauritius

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

Check with your airline before departing.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

Visas

UK passport holders don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel.

Passport validity

If you are visiting Mauritius, your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. It should have at least one blank passport page.

Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website

Health Information

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.

You can bring common medicines for your own personal use but you must carry a copy of the prescription and the drugs must have been obtained legally from a pharmacy. Other drugs like tranquillisers hypnotics, narcotics and other strong pain killers will require prior authorisation. You can check details with the Mauritian Health Ministry. If in any doubt, you should seek advice from the Mauritian High Commission. NaTHNaC have also published guidance on best practice when travelling abroad with medicines.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Healthcare

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 999 or 114 and ask for an ambulance. Private and state ambulance services are available, but are of variable quality and speed. If you can you should go directly to the hospital. Otherwise, seek advice from your hotel reception. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Good private healthcare is available, but can be costly if you are not insured. More complex cases could require evacuation to Reunion or South Africa.  Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

Weather and when to go

Weather

Mauritius enjoys a relatively mild climate. Although temperatures are rather moderate throughout the year with occasional rainfall, the most pleasant times to visit the island are between the months of April and June and between September and December

The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum day time temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February.
The northern and the western parts of the island are warmer and drier than the eastern and the southern regions.

As Mauritius is located in the southern hemisphere, the summer and winter months are opposite to the seasons in Europe.

Seasons

Summer: November to April

The weather is hot and humid during these months, with peaks in temperatures occurring in the months of December, January and February.
Rainfall is abundant, especially on the central plateau. The highest rainfall normally occurs in the months of February and March.
Daylight hours typically run from 5.30am to 7.00pm.
This is the best time for scuba diving – especially December through to March – and for deep-sea fishing.
The cyclonic season extends right the way through from November to April. Most of the time, the cyclones manage to avoid Mauritius because of the small size of the island.

Winter: May to October

The temperature is cooler during this season, and prevailing winds tend to blow over the island from the east and south-east. The North and West of the island is relatively warmer.
The lowest temperatures are felt in August (20°C on the coast). Daylight hours typically run from 6.45am to 5.45pm. This is the best season for surfing (June to August).

+++ the best time to visit

++ good time to visit

+ good time with some rain expected

Weather trends for your long term holiday forecast 

January         summer – hot and humid weather

February      hottest and wettest – air fares are cheaper

March           still hot and humid

April              end of summer – a slight chill in the air

May               transition month – cooler sea and air temperature

June               it is officially winter in Mauritius

July                 winter and peak season

August           last winter month – still peak season

September   transition month – it is getting warmer

October         glorious – the best time to go to Mauritius

November    summer is on its way – a beautiful month

December    high season – Christmas and New Year

Flights

Mauritius is a very popular destination therefore there are many direct and indirect flights from all over the world. Whether you live in Europe, the Americas, Asia or Australasia, flying to Mauritius is possible either in one single flight or with a simple connection.

Air Mauritius and British Airways fly directly from the UK.

Air Mauritius fly directly from London Heathrow.

British Airways fly directly from London Gatwick.

Emirates Airlines, Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, Turkish Airlines and Kenya Airways also fly to and from Mauritius.