Mauritius

Recommended Vaccinations For Mauritius

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 6 months of age.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Recommended Medications For Mauritius

There are no recommendations for Mauritius at this time.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Mauritius

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Mauritius through contaminated food or water. 

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Mauritius.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya is a viral disease that occurs in Mauritius. Outbreaks of this disease usually occur during the tropical rainy season but can occur during the dry season as well.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever outbreaks have occurred in Mauritius.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in this country.

Ciguatera Fish Poisoning

This kind of marine seafood toxin poisoning occurs sporadically in Mauritius.

Measles

There is a risk of Measles in this country, especially in infants aged 6 to 11 months.

Sleeping Sickness (Type 1)

African trypanosomiasis occurs in this country. Travellers to urban areas are not at risk.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in this country. Ticks that cause this disease are usually most active from November through April. Travellers engaging in outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, and game hunting in wooded, brushy, or grassy areas may be at a higher risk.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Tuberculosis

Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the healthcare field, or having close prolonged contact with infected persons.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring Hantavirus in this country through the consumption of food and water contaminated by an infected rodent or through rodent bites.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in this country through sand fly bites, particularly between dusk to dawn. Adventure tourists, outdoor athletes, or humanitarian aid workers are at a higher risk.

Rabies

Rabies may be present in bats, but has not been reported in domestic or wild animals in this country.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Mauritius, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. However, this country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 1 year of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and for travellers having transited more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Schistosomiasis

The parasite that causes schistosomiasis is found in rural areas of Mauritius. It is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Safety & Security in Mauritius

Personal Safety

Mauritius has a low crime rate and most visits are trouble-free. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in tourist areas, particularly in Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac. These incidents happen more frequently at night in crowded markets, beaches, and near ATMs. Violent crime against tourists is rare, though incidents of assault, rape, and murder have occurred, including at resorts. Scams involving fraudulent tour operators, overpriced taxi rides, and fake guides targeting tourists are reported but not widespread. Theft from unregistered beachside bungalows has increased. Avoid walking alone at night on beaches or in poorly lit areas, especially in the backstreets of Port Louis. Accommodation should be registered with the Mauritius Tourism Authority. Contact the tourist police on 999 if you experience any incidents.

Extreme Violence

Mauritius has no recent history of terrorism and the country is not a target or haven for terror groups. There have been no incidents involving foreign nationals in recent years. Violent crime is rare, with the country maintaining one of the lowest rates of organized crime in Africa. The intentional homicide rate is low compared to regional averages. Most crime is non-violent, focusing on burglaries from tourist villas and theft of unattended items. While the risk of encountering serious criminal activity remains very low, attacks cannot be ruled out entirely. The country maintains strong security measures and the government works to address crime through increased police presence in tourist areas.

Political Unrest

Mauritius is politically stable with a history of peaceful power transitions. Protests are rare but have occurred in recent years, particularly in April 2022 related to cost of living concerns. These demonstrations, which took place in Port Louis, Beau Bassin, and Rose Hill, started peacefully but some descended into riots with police deploying tear gas and armoured vehicles. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent and lead to disruptions in traffic and public transportation. In 2024, rallies and protests occurred during the November legislative elections period. Authorities may restrict movement and disrupt telecommunications during demonstrations. Municipal elections have been postponed multiple times since 2021, prompting criticism and protests. You should avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place.

Areas To Avoid

Port Louis, the capital city, has higher crime rates than other areas, particularly in downtown areas and the backstreets of the business district at night. Specific neighbourhoods such as Roche Bois and Cite La Chaux should be avoided after sunset due to elevated crime rates. The coastal tourist centres of Grand Bay, Pereybere, and Flic en Flac experience more frequent petty crime incidents, especially at night. These areas remain popular tourist destinations but require extra caution. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas or on beaches across the island. Some remote beaches can be dangerous due to strong currents and lack of lifeguard supervision. Tourist areas and markets attract pickpockets, so maintain awareness of your belongings in crowded places. Most areas are safe during daylight hours with standard precautions.