Mauritius🇲🇺
Mauritius is a small island nation located in the Indian Ocean, off the coast of East Africa. Its immediate neighbors are the French island of Réunion to the southwest and the country of Madagascar to the southeast. Mauritius enjoys good relationships with its neighbor countries due to its stable political environment and active diplomatic engagements. The country is known for its vibrant cultural diversity, pristine beaches, clear blue seas, and rich biodiversity. Famous tourist attractions include the bird paradise of Île aux Aigrettes, the Black River Gorges National Park, and the Pamplemousses Botanic Gardens. The country’s culinary attractions showcasing Creole, Indian, Chinese, and European influences are also a major draw. A stay here is incomplete without tasting the unique rum assortment and enjoying underwater activities like snorkeling and scuba diving.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid swimming alone in unfamiliar regions as some parts of the sea contain strong currents.
- Avoid flashing valuables in public places.
- Avoid offensive behaviour or dressing in sacred and religious places.
- Avoid walking barefoot on the beach as sharp coral and sea urchins infest some areas.
- Avoid engaging in illegal activities such as drugs and prostitution.
- Avoid venturing into isolated or poorly lit places, especially at night.
- Avoid getting into unmarked or unofficial taxis.
- Avoid discussing sensitive issues related to race and religion.
- Avoid using tap water for drinking in remote areas.
- Avoid acts of public affection if you're in a same-sex relationship due to societal norms.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
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The crime rate in Mauritius is moderate, but instances of petty theft and burglary do occur, especially in urban and tourist areas. Port Louis, the capital city, and tourist hotspots like Grand Baie, Flic en Flac, and Pereybere are where most crimes happen. As a tourist, it's advised to take standard precautions such as not flashing valuables, locking hotel rooms, and avoiding deserted streets at night.
Terrorism 💣
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Mauritius has not encountered any incidences of terrorism to date. While the country is generally safe from terrorism, tourists are advised to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activities to the local authorities.
War ⚔️
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Mauritius has remained peaceful and hasn't had any involvement in any wars or armed conflicts since achieving independence in 1968. The country continues to maintain an exceptional record for stability and safety in the region.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Mauritius is susceptible to cyclones and flooding, especially from January to March. The island was last hit by cyclone Berguitta in January 2018, causing major disruptions to public utilities and infrastructure. However, the country's well-prepared disaster response services often lessen cyclones' impact.
Medical Care 🏥
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Mauritius offers good standard medical care, particularly in urban areas. The healthcare infrastructure includes a mix of public and private hospitals providing a wide range of services. However, complex treatments might still require medical evacuation to a country with more sophisticated facilities.
Tap Water Quality 💧
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The tap water in Mauritius is generally safe to drink but may vary in taste and quality depending upon the location. It's recommended for visitors to drink bottled water, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Mauritius has a relatively low prevalence of infectious diseases. However, occasional outbreaks of dengue fever and chikungunya, transmitted by mosquitoes, occur, especially during the hot and wet season. Personal protection measures against mosquito bites are advised.
Corruption 💸
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While corruption exists in Mauritius, it's not extensive compared to other countries in the region. The country has enacted regulations to control corruption and has well-functioning institutions to monitor compliance.
Safety for Women ♀️
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Mauritius is generally safe for women travelers. However, like any destination, it's important to take standard precautions, especially when traveling alone. Avoid isolated areas after dark and be cautious while interacting with strangers.
Safety for Queer People 👬
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Mauritius is relatively safe for queer individuals. Homosexuality is not illegal, but same-sex relationships are not widely accepted in society due to traditional views. It's advisable to be discreet in public.
Censorship 📺
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Freedom of expression is generally upheld in Mauritius, but some constraints exist. Certain legislation, such as the ICT Act, has drawn criticism for enabling potential censorship, particularly on social media. Nonetheless, media largely operates independently.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Mauritius primarily consists of bus services and taxis. Bus services can be crowded and unreliable at times, but are generally safe. Taxis are more reliable and better for longer distances, though it's advisable to use licensed taxis and agree on fares before traveling.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Mauritius is quite safe for tourists. The country maintains a low crime rate and is generally devoid of conflict and terrorism. However, natural disasters such as cyclones and mosquito-borne diseases are potential risks. Furthermore, respect for local customs and laws is crucial.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Several foreign embassies and consulates are located in Mauritius, mostly in its capital, Port Louis. These include the embassies of France, India, Russia, South Africa, and China.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Routine vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are recommended. Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are also advised due to potential exposure from contaminated food or water.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Sea urchins and stonefish present in coastal waters are potential risks. Some areas also house venomous centipedes. While not typically aggressive towards humans, their bites can be painful.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most visitors to Mauritius, including those from the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. For longer stays or to work, a visa is required.
💲 Currency
The currency of Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Money can be exchanged at banks, hotels and authorized money changers.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and some shops, especially in urban and tourist areas. ATMs are also readily available.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Mauritius is suitable for work and travel, offering opportunities in sectors like tourism, IT, and teaching English. However, it's important to secure proper work authorizations and visas.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Mauritius is slightly more expensive than some African destinations but still affordable compared to European standards. Accommodation, meals, and activities like tours and water sports come at a range of prices catering to all types of travelers.