Group trips to Mauritius

Find out the entry requirements for Mauritius, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Mauritius – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Mauritius is in the Mauritius Time Zone (MUT), which is 4 hours ahead of GMT. This means if it is 12 pm in the UK, it will be 4 pm in Mauritius. If you're in the USA, the time difference will vary depending on your location. For example, if you're on Eastern Standard Time (EST), and it's 12 pm there, it will be 9 pm in Mauritius. Keep in mind that Mauritius does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference remains the same year-round.

The currency used in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). The exchange rate fluctuates, but as a rough guide:

• 1 GBP is approximately 55 MUR
• 1 USD is around 45 MUR
• 1 EUR is about 50 MUR

You can exchange currency at banks, official currency exchange counters, or some hotels.

In Mauritius, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, or cash. Credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it is a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors or markets. ATMs are available throughout the island for cash withdrawals. Always check with your bank about any international transaction fees before your trip.

Tipping in Mauritius is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 10 percent if the service was good, as service charges are not always included in the bill. For taxi drivers and hotel staff, small tips for good service are appreciated but not expected. You can tip in the local currency, Mauritian Rupees, or in your home currency, but local currency is generally preferred.

In Mauritius, while Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, it might not always be super fast or reliable, especially in more remote areas. If you need consistent internet access, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a great idea. Popular providers include:

• my.t
• Emtel
• MTML

You can easily purchase a SIM card at the airport or in major towns. This will give you mobile data, which is often more reliable than public Wi-Fi.

In Mauritius, the official language is English, but the most widely spoken language is Mauritian Creole. French is also commonly used in media and business. Here are some useful expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Bonzour (Creole), Bonjour (French)
• Thank you: Mesi (Creole), Merci (French)
• How much: Kombien (Creole), Combien (French)
• Goodbye: Salu (Creole), Au revoir (French)

These phrases should help you get started in communicating while you're there!

In Mauritius, the plugs are type C and G. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If your devices have different plugs, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your devices can be charged without any issues. Always check your device's voltage compatibility to avoid any damage.

Mauritius is a melting pot of cultures and religions, with Hinduism being the main religion, followed by Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism.

Important Hindu festivals include:

• Maha Shivaratri
• Divali
• Holi

These festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm. If you're planning to visit during one of these festivals, expect vibrant celebrations and an opportunity to experience the rich cultural tapestry of the island.

When packing for Mauritius, be ready for a tropical paradise with plenty of beach time and some adventures. Here's a quick guide on what to pack in your backpack:

• Clothing:
  • Light and breathable shirts
  • Shorts and skirts
  • Swimwear
  • Sarong or beach cover-up
  • Light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings
• Shoes:
  • Flip-flops or sandals
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Water shoes for rocky areas
• Accessories and Technology:
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunhat or cap
  • Waterproof phone case
  • Camera or smartphone for photos
  • Power bank
• Toiletries and Medication:
  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Insect repellent
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Pain relief tablets
  • Diarrhea medication

Mauritius has a warm climate year-round, so pack light and prepare for sun and sea adventures!

Mauritius has a tropical climate, and the weather can vary depending on the season.

• Summer (November to April): Warm and humid with temperatures between 25°C and 33°C (77°F to 91°F). This period can also bring cyclones, especially from January to March.
• Winter (May to October): Cooler and drier with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F).

The best time to visit Mauritius is during the cooler, drier months from May to December.