Mauritius Travel Information:
Health
Mauritius barely experiences common diseases such us malaria, cholera and yellow
fever. Quite a feat for a tropical country! However, a yellow fever vaccination
certificate is required from travelers above one year of age, coming from yellow
fever endemic zones. This certificate is only valid ten days after the vaccination.
Malarial outbreaks have not been reported in over five years. Though visitors
traveling to rural areas, especially Rodrigues Islands, may require vaccination
to be on the safe side. Of course, mosquitoes do exist, and in case you catch
malaria, it will be the benign type. To prevent bites, sleep under bed nets
and use mosquito repellant creams.
Prevalence of diseases such as Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies (for
those who may come into contact with animals) is low; therefore vaccination
is not necessary though not pointless either. It is prudent to ensure that you
are up to date on routine immunizations such as measles, tetanus, polio, diptheria
and chicken pox especially for the young ones who succumb to such diseases easily.
Swimming or wading in fresh water should be avoided due to risk of bilharzia,
which though rare, may yet occur. Appropriate measures should be taken to guard
against HIV/Aids.
Tap water in Mauritius is clean, and the locals drink it. Nevertheless, visitors
are advised to boil drinking water or better yet, stick to bottled water. Visitors
should also avoid unpasteurised milk and its derivatives products, commonly
sold by street vendors. In other words, avoid buying foodstuffs from street
vendors; there are plenty of licensed shops and restaurants. Meals should be
consumed whilst hot. In particular, ensure your veggies are cooked and fruits
washed and peeled. Raw or undercooked meat or fish should be avoided.
Care should be exercised especially when it comes to fish as some species such
as red snapper, barracuda, sea bass, grouper amberjack and tropical reef fish
may contain toxins even when well cooked. As is common when one eats foreign
food, you may experience what is referred to as travelers' diarrhea. No need
to panic as this is usually mild; drink plenty of fluids and it will recede.
You should carry any appropriate medication prescribed by your physician incase
it becomes severe.
Common sense precautions such as wearing a medical alert bracelet for allergies
or chronic medical problems should be exercised. In such cases you should also
carry your own medication. You may also alert personnel where you lodge of any
personal medical problems. This will enable them to handle any emergencies better.
Medical facilities in Mauritius are widely available and of high standards,
though emergency assistance is limited. Public hospitals provide free treatment.
Visitors who choose to go to private clinics -which are also numerous, and more
efficient should know that they will be charged for treatment. You should therefore
ensure they have the appropriate medical insurance before travel.
Visas
Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, valid travel documents
and return or onward tickets to their country of residence. Visitors must also
show that they have sufficient funds to meet the cost of their stay and have
a confirmed booking for accommodation in Mauritius. Visitors are permitted to
stay in the country for a period not exceeding 3 months at a time and 6 months
in a calendar year (up to 90 days for those on business).
Visas are not required by those holding American passports, members of the
EU, nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Cameroon, Nigeria,
Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Fiji, and Swaziland), holders of diplomatic
passports except those issued by governments of Algeria, Iran, Yemen, Afghanistan,
Iraq, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Libya (who require a
visa even if on transit), nationals of Zimbabwe, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco,
Norway, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Switzerland, Bahrain, Tunisia,
Turkey, Oman, United Arab Emirates and Vatican City and holders of re-entry
permits.
Passengers on transit require a transit visa and if the transit exceeds 24
hours, will require a visa before traveling to Mauritius. Application for visas
should be made to Mauritius consulates, diplomatic representatives of Mauritius
or in absence of the two, to an Air Mauritius office. Applications may also
be made to the Passport and Emigration office at Port Louis. Such applications
take a month to process and are issued free of charge.
The government of Mauritius does not recognize passports issued by governments
of Taiwan and Turkish republic of Northern Cyprus. However, do note that visa
requirements vary from time to time and you are advised to check on prevailing
status well ahead of travel.
People and Culture
Mauritius has a very broad-based culture, due to the different origins of the
people. The Indians, who are descendants of Indian laborers brought to the Island
by the British to work the cane fields, Chinese (Sino-Mauritians) brought for
the same purpose and also as entrepreneurs, Creoles, who were a result of inter-marriage
between the Africans, the French and Franco-Mauritians, who chose not to inter-marry
and were the original settlers of the land and of course descendants of African
slaves all make up the assorted culture.
An essential part of this most interesting blend of cultures is the Sega dance,
a most intriguing performance of African roots. This thoroughly exotic dance
is performed on any occasion, mostly on the beach and to the beat of the ravane,
a circular drum and other rhythmic instruments. It has also been influenced
by Latino and Caribbean music. Recently, a mixture of sega and reggae music
has formed the new sound of conventional Mauritian local music and is known
as Seggae. Indian and Chinese dances are not to be left out. The well-refined
and elegant Indian dances, where each posture depicts a certain meaning bring
out the magical oriental culture of the Hindu. The ancestral lion and dragon
dances are the best known of the Chinese dances. Western music is also present
in Mauritius with hip-hop, rap, rock, jazz and other time-honored types such
as the waltz being most popular.
A large variety of cuisine reflects the different cultures of Mauritius. French,
Creole, Indian, Chinese and English dishes are widely available. Seafood is
most common with delights such as sounouk (salted fish), octopus stew, oysters,
lobster, crabs, prawns and crayfish being most popular. Muslim biryani, Indian
chicken curry, French style veggies, Creole roast beef and Chinese pork are
a must-try. Other specialties include rougaille- a dish of tomatoes, venison
(when in season), wild boar and bredes- a vegetable soup. Dholl purri- a type
of wheat pancake stuffed with dholl and samosas are popular snacks.
Fruits such as bananas, pineapples and papaya are always in season, whereas
mangoes, watermelon and litchis are seasonal. Citrus fruits are imported into
the country. Local beverages include alooda- a sweet brew of agar, milk and
other flavors, lassi- which is yogurt and ice water. Amongst the alcoholic drinks
are Blue marlin, white rum and phoenix brands - which are the local brews, and
a variety of wines imported from South Africa and France.
European architecture is in evidence within the towns and is a colonial contribution
to Mauritius. Creole houses, which are adapted to the sunny and humid climate,
show off the traditional architecture. Another aspect of Mauritian culture is
the colorful festivals; Christmas for Christians, the Spring festival by the
Chinese, Diwali for the Hindu and Idd-Ul-Fitr for the Muslims are amongst the
celebrations carried out each year.
Communications
Communication facilities such as telephone, fax, Internet, telegram, mobile
phones and post are widely available through out Mauritius. The country telephone
code is 230 and there are no area codes. Public telephone booths can be found
widely in the airport, hotels and in the major towns. A Mauritius telecom phone
card will come in handy and can be purchased in shops or supermarkets. Mobile
phones are based on GSM 900 network. The network operators include Entel and
Cellplus and there is coverage throughout the island. Roaming contracts now
exist with operators of various countries you may thus not need to leave your
phone at home. Most hotels have fax facilities.
ISPs within the island include Mauritius Network (MNS), Maurinet, and Telecom
Plus amongst others. Internet facilities are available in most hotels and most
towns have Internet cafes. Postal services are relatively efficient and airmail
to Europe takes about 5 days. Mail by sea however takes quite long, about 4
to 6 weeks. There are two television broadcast stations and newspapers are published
in French, English and Chinese. VOA and BBC world service can be received on
radio; up-to-date frequencies are available online.
Accommodation
Mauritius has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. Right from
high-class world renown resorts such as Le St Geran (which was once voted the
worlds best resort hotel) to self-catering hotels, boarding houses and family
bungalows. In the high season (June-September) and over Christmas, hotel reservations
should be made duly in advance; this is a popular vacation spot after all, and
hotels tend to get full. Immigration officials at the airport also expect you
to indicate where you will abode during your visit, making this, another prudent
reason why you need to book in advance.
Money
The currency used in Mauritius is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). Well known currencies
such as US dollars, Euro and Great Britain Pound in cash or travelers cheques
can be exchanged within the island. These can be exchanged at a bureau de change
and in banks. There are three banks at the airport and many more in the major
towns. Travelers' cheques attract better rates than cash. Major credit cards
such as Diners Club, Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in major hotels
and restaurants and in some shops and supermarkets. There are ATM facilities
in the major towns. Tipping is optional in restaurants; about 10% should suffice.
Climate
Mauritius has a tropical (Summer) and sub-tropical (Winter) type of climate.
Summer months are between October and May. During these months, the weather
is hot, wet and humid. Temperatures are about 27 degrees celsius at the coast
and about 5 degrees less inland, but they can sky rocket to 35 degrees celsius.
This is also the rainy season and cyclones are likely to hit at this time. Not
to worry though; these tropical cyclones pass near enough to Mauritius only
about four days in a year. Heavy rains are experienced during the months of
January to March. Light rains are experienced year round and these serve to
cool you down in the sweltering heat. Another blessing is the ever-blowing sea
breeze.
The winter months are between June and September; these are the best months
to visit, as temperatures are cooler. The weather then is warm and dry. Temperatures
vary between 13 degrees celsius and 19 degrees celsius. During the night, temperatures
can drop to between 16 and 18 degrees celsius at the coast. Hours of daylight
are longer during the summer and shorter in winter.
International Travel
Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam is the International airport of Mauritius. It is near
Mahebourg and about an hours' drive from Port Louis. The national airline is
Air Mauritius. Other airlines, which fly in and out of Mauritius, are British
Airways, Condor, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, Emirates, Air France
and many more. Flying is the most popular and easiest way of getting here. A
departure tax payable in rupees is charged at the airport.
You can also get there by sea. However, this may take a while and there is
limited passenger service; most ships to Mauritius go for commercial purposes.
Port Louis is the main port. There are also private yachts that occasionally
make their way to the island.
Local Travel
Air Mauritius provides daily flights to Rodrigues Island. There are also ship
services available to Reunion and Rodrigues Islands, several times a month.
The MV Mauritius Pride is one of the cruise liners that provide these services.
This is however a long trip, about 27 hours. The road network in Mauritius is
good, all 1800 Km of it. Three main companies provide bus services, each serving
a different region.
Taxis are also widely available and offer reasonable rates; it is however best
to agree on the price before you jump in. There are a number of car hire companies,
starting with those available at the airport. Driving is on the left and an
International driving license is required. Drivers are required to be above
23 years of age. There are no railway services in the island, but the good roads
more than make up for this.
Travel Insurance
Health insurance is essential. Ensure your cover extends to medical expenses
abroad including possible evacuation to your country. Carry all your relevant
insurance documents and keep them safe. Before travel, clarify whether your
insurance plan will pay directly for your health expenses or will reimburse
you later. It is advisable to insure personal effects and luggage, as well as
take out cancellation and curtailment insurance.
What To Wear
The sun in Mauritius is quite strong; sunscreen should be used generously even
on cloudy days to avoid sunburn. Sunglasses and hats are not a bad idea either.
The dress code is mostly casual; shorts and t-shirts plus light cotton dresses
for women. However some hotels and restaurants frown upon such attire in the
evenings; long trousers for the men will do. Of course, beachwear is popular
too- but only on the beach!
If you decide to venture into a place of worship, for example a mosque or temple,
do keep in mind that conservative dress is required. Also, don't forget to take
off your shoes before you enter these places of worship: put simpler, do what
the locals do. A jacket or sweater will come in handy during the winter months
of June to September and a raincoat or umbrella is a must-carry because light
rains occur year round.
