Indian Ocean

Maldives

Mauritius

Seychelles

Highlights - Essential Info - History - Hotels

Visa Requirements - Holders of UK passports do not require a visa for entry into Mauritius although you should have a full passport with at least six months validity from the date of your return to the UK. Non-British passport holders should check their visa requirements with their local Embassy or High Commission. Please also be aware that you need to have at least two blank pages in your passport.

Health Requirements - A Yellow Fever Certificate is required if you enter Mauritius from or via an infected country. There are no other mandatory vaccinations required although Tetanus, Typhoid, Polio, Hepatitis A and Meningococcal Meningitis may be recommended. Malaria is not considered to be a particular risk in Mauritius, but it is still advisable that you obtain qualified medical advice on the matter.

We strongly recommend that you contact your doctor or the MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad) Travellers Health Line on 0870 606 2782 for all professional medical advice. 

Time - GMT + 4 hours (+ 3 hours during British Summer Time)

Money - The currency is the Mauritius Rupee. Travellers cheques and foreign currency can be freely exchanged at most commercial banks and hotels. The use and acceptance of credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard is widespread and they are generally accepted in most of the hotels and restaurants. An alternative payment source is sensible when shopping in smaller establishments.

Flights

Climate - a rough guide
Located some 800 km east of Madagascar in the Indian Ocean, Mauritius enjoys a tropical oceanic climate throughout the year, although the weather can be very localized with the high plateau experiencing some rain whilst the coast enjoys hot sunshine, and vice versa.

SUMMER (DECEMBER - MARCH) The Mauritian summer lasts from December to March and it is within this period that temperatures are at their highest, with increased humidity and rainfall. Daytime temperatures tend to hover around 85F with clear skies and hot days and at night the temperature drops to a pleasant 73F. However, there can be downpours during this period and cyclones are possible, which tend to bring squally depressions rather than heavy tropical storms.

WINTER (APRIL - NOVEMBER) The winter in Mauritius tends to be cooler and drier than the summer, but throughout this period the island tends to have blue skies and hot, balmy days with daytime temperatures averaging around 76F whilst falling off to a cooler 63F during the night. Although there is some rain during the winter, it appears rarely and only for short bursts at any one time. It should be noted that the east of the island can sometimes experience stronger winds than the west during these months.

When to Go - Mauritius is a year-round destination with high temperatures and beautiful beaches that make for a fantastic holiday at any time. However the drier months of winter (April to November) tend to be the time when the skies are clearer and it is not too hot or humid, and therefore generally tend to be more popular.

The Christmas/New Year period is also very popular and one of the busiest times of year, so early booking is strongly recommended.

Temp (Fahrenheit) = Average Maximum Temperatures (day/night)
Rain (inches) = Average Monthly Rainfall