Any trip – for vacation, work, business or change of residence – requires careful planning. You can’t do without lists, bookmarks in the browser and notes in the margins. To make the search for information quicker, we have collected the most important things in this article: a list of documents, requirements for them and reminders on what to prepare, download and find out.
Basic requirements
To get started, check this list:
- a valid passport;
- there are grounds for visa-free entry, obtaining a visa on arrival, or the appropriate visa has already been issued;
- you have permission to return to the country where you currently live or where you come from and a valid return ticket;
- the health form is filled out and printed;
- enough money to cover travel expenses at a minimum of $100 per day;
- the accommodation is booked.
Passport
To pass through passport control, you must have a valid passport or other travel document that establishes your identity and nationality and confirms your citizenship or nationality. The passport must be valid for longer than your planned stay on the island – at least 6 months from the date of entry.
Visa
You can find out whether you need a visa at the Passport and Immigration Office of Mauritius. The official website contains a list of visa requirements by country. The list of visa-free countries is quite large, but even if your country is not on it, you can get a tourist visa on arrival for up to 60 days. Also, a tourist visa can be extended, the maximum period of stay on the island of Mauritius with a tourist visa is 180 days in a calendar year.
Medical requirements
There is no longer a requirement to take a COVID-19 test, self-isolate, or present a vaccination certificate. No special vaccinations are required either. But before arriving on the island, you must:
- fill out the Digital Tourist Form – Universal Health Declaration;
- Take out medical insurance (if necessary) and make sure that the policy you choose is appropriate for your trip in terms of coverage level and duration.
If you need prescription medications:
- take copies of your prescriptions with you;
- Make sure that these drugs are approved for import, in what quantities and whether prior approval is required;
- check if you can buy everything you need on the island.
Safety
Mauritius is rightfully considered a safe place for tourists and residents. But to ensure comfort even in an unforeseen situation, prepare in advance.
- Upload your identification documents to cloud storage or a digital wallet (Apple Wallet, Google Wallet) so they are always at hand.
- Make copies of your documents and leave them with a trusted person or loved one to protect yourself in case of loss.
- Make sure your finances are distributed so that even if you suddenly lose your wallet or access to your main bank card, you will not be left without money.
- Always carry cash in the local currency (Mauritian Rupee – MUR). Most hotels and shopping malls accept international credit cards, but public transport, small purchases, and eating out will definitely require rupees.
- Find out and save important contacts (phone numbers, addresses, names of responsible persons) in case of emergency. For example, contacts of your country’s embassy.
- The official languages of Mauritius are English and French. Creole is also widely spoken among the local population. To be sure to communicate with anyone, download a translator app and download language packs in advance.
- Mauritius is a very welcoming, multicultural society. But it is fundamentally quite conservative. So exercise moderation and check the appropriateness of expressing religious beliefs, political views, non-normative gender identity or sexual orientation.
Transport
In Mauritius, traffic is on the left. The driver must have a national and international license, insurance policy and vehicle documents.
If you rent a car, take the time to read the fine print in the rental agreement: it may state that you are not covered by insurance in the event of damage to the car.
Following these recommendations, you will make your trip more comfortable and organized. And we, in turn, are ready to help you minimize risks and smoothly integrate into a new cultural and business environment!