Mauritius
ARRIVAL GUIDE
Location:
Mauritius is an island with surface area of 720 square miles, situated just above the Tropic of Capricorn, in the south of Indian Ocean, with 57° 35' East longitude and 19° 68' and 20° 15' South latitude. Being of a volcanic origin, Mauritius has a central plateau which is about 400 metres above sea level. Mountains scattered throughout the island, tropical forests and plants are other feathers that add to the natural beauty of the island. With more than 90 miles of white sandy beaches and the transparent lagoon are protected from the open sea by the world's third largest coral reef which almost surrounds the island.
Language:
English is the official language. However, the Mauritian population is largely bilingual, being equally fluent in English and French. Creole is also spoken and understood by everyone.
Visa and immigration regulations
Visitors are permitted to land for a stay not exceeding three months provided they have in their possession a valid passport duly visaed, return or onward passage tickets and adequate funds.
No visa is required by holder of British passports being "Citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies", nationals of Australia, Antigua, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Botswana, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Dominica, Finland, France, Gambia, German Federal Republic, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Iceland, Ireland (Rep. of), Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lesotho, Luxembourg, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Samao (western), Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Island, South African Republic, Spain, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Emirates, United States of America, Vanuatu, Zambia, Zimbabwe and by passengers continuing their journey to a third country by the same plane. Nationals of all other countries require a visa to enter Mauritius.
Departure tax
Airport service charge: Rs 300 to be paid at the Airport by embarking passengers. Airport tax coupons can be bought along with your air ticket prior to departures.
Customs:
Passengers of 16 years and over are allowed the following duty free:
- 250 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco.
- 1 litre of spirits and 2 litres of wine, ale or beer.
- A small quantity of perfume and about 25cl of eau de toilette.
A permit must be obtained for plants, flowers, fresh fruits or pets.
Mauritius money
The Mauritian unit of currency is the rupee (Rs), which is divided into 100 cents (c). There are coins of 5, 10, 20, 25, and 50 cents, and Rs 1, 5 and 10. The bank note denominations are in 25, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 rupees.
Climate:
Tropical; warm, dry winter (June to September);hot, wet, humid summer (October to May); Sea temperature: Winter 22° C (71° F)
On the whole, our climate is fairly acceptable to everybody, the temperature ranges are:
- Summer (November to April):
27° C (80° F) on the Coast to 23° C (73° F) on the Central Plateau. - Winter (May to October):
21° C (70° F) on the Coast to 17° C (63° F) on the Central Plateau.
Hours of Daylight approx. from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. in Summer and from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Winter.
July is the Coolest Month 22° C (71° F).
February is the Warmest Month 28° C (83° F). Heavy Rainfalls likely between January and March.
What to wear
As the temperatures are constant through out the year light clothing only should be packed. You should not require a jacket or sweater except for the air journey and for when you get home. The tropical sun is very strong and therefore great care must be taken, it is advisable to wear sun cream even on an overcast day, sunglasses and a hat will also help protect you. Most restaurants and hotels require that long trousers are worn during the evening. Gentlemen must wear long trousers after 7pm to enter the casinos.
Driving:
On the left with priority to the right.
Public holidays
[Fixed date]
- New Year, January 1st and 2nd.
- Independence/Republic Day, March 12th.
- Labour Day, May 1st.
- All Saints Day, November 1st.
- Christmas, December 25th.
[Varied date]
- Thaipoosam Cavadee, January/February.
- Maha shivaratree, February.
- Chinese Spring Festival, January/February.
- Ougadi, March.
- Id-El-Fitr, May/June.
- Ganesh Chaturthi, September.
- Divali, October/November.
