+ 3 h / + 2 h during our summer time

Port Louis

English

• 230 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type C and G sockets is required

Banks

9.00 / 9.30 am - 3.15 / 3.30 pm (Mon - Fri)
9.00 - 11.15 am (Sat) - (selected branches only; not all banks are open on Saturdays)

Shops

9.30 am - 7.30 pm (Mon - Sat) -  In cities such as Port Louis or tourist resorts such as Grand Baie, some shops may remain open until 7.00 pm or 8.00 pm, particularly during the high season.

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 2 January - Second New Year’s Day
• 1 February - Abolition of Slavery Day
• Chinese New Year – date varies, usually in January/February
• Thaipoosam Cavadee – date varies, usually in January/February
• Maha Shivaratri – date varies, usually in February/March (Maha Shivaratree)
• National Day – 12 March (Independence and Republic Day)
• Ougadi – date varies, usually in March/April (Ugadi / Telugu New Year)
• 1 May - Labour Day
• Raksha Bandhan – date varies, usually in August
• Diwali – date varies, usually in October/November (Divali / Deepavali)
• Arrival of the first Indian indentured labourers – 2 November (Arrival of Indentured Labourers)
• Christmas Day – 25 December
• Eid al-Fitr – date varies, depending on Ramadan (Eid-ul-Fitr)
• Eid al-Adha – date varies, approximately 70 days after Eid al-Fitr (Eid-ul-Adha)

The following documents are required for entry into Mauritius:

• A Swiss passport valid for the duration of the stay.
• A visa is not required.
• A return or onward ticket to another country.

• Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form: complete it online before departure or directly upon arrival. 

• Confirmed accommodation booking or a letter of invitation from a person residing in Mauritius.
• Proof of sufficient financial means for the duration of the stay in Mauritius.
• A valid passport is required for flights between the main island of Mauritius and Rodrigues Island, which is part of Mauritius.

• Minors: A travel authorisation is required for minors travelling alone, with only one parent or with an accompanying person.

As of: February 2025

Mauritius has a tropical climate with two main seasons – the warm, humid summer from November to April and the cooler, drier winter from May to October; climatic conditions vary by region:

• Coastal regions (north and west, e.g. Grand Baie, Flic en Flac): Warmer and drier, with plenty of sunshine and little rainfall; summer 30–33 °C, winter 22–25 °C, as these areas lie in the rain shadow of the highlands.
• Coastal regions (east and south-east, e.g. Belle Mare, Blue Bay): Slightly cooler, windier and more humid due to the south-east trade winds; summer 27–30 °C, winter 20–24 °C, with stronger waves.
• Central highlands (e.g. Curepipe, Vacoas): Cooler and considerably wetter at an altitude of 400–600 metres; summer 25–28 °C, winter 17–22 °C, often with twice as much rainfall as the northern coast.
• South-west (e.g. Chamarel, Le Morne): A mixed climate with cooler winds and occasional fog; summer 25–30 °C, winter 22–26 °C, with less extreme conditions than in the highlands.
   

  The ideal time to travel to Mauritius:

• Beach holidays: From May to October, dry days, plenty of sunshine and pleasant temperatures between 20 and 26 °C make for ideal beach conditions.
• Nature and exploring: Between May and October, the cooler, drier months with temperatures from 17 to 25 °C are ideal for hiking and outdoor adventures.
• Best avoided: From November to April, the rainy season brings humid temperatures of 25 to 33 °C and a risk of cyclones – making it less suitable for carefree travel plans.

• Using a mobile phone in Mauritius may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check your mobile provider’s roaming rates before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Numerous Wi-Fi hotspots are available in larger towns and popular tourist areas, particularly in hotels, resorts and restaurants.
• We recommend purchasing a local SIM card or eSIM for your stay in Mauritius to ensure a reliable Internet connection. This can be particularly useful on more remote islands, where Wi-Fi coverage may be more limited.

• Le Morne Brabant – Spectacular mountain offering breathtaking views and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Seven Coloured Earths of Chamarel – Fascinating natural phenomenon featuring multicoloured sand dunes.

• Black River Gorges National Park – Tropical rainforest with hiking trails and waterfalls.

• Île aux Cerfs – Paradise island with white sandy beaches and a wide range of water sports.

• Trou aux Cerfs – Extinct volcanic crater offering impressive panoramic views.

• Grand Bassin (Ganga Talao) – Sacred lake with Hindu temples and an impressive statue.

• Pamplemousses Botanical Garden – One of the oldest botanical gardens, famous for its giant water lilies.

• Port Louis & Central Market – The capital, known for its colonial architecture, lively markets and cultural highlights.

• Blue Bay Marine Park – An ideal snorkelling spot with crystal-clear water and colourful corals.

• L'Aventure du Sucre – Museum dedicated to the history of sugar cane, including rum tasting.

Travel inspiration:
Let our blog posts inspire you and discover some of the most fascinating destinations in Mauritius:

• Mauritius as a travel destination in May: between natural wonders and cultural diversity

Mauritian cuisine combines Indian, Creole, Chinese and French influences and is known for its exotic flavours and fresh ingredients. Here are some culinary highlights:

• Dholl Puri – One of the best-known street food dishes: thin flatbreads made with lentil flour, filled with curries, chutneys and pickled vegetables.
• Rougaille – A spicy tomato stew with onions, garlic and herbs, often served with fish, sausage or prawns.
• Biryani – An aromatic rice dish with spices, meat or fish, originating from Indian cuisine.
• Mine Frites – Stir-fried Chinese noodles with vegetables, meat or seafood, often seasoned with soy sauce and chilli.
• Boulette – Steamed dim sum-style dumplings filled with fish, chicken or vegetables and served in a light broth.
• Gateaux Piments – Crispy, spicy lentil balls that are popular as a snack or side dish.
• Bananas and coconut – Frequently used in desserts, such as coconut flan or fried bananas.
• Alouda – A sweet, refreshing drink made from milk, basil seeds, agar-agar and vanilla, similar to a milkshake.
• Phoenix beer – Mauritius’ best-known beer, which pairs particularly well with the island’s spicy dishes.

• Greetings – A friendly “Bonjour” or “Bonzoli” in Creole is always appreciated. A handshake is customary, while close acquaintances may also greet each other with a hug or a kiss on the cheek, depending on the culture.

• Please and thank you – Politeness is highly valued in Mauritius. A simple “S’il vous plaît” (please) and “Merci” (thank you) shows respect and is always appreciated.

• Clothing – Swimwear and light clothing are appropriate at the beach, but modest clothing should be worn in villages, towns and temple complexes. Shoulders and knees should be covered at religious sites.

• Dining etiquette – Cutlery is used in many restaurants, but in Indian and Creole households it may be customary to eat with the hands, usually the right hand. When invited to someone’s home, it is traditional to bring a small gift.

• Smoking – Smoking is prohibited in public indoor areas such as restaurants and bars, as well as in many outdoor locations including beaches and parks. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas; otherwise, fines may apply. If in doubt, ask!

• Tipping – Tipping is not mandatory, but it is appreciated in restaurants, hotels and for services such as tours or taxis. A tip of 5–10% is an appropriate gesture of appreciation.

• Tap water: As water quality in Mauritius is not consistent everywhere, it is advisable to drink only sealed bottled water – including when brushing your teeth. You should also avoid ice cubes in drinks to reduce the risk of possible contamination.
• Vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Mauritius. However, it is advisable to check before travelling that your standard vaccinations are up to date in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule and to have any necessary boosters. Additional vaccinations against hepatitis A, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox may be advisable depending on your itinerary and the duration of your trip.
• Mosquito protection: There is a risk of malaria, dengue, chikungunya and Zika virus in Mauritius. Dengue cases in particular have been increasing since February 2024. Effective protection against mosquito bites is therefore essential: use insect repellent, wear long, light-coloured clothing and, if necessary, sleep under a mosquito net. When travelling to malaria-risk areas, it may be advisable to carry antimalarial medication.

• Medical care in Mauritius is generally good, particularly in private clinics, which are modern and offer a high standard of care. Well-equipped hospitals are available in larger cities such as Port Louis, Curepipe and Grand Baie, while medical infrastructure may be more limited in rural areas.
• It is strongly recommended to take out comprehensive international travel health insurance before travelling, including cover for emergency repatriation.
• Pharmacies are widely available and well stocked, and over-the-counter medicines are readily accessible.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.
• The security situation in Mauritius is generally good, and the region is considered safe for travellers.
• The crime rate is relatively high, particularly for pickpocketing and burglaries, sometimes involving violence. Remain vigilant and avoid deserted beaches and isolated areas at night. Keep important documents in the hotel safe, but carry a copy of your passport including the entry stamp with you.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: February 2025

• Traffic drives on the left.

• A Swiss driving licence is recognised in Mauritius. However, it is strongly recommended to obtain an international driving permit as well. Please note that an international driving permit is only valid when accompanied by your national driving licence.

• The minimum age for renting a car is generally between 21 and 25, depending on the rental company. Drivers must also have held their driving licence for at least one year.
• The road network in Mauritius is generally in good condition. Outside urban areas, however, roads can be narrow and winding, and free-roaming dogs and other animals are frequently encountered on the road.
• Motorways in Mauritius are free to use throughout the country.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰.

Mauritius has a well-developed public transport infrastructure, making it easy for travellers to explore the island.

• Metro Express: The modern light rail transit (LRT) system connects the capital, Port Louis, with important towns such as Quatre Bornes and Rose Hill. It is a fast and environmentally friendly way to reach some of the island’s main attractions.

• Buses: The extensive bus network offers an affordable way to explore both urban centres and more remote areas. Buses operate regularly and cover almost all parts of the island. Visit this website for convenient information on bus routes and to plan your journey.

• Taxis: Taxis are available for individual routes or more comfortable journeys. It is advisable to agree on the fare before departure, particularly if the taxi is not equipped with a meter.

Mauritius is well connected to the rest of the world through its main international airport:

• Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) – As the only international airport in Mauritius, it serves as the main hub for international flights. International airlines such as Air Mauritius, Emirates and British Airways operate flights to and from the airport.
• Direct flights from Switzerland to Mauritius are offered by Air Mauritius from Geneva.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss number)

• General emergency number: 999
• Police: 999 or 112
• Ambulance: 999 or 114
• Fire brigade: 999 or 115
• Tourist police: 213 3894

Consulate General of Switzerland
24, avenue des Hirondelles
Quatre Bornes

Tel. +230 427 55 07
Email: mauritius@honrep.ch

• Violations of drug laws are severely punished in Mauritius. Prison sentences of up to 60 years may be imposed.
• The import of plants and food products is strictly prohibited.
• When travelling with pets, a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination (between 30 days and 12 months old) are required, along with a health certificate and an import permit.
• Strict regulations apply to the use and import of tobacco products and e-cigarettes. The possession and import of cigarette papers are prohibited, as is smoking in public areas. Violations of these rules may result in heavy fines or even imprisonment.
• Cyclones and heavy rainfall may occur, potentially causing flooding, landslides and damage to infrastructure. Always monitor local weather forecasts and follow the instructions of the authorities.
• There is a risk of tsunamis triggered by earthquakes in the South-East Asian region that could reach Mauritius. Stay informed about geological activity and follow the safety instructions issued by local authorities.