General Information
 

Capital: Port Louis .
Time: : GMT + 4.
Tel. Code: 00 230 .
Official Language: English is the official language. The most widely spoken languages are French, Creole (36 per cent), Hindi and Bhojpuri (32 per cent). Urdu and Chinese are also among the languages spoken.
Currency: : Mauritian Rupee (MRs) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of MRs2000, 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50 and 25. Coins are in denominations of MRs10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, and 5 cents.
Electricity: : 220 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-type three-pin plugs are commonly used in hotels.
Religion: : 51 per cent Hindu, 30 per cent Christian, 17 per cent Muslim.

Climate: : Warm coastal climate (particularly January to April), with relatively little seasonal variation in temperatures, although they are generally slightly lower inland, with more rain on the plateau around Curepipe. Cyclones may occur between November and February. Sea breezes blow all year, especially on the east coast.
Required clothing: : Tropical lightweights, with warmer wear for evenings and winter months (July to September). Rainwear advisable all year round. In the summer months, sun-care products and a hat are advisable.

Airports
Mauritius (MRU) (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam) is 48km (30 miles) southeast of Port Louis. Taxis are available to the city (travel time - 45 minutes). Airport facilities include duty-free shops, banks/bureaux de change, snack bar, post office, shops and car hire (includes Avis, Europcar and Hertz). A new terminal has recently been built.
Departure tax: None.

Internal Travel
Air, Sea, Rail and Road are the modes of transportation used within Mauritius.

Passport/Visa

Passport:
Passport valid for at least 6 months from date of entry required by all. Passports issued by the government of Taiwan are not recognised. The holders of such documents can apply for an entry permit to the Passport and Immigration Officer .

Visas :
Required by all except the following:

• Nationals of countries referred to in the chart above for stays up to 3 months;

• Nationals of Commonwealth countries (except nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Swaziland, who do require a visa) for stays of up to 3 months;

• Nationals of Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vatican City and Zimbabwe for stays of up to 3 months;

• Transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport;

• Holders of a re-entry permit issued by the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius.