Local Laws

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While you are traveling in Mauritius, you are subject to its laws.  Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than those in the United States. Criminal penalties will vary from country to country. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. Driving under the influence of alcohol in Mauritius could land you immediately in jail. If you break local laws in Mauritius, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not wherever you go. Persons violating Mauritian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Mauritius are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences of over 30 years without parole and heavy fines, even for first offenses.

Arrest notifications in host country: While some countries will automatically notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate if a U.S. citizen is detained or arrested in a foreign country, that might not always be the case. To ensure that the United States is aware of your circumstances, request that the police and prison officials notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate as soon as you are arrested or detained overseas.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Spear fishing equipment may not be imported into Mauritius. Domesticated animals may be required to undergo a quarantine period of up to six months, depending on the country of origin and residence history. Animals originating in Europe or the United States may only require one month of quarantine in many cases. Please contact the Mauritian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at (+230) 464-5084 or (+230) 454-1016/7 for specific information related to pet importation.

If you are a woman traveling abroad, please review our travel tips on the Women Travelers page on Travel.State.gov.

LGBT Rights: The act of sodomy is a criminal offense in Mauritius for both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. The penalty is up to five years imprisonment although the U.S. Embassy is not aware of any arrests or prosecutions for such activities. Hotels and restaurants do not discriminate against LGBT travelers. However, travelers should consider exercising caution, especially with regard to expressing affection in public. For more detailed information about LGBT rights in Mauritius, you may review the State Department’s Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2012. For further information on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) travel, please read our LGBT Travel Information page.

ACCESSIBILITY:  While in Mauritius, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from that which is commonly provided in the United States. The Mauritian government partially implemented a law mandating access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, many older buildings remain difficult to access. Where present, sidewalks are often uneven and have high curbs.