Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Mauritius
Customs regulations
Importers must submit the following documents:
- Bill of lading/airway bill
- Bill of entry
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Insurance certificate (if applicable)
- Certificate of origin (if applicable)
- Other relevant documents/permits that may be required by government agencies (such as health, agriculture, veterinary services)
Exporters are required to submit the following documents:
- Bill of lading
- Bill of entry
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Insurance certificate (if applicable)
- Export permit (if applicable)
- Certificates of origin for exports to the European Union, United States (under AGOA), countries of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC)
Guidelines for submission of applications for import permits as well as a list of goods subject to import permits are posted at the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection’s web site.
Punishments for drug smuggling can be severe. Trafficking and possession of any illegal drugs carry heavy sentences. Prosecutions take a year or more to come to court, with detention until the trial. Bail is not usually granted for drug-related crimes, regardless of the type of drug.
If you’re under police investigation you’ll be provisionally charged and not allowed to leave the country without consent from a judge. Commonly it can take up to 2 years for the authorities to decide whether to issue a formal charge. You’re not allowed to renew your occupation or resident’s permit whilst you’re under a provisional charge. If you’re unable to support yourself financially you’ll be detained in prison while the police finish their investigation.
It’s illegal to possess or import cigarette papers.
The police sometimes ask foreigners to show identification. You should carry a photocopy of your passport and your driving licence and leave the original documents in a safe place.
Mauritius is a relatively conservative society. While the law does not criminalise homosexuality, the act of sodomy is illegal regardless of sexual orientation. Local attitudes and levels of acceptance of LGBT people vary across the country and some in Mauritius hold more conservative values. In June 2018, the annual LGBT Pride march in Port Louis was disrupted and prevented from going ahead by a sizeable group of protestors. Threats have also been made against the LGBT community following this event. As such, you’re advised to exercise discretion. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Mauritius has a relatively streamlined trade regime and over the past several years the government has taken steps to liberalize trade by lowering import tariffs over a wide range of products. Import tariffs are levied as specific tariffs and ad valorem tariffs. The ad valorem tariff rates currently range from zero to 30 percent, while the number of tariff bands currently stands at five (zero, five, 10, 15, and 30 percent). Customs Duties are normally imposed on the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value of imported goods. Vehicles, petroleum, alcoholic drinks, and cigarettes are subject to excise duties. With some exceptions, goods imported into Mauritius are also subject to a 15 percent Value Added Tax (VAT).
Documents Required
- Packing list
- Passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / telex release / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- (2 copies of each)
- Passport memo (returning citizens)
- Customs declaration / bill of entry (BOE) (returning citizens, non – citizens)
- Alcohol declaration (returning citizens, non – citizens)
- Original occupational permit / residence permit (A4 paper size) (non – citizens)
- Letter of exemption (2 copies) issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, obtained by the local embassy (returning citizens, diplomats, non – citizens)
- Valued inventory (diplomats)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Diplomatic clearance certificate (diplomats)
- Diplomatic identification showing last entry date (diplomats)
Specific Information
- Passports must be of all family members traveling.
- A returning citizens of Mauritius are any Mauritian whether or not born in Mauritius who is coming back to settle permanently in Mauritius and is the holder of a valid Mauritian passport.
- Returning citizens must be in Mauritius at least 2 weeks prior to the arrival of the shipment as well as at the time of Customs clearance.
- Returning citizens may apply for a passport memo upon arrival in Mauritius at the Passport and Immigration Office, which takes approximately 7 days to obtain.
- If applicable, a Mauritian and foreign passport is required to apply for the document.
- The owner of the goods should obtain an occupational permit / residence permit prior to shipment arrival to avoid storage and demurrage charges; if the permit is not available, a bank guarantee must be applied (takes at least 2 weeks) or a cash deposit can be made to clear the goods (non – citizens).
- Owners of the goods must be present prior to arrival of the shipment as well as at Customs clearance.
- Diplomats may import household goods duty-free upon submission of a detailed inventory and a diplomatic clearance certificate, completed and signed by relevant embassy / Consulate.
- The letter of exemption is required for Customs clearance.
- All sea and air shipments consisting of household goods are subject to an extensive Customs inspection prior to delivery to an owner of the goods’ residence, except diplomatic shipments (the owner of the goods is requested to assist at the verification according to the Customs appointment).
- If all documents are in order, sea freight shipments take approximately 4 – 5 business days and airfreight shipments approximately 1 – 2 business days from the arrival date until they are cleared and available for delivery.
- The customs declaration, or BOE, is submitted electronically through Trade Net and validated by Customs.
- After verification, Customs may at any time require the importer to pay additional Customs charges and/or penalties if customs offenses are detected.
- Severe offenses may lead to seizure of the goods.
- It is recommended that an owner of the goods provide a detailed list of all goods imported on the packing list or inventory, otherwise a provisional entry must be submitted in order to list all items imported, which can be time consuming.
- Personal and household effects are not liable to any duty or tax when cleared by persons eligible to an exemption; three categories of persons are eligible to this exemption are as follows:
- On first arrival satisfies the Director General (DG) that the owner of the goods is taking up permanent residence in Mauritius.
- A passenger who is not a citizen of Mauritius will be required to obtain a residence permit issued by the competent authority.
- Is a citizen of Mauritius and is returning to take up permanent residence in Mauritius after residence abroad, for a period of at least 12 months.
- Is not a citizen of Mauritius and is coming to work in Mauritius (an occupation / work permit issued by the competent authority is required).
- On first arrival satisfies the Director General (DG) that the owner of the goods is taking up permanent residence in Mauritius.
- Persons eligible to tax and duty exemptions will be entitled to the exemption on household and personal effects including:
- Furniture
- Pictures
- Bedding / linens
- Cutlery/ crockery/ silver and plated wares / kitchen wares
- Sewing machines
- Radios / televisions (2)
- Musical instruments
- Refrigerator / cooking stove
- Heaters
- Perambulators
- Bicycles
- Ladders
- Garden furniture
- Exercise or any fitness equipment
- Indoor / outdoor games / water sports equipment / camping tents
- The conditions for eligibility on household goods and personal effects are as follows:
- The items were purchased abroad and are not intended for sale or transfer.
- The items should be imported within 6 months of the owner of the goods’ first arrival.
- The items do not accompany the owner of the goods, but the owner of the goods has declared them to the Director General DG (by way of letter) their intended importation giving full details of the items to be imported.
- If an owner of the goods has a second consignment, the same should be notified to Customs within 6 months.
- If a person is granted an exemption on personal and household effects meeting the conditions for eligibility, the owner of the goods must comply with the following:
- For a period of 2 years, submit to the Director General DG, no later than 1 month immediately following a period of 12 months from the date of importation of the effects and provide an address, phone number and other documents such as utility bills to prove residency in Mauritius and be a permanent resident of Mauritius (residing in Mauritius for the majority of the time during a year).
- Pay the full amount of the customs duty and value added tax (VAT) representing the exemption granted, plus a penalty of 10 percent if the effects are being sold, pledged, or otherwise disposed of within 4 years of the date of their importation or failing to proof of the exemption requirements.
- If a person dies within a period of 4 years after the date of the importation of personal and household effects, no customs duty and VAT (representing the exemption granted) shall be payable on those effects, provided the effects are not sold, pledged or disposed of within that period.
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Packing list
- Passport
- Original bill of lading (OBL) / telex release / express release / air waybill (AWB)
- (2 copies of each)
- Passport memo (returning citizens)
- Customs declaration / bill of entry (BOE) (returning citizens, non – citizens)
- Alcohol declaration (returning citizens, non – citizens)
- Original occupational permit / residence permit (A4 paper size) (non – citizens)
- Letter of exemption (2 copies) issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, obtained by the local embassy (returning citizens, diplomats, non – citizens)
- Valued inventory (diplomats)
- Copy of diplomatic passport (diplomats)
- Diplomatic clearance certificate (diplomats)
- Diplomatic identification showing last entry date (diplomats)
Specific Information
- Passports must be of all family members traveling.
- A returning citizens of Mauritius are any Mauritian whether or not born in Mauritius who is coming back to settle permanently in Mauritius and is the holder of a valid Mauritian passport.
- Returning citizens must be in Mauritius at least 2 weeks prior to the arrival of the shipment as well as at the time of Customs clearance.
- Returning citizens may apply for a passport memo upon arrival in Mauritius at the Passport and Immigration Office, which takes approximately 7 days to obtain.
- If applicable, a Mauritian and foreign passport is required to apply for the document.
- The owner of the goods should obtain an occupational permit / residence permit prior to shipment arrival to avoid storage and demurrage charges; if the permit is not available, a bank guarantee must be applied (takes at least 2 weeks) or a cash deposit can be made to clear the goods (non – citizens).
- Owners of the goods must be present prior to arrival of the shipment as well as at Customs clearance.
- Diplomats may import household goods duty-free upon submission of a detailed inventory and a diplomatic clearance certificate, completed and signed by relevant embassy / Consulate.
- The letter of exemption is required for Customs clearance.
- All sea and air shipments consisting of household goods are subject to an extensive Customs inspection prior to delivery to an owner of the goods’ residence, except diplomatic shipments (the owner of the goods is requested to assist at the verification according to the Customs appointment).
- If all documents are in order, sea freight shipments take approximately 4 – 5 business days and airfreight shipments approximately 1 – 2 business days from the arrival date until they are cleared and available for delivery.
- The customs declaration, or BOE, is submitted electronically through Trade Net and validated by Customs.
- After verification, Customs may at any time require the importer to pay additional Customs charges and/or penalties if customs offenses are detected.
- Severe offenses may lead to seizure of the goods.
- It is recommended that an owner of the goods provide a detailed list of all goods imported on the packing list or inventory, otherwise a provisional entry must be submitted in order to list all items imported, which can be time consuming.
- Personal and household effects are not liable to any duty or tax when cleared by persons eligible to an exemption; three categories of persons are eligible to this exemption are as follows:
- On first arrival satisfies the Director General (DG) that the owner of the goods is taking up permanent residence in Mauritius.
- A passenger who is not a citizen of Mauritius will be required to obtain a residence permit issued by the competent authority.
- Is a citizen of Mauritius and is returning to take up permanent residence in Mauritius after residence abroad, for a period of at least 12 months.
- Is not a citizen of Mauritius and is coming to work in Mauritius (an occupation / work permit issued by the competent authority is required).
- On first arrival satisfies the Director General (DG) that the owner of the goods is taking up permanent residence in Mauritius.
- Persons eligible to tax and duty exemptions will be entitled to the exemption on household and personal effects including:
- Furniture
- Pictures
- Bedding / linens
- Cutlery/ crockery/ silver and plated wares / kitchen wares
- Sewing machines
- Radios / televisions (2)
- Musical instruments
- Refrigerator / cooking stove
- Heaters
- Perambulators
- Bicycles
- Ladders
- Garden furniture
- Exercise or any fitness equipment
- Indoor / outdoor games / water sports equipment / camping tents
- The conditions for eligibility on household goods and personal effects are as follows:
- The items were purchased abroad and are not intended for sale or transfer.
- The items should be imported within 6 months of the owner of the goods’ first arrival.
- The items do not accompany the owner of the goods, but the owner of the goods has declared them to the Director General DG (by way of letter) their intended importation giving full details of the items to be imported.
- If an owner of the goods has a second consignment, the same should be notified to Customs within 6 months.
- If a person is granted an exemption on personal and household effects meeting the conditions for eligibility, the owner of the goods must comply with the following:
- For a period of 2 years, submit to the Director General DG, no later than 1 month immediately following a period of 12 months from the date of importation of the effects and provide an address, phone number and other documents such as utility bills to prove residency in Mauritius and be a permanent resident of Mauritius (residing in Mauritius for the majority of the time during a year).
- Pay the full amount of the customs duty and value added tax (VAT) representing the exemption granted, plus a penalty of 10 percent if the effects are being sold, pledged, or otherwise disposed of within 4 years of the date of their importation or failing to proof of the exemption requirements.
- If a person dies within a period of 4 years after the date of the importation of personal and household effects, no customs duty and VAT (representing the exemption granted) shall be payable on those effects, provided the effects are not sold, pledged or disposed of within that period.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
Prohibited goods include ivory, tortoise shells and other endangered animal products, underwater fishing guns, certain second-hand motor vehicle parts and accessories, appliances containing chlorofluorocarbons, asbestos fibers, and publications/films/playable media of obscene character among others.
A detailed list of prohibited goods is available online.
Restricted/controlled goods subject to an import permit include petroleum oils, rice, flour, syringes, drugs and psychotropic substances, firecrackers, arms and ammunition, and second-hand motor vehicles, among others.
- Plants
- Underwater fishing guns
- Water scooters
- Drugs and psychotropic substances
- Toy guns with projectiles
- Laser pen lights
- Publications, films or video of obscene character
- Ammunitions and explosives
- Counterfeit or fake goods
- Live or stuffed animals (through taxidermy)
- Medications (a person under medical treatment may bring medications provided it is supported by a valid prescription issued by a recognized medical practitioner)
IAM Note: Importing prohibited goods may resulting penalties and/or imprisonment.
- Authorization is required for weapons, including firearms and ammunition
- Alcohol importation requires the following conditions:
- If alcohol or cigarettes are included in the shipment, duty and taxes must be paid.
- A separate list indicating the type, capacity, and percentage of alcohol is required for customs clearance purposes.
- Whether a new or opened bottle, excise duties must be paid.
- The following items are taxable:
- Spices, dry foods, canned foods, olive oil, or any other consumable goods
- Medicines
- Cigarettes
- Housewares including tile / ceramic / laminate flooring, blinds, window treatments,
- Toiletries including shower gel, foam, etc.
- Cosmetics and perfume
- Detergents products
- Candles
- Car Seats
- The table below identifies duty and tax rates for alcohol import:
| Description | Excise Duty | Customs Duty | Value Added Tax (VAT) on costs, insurance and freight (CIF) value |
| Beer and Stout | MUR 34.20 per Liter | 15% | 15% |
| Champagne | MUR 760 per Liter | 15% | 15% |
| Spirit Cooler | MUR 42.55 per Liter | 15% | 15% |
| Wine and Vermouth | MUR 160 per Liter | 15% | 15% |
| Rum, Spirits and Liquor Produced from molasses and sugar cane derivatives | MUR 448.50 | 15% | 15% |
| Liqueurs and Cordials | MUR 304 per Liter | 15% | 15% |
| Other Spirits (including whisky, brandy and cognac) | MUR 1,386 per Liter | 15% | 15% |
Prohibited Items
- Plants
- Underwater fishing guns
- Water scooters
- Drugs and psychotropic substances
- Toy guns with projectiles
- Laser pen lights
- Publications, films or video of obscene character
- Ammunitions and explosives
- Counterfeit or fake goods
- Live or stuffed animals (through taxidermy)
- Medications (a person under medical treatment may bring medications provided it is supported by a valid prescription issued by a recognized medical practitioner)
IAM Note: Importing prohibited goods may resulting penalties and/or imprisonment.
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original bill of lading
- Passport (copy for diplomats)
- Original vehicle documents
- Import permit from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce
- Authorization from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Land transport and Ministry of Industry and Commerce
- Original purchase invoice (non-citizens)
- Original occupation permit / work permit / resident permit (non-citizens)
- Letter of employment (returning citizens)
- Copy of identity card (returning citizens)
- Roadworthiness certificate (returning citizens)
- Police clearance certificate (returning citizens)
- Original registration certificate (returning citizens)
- Marriage certificate, if applicable (returning citizens)
- Documentation of employment abroad (returning residents)
- Passport memo from the passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius (returning citizens)
- Declaration form claiming duty concession available from agent (returning citizens)
- Salary receipts for a period of at least 5 years or income tax returns / P60 (returning citizens)
- Certificate of registration of a company and income tax returns / professional affiliations (self-employed returning citizens)
- Letter of application for an import permit addressed to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (returning citizens and diplomats)
- Diplomatic exemption (2 copies) issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, obtained by the local embassy (diplomats)
Specific Information
- No duties and taxes are applicable for diplomatic importation.
- Customs clearance takes approximately 2 weeks for diplomatic shipments.
- The letter of exemption from the Ministry of Foreign affairs should be obtained from the local embassy for Customs clearance.
- A copy of the original bill of lading and passport must be sent prior to arrival of the shipment in order to apply for the diplomatic exemption.
- Non – citizens importing a second-hand vehicle must apply for an import permit prior to arrival of the vehicle.
- There is no exemption for non – citizens importing new or used motor vehicles and motorcycles, and full duties and taxes must be paid.
- The authorization from the Ministry of Public Infrastructure and Land transport and Ministry of Industry and Commerce must be obtained prior to the importation of any motor vehicles.
- The owner of the goods must be present for Customs clearance (non – citizens).
- For non – citizens importing a second hand vehicle:
- The owner of the goods must apply for the import permit before the arrival of the vehicle.
- The original bill of lading must be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- The owner of the goods will be able to use the vehicle from the date it is cleared from Customs until the expiration date identified on the occupational / work permit.
- The vehicle should be solely used by the owner of the goods.
- The date of manufacture of the vehicle must be older than 18 months and not more than 48 months.
- The import permit should be submitted in person at the Ministry Industry, Small and Medium Enterprises, Commerce and Cooperatives (Commerce Division):
- Authorization must be obtained prior to import.
- Upon arrival of the container holding the motor vehicle, the vehicle will be removed from the container and will stay at the port until the owner of the goods has all the necessary documents, including an import permit and permit from the National Transport Authority (NTA) (returning citizens).
- The customs value of imported private motor vehicle is assessed by Customs, taking into consideration of depreciation since the time of purchase.
- Customs clearance of a motor vehicle or motorcycle takes approximately 6 – 8 weeks or more because of the exhaustive procedure, reevaluation and import permit procedure.
- Eligible returning citizens of Mauritius may import either one motor vehicle or one motor cycle at a concessionary rate of duty.
- Duty and taxes are calculated on an advalorem basis or the value for duty purposes of the vehicles (returning citizens).
- For new vehicles the invoice value (transactional value) may be accepted (returning citizens).
- For second hand or used vehicles the value is assessed by Customs upon importation of the vehicle (returning citizens).
- The following criteria must be met for repatriating citizens to import motor vehicles or motorcycles at a concessionary rate of duty:
-
- One motor vehicle or motorcycle proved to have been imported by the returning citizen of Mauritius settling permanently in Mauritius, provided that the conditions below are met:
- The conditions shall be:
- A written declaration form approved by the Director General must state that the owner of the goods:
- Is a citizen of Mauritius
- Has lived abroad for a period of at least 5 years immediately preceding the date of return to Mauritius
iii. Has worked outside Mauritius for the at least 5 years; or
- Has stayed or worked in Mauritius during the 10 years preceding the date of return to Mauritius for not more than 3 years in the aggregate; or
- Has ceased working having reached retirement age;
- The owner of the goods will submit documentary evidence:
i.In support of the declaration under paragraph (a)(ii) to (iv); and
- That the motor vehicle or motorcycle was purchased outside of Mauritius prior to the date of return to Mauritius;
- The motor vehicle or motorcycle is shipped to Mauritius in the owner of the goods’ name within 180 days of the date of return to Mauritius.
- Where the motor vehicle or motorcycle is registered in the name of a spouse who is not a citizen of Mauritius, the concession shall be granted provided the conditions of paragraph (2) are satisfied and the spouse is accompanying the citizen of Mauritius to settle in Mauritius.
- Where a returning citizen, who has been temporarily resident and is working in Mauritius, decides to remain permanently in Mauritius, the returning citizen may make an application to the Director General for concession under this item, provided that the application is received within 3 years from the returning citizens’ date of temporary return.
- Where a returning citizen makes an application under paragraph (4), the date of return to Mauritius for good shall be deemed to be the date of the application.
- The returning citizen referred to in paragraph (4) shall be granted the concession provided the conditions of paragraph (2) are satisfied.
- Where a returning citizen has not brought a motor vehicle or motorcycle, the returning citizen may benefit from the concession on a motor vehicle or motorcycle purchased in Mauritius provided that:
- The conditions in paragraph (2)(a) and (b)(i); and
- The motor vehicle or motorcycle is removed from a bonded warehouse and cleared within 180 days of the date of the returning citizen’s return.
- Where an owner of the goods has been granted excise duty concession on a motor vehicle or motorcycle under paragraph (1), (3), (6), (7) or this item or Custom duty concession under item A 62 of Part IIA of the First Schedule to the Customs Tariff Act, no other excise duty concession under this item shall be allowed to the owner of the goods’ spouse or to any of the owner of the goods’ dependent children.
- Where an owner of the goods has been granted concession on a motor vehicle or motorcycle under paragraph (1), (3), (6), (7), the owner of the goods shall:
- For a period of 4 years, submit to the Director General, no later than 1 month immediately following a period of 12 months from the date of importation of the motor vehicle or motorcycle, proof of residence in Mauritius;
- Be liable to pay the full amount of the excise duty and VAT, representing the concession granted, plus a penalty of 10 percent where:
- The motor vehicle or motorcycle is sold, pledged or otherwise disposed of within 4 years of the date of its importation;
- The evidence referred to in paragraph (a) is not submitted.
- All returning citizens who benefit from this exemption shall:
- Submit to the Director General, for a period of 4 years no later than 1 month immediately following a period of 12 months from the date of importation of the motor vehicle or motorcycle, evidence of residence in Mauritius.
- The owner of the goods must provide an address, phone number and other documents such as utility bills to prove residency in Mauritius and be a permanent resident of Mauritius (residing in Mauritius for the majority of the time during 12 months).
- Pay the full amount of the excise duty and VAT, representing the exemption granted, plus a penalty of 10% in the event that the motor vehicle or motorcycle is sold, pledged, or otherwise disposed of within 4 years of the date of the importation and the owner of the goods fails to submit the evidence referred to in paragraph (1).
- If an owner of the goods dies within a period of 4 years of the date of the importation of the personal and household effects, no Customs duty and VAT representing the exemption granted shall be payable on those effects, provided those effects are not sold, pledged or disposed of within that period.
- If a Mauritian citizen has been granted concession on a motor vehicle or motorcycle, no other concession shall be granted to a spouse or to any of the dependent children on a motor vehicle or motorcycle; this concession is granted only once.
- Submit to the Director General, for a period of 4 years no later than 1 month immediately following a period of 12 months from the date of importation of the motor vehicle or motorcycle, evidence of residence in Mauritius.
- The concessionary rate of duty for importation by a returning citizen on motor vehicles is 15% duty + VAT at 15%.
- The concessionary rate is irrespective of the age and engine capacity of the vehicle. The normal rate of duty and taxes on motorcycles and motor vehicles are as follows:
| Motorcycles | ||
| Engine Capacity | Rate of Duty | VAT |
| Up to 200 cc | 0% | 15% |
| 201 cc and up to 450 cc | 45% (IED) | 15% |
| 451 cc and above | 100% (IED) | 15% |
| Motor Vehicles | ||
| Engine Capacity | Rate of Duty | VAT |
| Up to 550 cc | 15% (IED) | 15% |
| 551-1600 cc | 55% (IED) | 15% |
| Above 1600 cc-2000 cc | 75% (IED) | 15% |
| Above 2000 cc | 100% (IED) | 15% |
-
-
-
-
- *ICD: Import Customs Duty
- *IED: Import Excise Duty
- *VAT: Value Added Tax
-
-
-
- Motor vehicles imported by returning citizens must meet the following criteria:
- The motor vehicle must be right-hand drive (left-hand drive is prohibited).
- The motor vehicle must have its original chassis.
- The motor vehicle must be consigned to the applicant whose name shall appear on the original bill of lading and manifest as the owner of the goods.
- The motor vehicle or motorcycle must have been purchased outside Mauritius Prior to the date of return (returning citizen).
- A registration / deregistration certificate / invoice must be produced in support of the outlined criteria.
- Motor vehicles coming from South African countries must have a Police Clearance Certificate from the origin countries before arrival.
- The roadworthiness certificate must be originated from the competent authority in the country of departure acceptable by the Ministry.
- The registration fees for motorcycles are outlined as follows:
- Engine capacity not exceeding 50 cc MUR 2,000.000
- Engine capacity exceeding 50 cc MUR 5,000.000
- “First Registration” means that a motor vehicle registered under the Act for the first time in Mauritius.
- The fees for motor vehicles and motorcycles registered under the “First Registration” Act apply as follows:
| Passenger Motor Vehicles of an Engine Capacity | First Registration in Mauritius |
| less than 1000 cc | Mur 12,500.00 |
| 1001-1250 cc | Mur 25,000.00 |
| 51-1500 cc | Mur 40,000.00 |
| 01-1600 cc | Mur 50,000.00 |
| 01-1750 cc | Mur 60,000.00 |
| 51-2000 cc | Mur 90,000.00 |
| 01-2500cc | Mur 120,000.00 |
| Exceeding 2500 cc | Mur 150,000.00 |
- Duties are not charged on the import of used or new quad bikes, but a VAT is charged at 15%.
- An import permit must be obtained prior to the import of quad bikes.
Pets
Documents Required
- Pet passport
- Vaccination record
- Veterinary health certificate
- Written notification to the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries
- Import permit from the Chief Veterinary Officer, Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries
Specific Information
- The veterinary health certificate must be obtained from a registered veterinarian in the country of residence prior to arrival.
- Owners of the goods must notify the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Fisheries in writing to inform them of the arrival of your pet.
- Upon arrival, pets will be transported directly to a quarantine facility for 3 months (except pets imported from the UK) at owner of the goods’ expense.
- The pet may be visited daily while in quarantine.
- There are restrictions on the import of certain breeds of dogs; contact the Agro-Industry and Fisheries Office for specific information.
- Pet relocation is complex and changes from region to region.
Arms and Ammunition regulations:
Arms and ammunition require a Police permit, issued prior to arrival.
Tourists are allowed to import, without paying duties or taxes, one sporting fire-arm and max. 50 cartridges, provided it will be re-exported within 6 months after arrival.
Wild Fauna and Flora:
The import of certain endangered species of plant, live animals and their products is prohibited or restricted under CITES.
For further details please refer to CITES: www.cites.org.
Plants and plant material including cuttings, flowers, bulbs, fresh fruit, vegetables and seeds: plant import permit previously obtained from Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Environment. All plant material must be declared to Customs immediately on arrival and is subject to examination.
Prohibited: sugarcane and parts thereof; fresh fruit from Asia East of 60% longitude including India and Pakistan, soil and micro-organisms.
Pets:
All animals incl. animal material need an import permit from the Veterinary Service of Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security, obtained in advance and a sanitary certificate from the country of origin. All animals must be declared to Customs immediately on arrival and landing is only allowed if the certificate issued by the Veterinary Authorities of the exporting country is in conformity with the Import Permit. Quarantine: dogs and cats: 1-3 months depending on country of origin; birds: 3 weeks.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the airport of the final destination in Mauritius or Rodrigues.
Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Mauritius if the passengers do not leave the transit area.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (Mauritian Rupee – MUR) and foreign currencies: amounts exceeding MUR 500,000.- or equivalent in foreign currencies must be declared.
Currency Export regulations:
Local currency (Mauritian Rupee – MUR) and foreign currencies: amounts exceeding MUR 500,000.- or equivalent in foreign currencies must be declared.
Are you shipping your baggage to or from Mauritius ?
Save yourself time, stress and money by choosing World Baggage Network.
Are you a Baggage Handling and Shipping Company in Mauritius ?
Become a World Baggage Network Member
No airport tax is levied on passengers on embarkation at the airport.
Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Mauritius and quarantine requirements
On 6 March, in response to the COVID-19 situation, the Government of Mauritius announced the suspension of all international flight arrivals. Departures remain scheduled at this time.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
You don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius. On arrival, your passport will be stamped allowing entry to the country for 60 days. You’ll need to be able to provide evidence of onward or return travel.
If you intend to work in Mauritius, you must get a work permit before you travel.
The Mauritian immigration services have confirmed that foreign nationals in Mauritius on a tourist entry do not need to extend their “leave to stay” period (as stamped in your passport on arrival) if it is due to expire during the current confinement period.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for the proposed duration of your stay. No additional period of validity beyond this is required. It should have at least one blank passport page.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, transit and exit from Mauritius.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website
Crime
Petty crime is common.Take care of bags and valuables in popular tourist areas including Port Louis, Grand Baie and Flic en Flac. Use a hotel safe, where practical. Keep copies of important documents, including passports, separately.
There have been recent reports of burglaries at villas where tourists have been staying. Make sure accommodation and hotel rooms are secure. Avoid renting accommodation that isn’t registered with the Mauritius Tourism Authority. You should read the Safety and Security Measures if you’re staying in rented accommodation.
Most crime is non-violent, but weapons have been used in some burglaries. Although uncommon, there have been some instances of sexual assault on tourists. Avoid walking alone at night on beaches or in poorly lit areas especially in the back streets of the business district of Port Louis.
There have been reports of street robberies near or at ATMs. Take extra care when withdrawing cash.
In 2011, an Irish tourist was murdered in her hotel room at a resort in the north of the Island. The crime remains unsolved. Incidents like this are very rare, but you should remain vigilant.
Avoid doing business with street or beach vendors.
Report any incidents to the Police du Tourisme (tourist police):
- +230 210 3894
- +230 213 7878
Road travel
You can drive using your UK driving licence, but you must have it with you at all times. The standard of driving varies and there are frequent accidents. Be particularly careful when driving after dark as pedestrians and unlit motorcyclists are serious hazards.
In November 2015 a British tourist was assaulted by bystanders following a minor car accident. If you’re involved in a road accident report it to the police. If you’re worried about your safety at the scene of an accident you should go to the nearest police station straight away.
Water safety
In August 2014, a young British tourist drowned whilst swimming with the dolphins in Tamarin Bay. If you’re taking part in any type of water sports, make sure that the operator holds a valid permit issued by the Ministry of Tourism, there are life jackets on board and the captain has a means to contact the coastguard if necessary.
Sea travel
Recent piracy attacks off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden highlight that the threat of piracy related activity and armed robbery in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean remains significant. Reports of attacks on local fishing dhows in the area around the Gulf of Aden and Horn of Africa continue. The combined threat assessment of the international Naval Counter Piracy Forces remains that all sailing yachts under their own passage should remain out of the designated High Risk Area or face the risk of being hijacked and held hostage for ransom. For more information and advice, see our Piracy and armed robbery at sea page.
