INFORMATION ABOUT MAURITIUS
Mauritius, a sparkling crystal in the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, will fascinate you. The contrast of colours, cultures and tastes makes the island so charming that the scene is set for an unforgettable holiday. Here, you have the opportunity to experience unparalleled luxury: a level of refinement that is head and shoulders above that on offer in other tropical holiday destinations. Here, you will discover the true meaning of beauty – a realization that will compel you to return to Mauritius’ shores time and again. Mauritius was named after Dutch Prince Maurice Van Nassau.
Capital: Port Louis
Location :Latitude 20 degree south of the equator, Longitude 57.5 degree east.
Best Time To Visit
Mauritius benefits from a mild climate all year round with an average temperature of 25ºC and a pleasant water temperature suitable for swimming both during summer and winter. Almost all activities you are looking forward to do during your holidays can be made at any time of the year. However, the most agreeable times to visit the island are from April to June and from September to December to avoid the peak of summer and winter, the only two seasons in Mauritius.
Cyclones
While cyclone season is from November to April, cyclones mostly manage to avoid Mauritius because of the island’s small size. All the same, the beach resorts have been set up to withstand any fierce winds.
Visas
You don’t need a visa to enter Mauritius if you are a citizen of the EU, the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or a number of other countries. You can find more information on the website pmo.gov.mu/dha/ministry/novisa.htm. Initial entry is granted for a maximum of one month. If you change your departure plans, make sure you don’t exceed your permitted stay.
Summer in Mauritius lasts from October to April, no spring unlike Europe, with sunlight from 5:30 am to 7 pm at the peak of the season. The heat peaks combined with a high degree of humidity, are felt from December to February, while periods of heavy rainfall are expected in February and March. The Indian Ocean records a cyclonic activity relatively intense each year during this season, but Mauritius, with its small size, is often spared. The buildings have been conceived to withstand strong winds, and you will be safe in your tourist residence. Security protocols have been settled and officials are prepared to deal with cyclones. The rooms are usually air-conditioned for your comfort during the hottest periods. Diving and deep-sea fishing enthusiasts will opt for this time to travel to Mauritius. It is also tropical fruit season, take the opportunity to taste litchis, mangoes, dragon-eye fruit and other delicious local fruits available on the market stalls.
Winter in Mauritius is rather mild with an average temperature of around 22®C. The nights are cooler and the hours of sunlight range from 6:45 to 17:35 during the peak of winter. The months of July and August are the windiest for the greatest pleasure of surfers, kite surfers and windsurfers. The winter sky in the evening is wonderful in Mauritius, perfect for stargazing and watch the Perseids, the annual rendezvous of shooting star enthusiasts in August.
Mauritius also has a microclimate with different temperatures and climatic conditions depending on the region. The centre of the island located on a high plateau, benefits from cooler temperatures and higher rainfall than the coastal zones. There may be a 3 to 5 degree difference between these regions. The North and West of the island are warmer and drier while the East is constantly under the influence of the south-eastern winds, stronger in winter.
Extensions for a further three months as a tourist are available from the Passport & Immigration Office (210 9312; fax 210 9322; Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey St, Port Louis). Applications must be submitted with one form, two passport-size photos, your passport, an onward ticket and proof of finances. Two letters may also be necessary – one from you explaining why you want to stay longer, and one by a local ‘sponsor’ (it can be someone providing accommodation). Providing you can satisfy these demands there should be no further problems, but since the police are responsible for passport control, and quite a few visitors overstay their entry permits, there are ‘get tough’ periods.
Currency
Mauritian rupee (MUR or Rs). Credit cards are widely accepted and you can change foreign currency and travellers cheques at hotels and most towns.
Size
2,040 sq km
Language
English is the official language, but French and Creole are widely spoken.
Population
1.25 million (2007 Census)
Time
GMT + 4 hours
Religion
Hindu 48%, Roman Catholic 23.6%, other Christian 8.6%, Muslim 16.6%, and other 2.5%.
Ethnic Groups
Indo-Mauritian 68%, Creole 27%, Sino-Mauritian 3%, and Franco-Mauritian 2%.
Electricity
230 volts, 50Hz. Square three-pin plugs and round two-pin plugs are commonly used.
Communications
The international access code for Mauritius is +230. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code.
Health
No vaccination certificates are required for entry into Mauritius, unless travelling from a country infected by yellow fever or where yellow fever is classified as endemic.