Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mauritius
The island country of Mauritius includes six different islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands were colonized under several different countries including the Dutch, French and British. The country gained its independence in 1968.
English is the official language of Mauritius. But, the islands are multi-ethnic and multi-religious. The most widely-practiced religions are Hinduism and Christianity.
The capital city of Port Louis has a population of 140,000 and it is the largest city in Mauritius.
Mauritius is home to some of the rarest animal and plant species in the world.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Mauritius?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Mauritius
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mauritius?
What Is the Climate Like in Mauritius?
Is It Safe to Travel to Mauritius?
Rare Wildlife in Mauritius
What Should I Take to Mauritius?
Canadian Embassy in Mauritius
Do I Need Vaccines for Mauritius?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mauritius. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mauritius: typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Mauritius |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Mauritius |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Salmonella Typhi causes typhoid, a potentially life-threatening illness spread through contaminated food and water. Vaccination is a critical preventive measure, especially for travellers heading to endemic regions or individuals with an increased risk of exposure.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is a contagious liver infection transmitted through contaminated food, water, or close personal contact. To prevent it, practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated with the hepatitis A vaccine are crucial steps recommended by the PHAC.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – Hepatitis B is a serious liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus, transmitted through blood, sexual contact, or from mother to child during birth. It can become chronic, leading to liver failure or cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine, given as a series of injections, effectively prevents this infection.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent outbreaks.
Medical care is good at clinics and major hospitals. Ambulance services are present.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Mauritius
Prevent Bug Bites in Mauritius
Keep bugs at bay by dressing smartly and applying EPA-registered repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or OLE. In case of a bug bite, cleanse the area, refrain from scratching, and find relief with readily available remedies. If symptoms worsen, consult a healthcare professional.
Food and Water Safety in Mauritius
When travelling, prioritize food safety with PHAC’s advice: consume fully cooked foods, avoid raw seafood, and pick clean eateries. Opt for bottled drinks, exercise caution with ice, and practice responsible alcohol consumption. Prevent travellers’ diarrhea by maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding street food in unsanitary conditions.
Infections To Be Aware of in Mauritius
- Dengue – The threat of dengue fever, carried by Aedes mosquitoes, looms large worldwide, with millions infected each year. Prevention through nettings and repellents is a must.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Mauritius?
Canadian citizens do not need a visa for stays under 60 days. A valid passport is still necessary for entry.
Mauritius Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Mauritius? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Mauritius and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Mauritius?
Mauritius is a tropical island with warm and sunny weather all year round. It has two main seasons: a hot and humid summer from November to April, and a cooler and drier winter from May to October.
The island has several popular tourist destinations, including Grand Baie, Flic-en-Flac, Le Morne, and Belle Mare. All these places have similar weather, with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees in summer and 15 to 25 in winter. The wettest period is from November to April, while the driest period is from June to September.
Le Morne, located on the southwest coast of Mauritius, has a slightly cooler and drier climate than the other destinations. It has temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 in summer and 15 to 25 in winter.
Mauritius is a great destination for beach lovers with plenty of sunshine throughout the year. Visitors should be aware of the risk of cyclones during the summer months, particularly from January to March.
Is It Safe to Travel to Mauritius?
Mauritius is a pretty safe place to travel, but it’s still important to be careful. Here are some tips to stay safe while you’re there:
- Be aware of what’s going on around you, especially in tourist areas.
- Stay informed about any security threats by checking with your hotel or the embassy.
- Keep your important things like your passport and money safe, either in a hotel safe or with you.
- Use official taxis instead of unlicensed ones.
- Don’t go to deserted places at night, especially if you’re by yourself.
- Be respectful of the local customs and dress modestly in religious or conservative areas.
- Don’t trust strangers who offer you things that sound too good to be true.
- Be careful when swimming or doing water activities, and follow the safety rules.
If you follow these tips and use your common sense, you’ll have a fun and safe time in Mauritius.
Rare Wildlife in Mauritius
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Mauritius is home to some of the rarest and most diverse plant and animal species in the world. Tourists can experience this wildlife at Ile aux Aigrettes, a protected islet and nature reserve.
Daily boat trips to the island are available to explore and encounter rare wildlife. If you’re going on this trip, be sure to wear long clothing to ward off mosquitoes.
Ile aux Aigrettes is home to many endangered species including the Telfairs Skink, geckos, and giant tortoises.
What Should I Take to Mauritius?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Mauritius:
- Semi-formal Clothing – Some of the hotels in Mauritius ask that their clients do not wear jeans. Make sure to pack trousers or dresses.
- Prescriptions – Although pharmacies can be found, it’s wise to bring your own prescription drugs.
- Umbrella – Due to its climate, the island can be prone to sudden rain showers.
- Water shoes – sea urchins can be common off of the coasts and beaches of Mauritius.
Canadian Embassy in Mauritius
If you find yourself in need of help while travelling in Mauritius, there is a Canadian Embassy in Port Louis.
Consulate of Canada to Mauritius in Port Louis
3 Royal Street, Sir Jean Moilin Court
Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone: +230 5500 2808
If you have any questions about travelling to Mauritius or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Mauritius
“The nurse was friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about Mauritius. The visit did not take long either and covered all the bases.”
“The nurse was very knowledgeable about the diseases that could be contracted in Mauritius. She was very thorough in her recommendations and review of my records.”
“The nurse is extremely knowledgeable and provided a detailed and comprehensive review of my immunization requirements and health and wellness considerations for my upcoming trip to Mauritius. I am impressed with the personal Booklet given to me detailing my trip which is also a very useful reference document. Each vaccine was reviewed in detail with printed instructions included. I highly recommend this service.”
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