Customs in Mauritius
Before relocating to Mauritius, it's important to know what you can bring along with you in your luggages. To help you, Expat.com gives you an insight into customs regulations in Mauritius.
Products that are considered duty free
When travelling to Mauritius, your clothes, personal items and jewellery are considered duty free (VAT), whether they are with you upon arrival or are sent to you separately later ' as long as they are intended for your personal use. This applies to any personal items and includes:
- a portable musical instrument
- a personal music player, mp3 player, and image recorder
- a portable radio receiver
- a portable video camera
- a camera
- a bicycle
- a windsurfing board and up to three sails
- a fishing gear (excluding underwater fishing weapons)
- diving and golf equipment
The items mentioned above must be re-exported within 6 months of their import or else duties and taxes may apply on them.
Zero-rated products
Allowed zero-rated products (for any passenger aged 18 and above arriving in Mauritius or Rodrigues on an international flight) are:
- 250 g of tobacco (cigars and cigarettes)
- Wine, ale, and beer not exceeding 2 liters
- Spirits not exceeding 1 liter
- 25 cl of cologne
- 10 cl of perfumes
Plants, seeds, fresh fruits and flowers require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture beforehand and must be declared accordingly to customs upon arrival.
Good to know:
A phytosanitary certificate applies to flower boxes sold at the airport, which allows for their import and export.
Weapons (war, hunting, underwater fishing) and ammunition are prohibited. However, in the context of professional use, weapons must be declared upon both arrival and departure. The requisited supporting documents and authorizations must be presented to the authorities.
Animals: The importation of animals is subject to prior authorization by the Ministry of Agriculture and must be declared to customs on arrival. The animals will be quarantined before their entry to Mauritius.
Prohibited products
Hard drugs and soft drugs are strictly forbidden. It is strictly prohibited to import them, and trafficking them is severely punished by law. The possession of rolling paper is also prohibited.
Not declaring prohibited products or any product requiring prior authorisation to customs constitutes an offence, and offenders are liable to a fine or even imprisonment. The products in question will be confiscated.
Useful links:
