Mauritius is a beautiful, cosmopolitan island .It is a crucible of diverse cultures and religions. The various population movements of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries have made Mauritius a unique blend of different races, cultures and religions. People of European, African, Indian and Chinese origins have created a multiracial society where the various cultures and traditions flourish in peace and harmony.
English is the official language but most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French predominate everyday life and several oriental languages are also spoken. You will hear Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telegu, Marathi, Mandarin and Bojpoori.
Geography
Mauritius is located approximately 2000 kilometres to the south eastern coast of Africa and lies east of Madagascar on 20°5, 57.5E. The country covers an area of 1865km_ with 330 kilometres of coastline. Mauritius is 45km in width and 65km in length.
Language
English is the official language but most people in Mauritius are bilingual being equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French predominate everyday life and several oriental languages are also spoken. You will hear Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telegu, Marathi, Mandarin and Bojpoori.
Climate
The temperature on the coastal areas varies between 22°C in winter and 34°C in summer. The sea temperature varies between 22°C and 27°C. In the central part of the island, the maximum daytime temperature varies from about 19°C in August to about 26°C in February. The western and northern regions are warmer and relatively drier than the East and the South.
Health
No vaccinations are required. However a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers over 1 year of age who arrive from areas where yellow fever cases are reported.
Currency
The monetary unit is the Mauritian Rupee (Rs.) which is divided into 100 cents (cs). At the latest exchange rate, one Euro is worth around Rs. 30.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are normally accepted by banks and most hotels, restaurants and tourist shops
Banking hours
Monday to Thursday : 9.15 am -3.15 pm, Friday: 9.15 am-3.30 pm, Saturday:9.15 am -11.15 am (Some banks only).
Banks are also open to coincide with the arrival and departure of international flights at the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Visa & Entry Requirements
A visitor must be in possession of a valid passport and a return or onward ticket. Holders of British Passport do not need a visa to enter Mauritius. A visitor’s visa is normally granted for a period of two weeks to one month upon arrival, to almost all holders of a valid passport, with one or two exceptions. Visitors are strongly recommended to contact the Passport and Immigration Office in Mauritius or the nearest Mauritian Embassy or Consulate.
Enjoying Mauritius
Beaches
The islands finest beaches can be found in the following locations:
• Grand Bay : One of the best areas for sailing
• Pereybere :This small cove between Grand Bay and Cap Malheureux is a beautiful bathing spots.
• Belle Mare : Miles of white spotless beaches
• Blue Bay : One of the most popular bathing areas on the south of the island.
• Le Morne & Tamarin : Lovely beaches ,very popular for surfing
Spas
Those seeking well being during their holiday should consider visiting a Mauritian spa. Some of the islands most famous spa’s are based in various luxury hotels
Shopping
• China Town : Port Louis’s Chinatown offers shopping at very reasonable prices
• Caudan Waterfront : With rows of shops and restaurants, this would be the best place to shop for jewellery and local crafts.
Duty free goods can be bought at accredited shops and will be delivered to the customs desk at the airport.
Weddings in Mauritius
If you are looking for a very special place to host your wedding or spend your honeymoon, Mauritius is definitely the place for you. Every hotel on the island offers extensive wedding and honeymoon packages. They can also help you in organising every single detail of the ceremony.
The possibilities are endless. You can choose to have an intimate, private occasion or a more adventurous way of exchanging vows.
On a sunny beachside, under the sea or in the sky, Mauritius will transform your wedding or your honeymoon into an unforgettable moment.
• The Marital Status Act specifies that non-residents can get married the day following the posting of the marriage banns.
• The couple must obtain a certificate that the Prime Minister’s Office issues to the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages stating that they are not Mauritian citizens or Mauritian residents.
This certificate can be obtained beforehand by sending a request to:
Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages
7th Floor
Emmanuel Anquetil Building
Port-Louis
Tel: (230) 201 1727
Fax: (230) 211 2420
The document must be accompanied by 2 birth certificate copies of both spouses and of their passports (first three pages), as well as any other document relating to cases of divorce or widowhood.
A request for a non-resident certificate must reach the Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages at least 10 days before the date set for the marriage.
A Marriage can take place in the presence of a Registrar of Births, Deaths and Marriages or at the hotel.
Catholics wishing to get married in Mauritius are requested to contact the Port-Louis Diocese to obtain the necessary information.
