Mauritius Remains a Popular Destination: The American Embassy Urges Increased Vigilance

Mauritius remains a popular destination; however, the American Embassy advises heightened vigilance. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis, Mauritius, has issued a Level 2 travel advisory for Americans planning to visit the country, urging them to "exercise increased caution" due to rising concerns about crime against foreigners, ranging from petty theft to more serious violent assaults, according to an advisory published by the embassy on Tuesday. This was reported by the online newspaper Newsweek in an article published yesterday.

Known for its beautiful beaches and luxurious resorts, Mauritius is a favored destination for American tourists. This advisory places the country in the same precautionary category as other tourist destinations recently flagged by the U.S. State Department, such as the Maldives. A Level 2 travel advisory is just one tier below Level 3, which recommends reconsidering travel altogether.

The U.S. Embassy warns that "most crimes against foreigners in Mauritius are opportunistic and usually involve minor thefts, pickpocketing, and bag-snatching assaults." These incidents often occur in crowded shopping areas, on beaches, at tourist spots, and near ATMs. More serious offenses, such as burglaries, assaults, verbal harassment, and crimes targeting women traveling alone, have also been reported.

Travel Tips
For those still wishing to travel to Mauritius, located east of Madagascar, it is advised to:
• Do not resist physically in the event of a theft attempt.
• Remain extra vigilant at night, especially when walking or driving.
• Avoid displaying wealth and refrain from wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
• Only respond to the door at their hotel or accommodation if they know the person at the door.
• Stay aware of their surroundings, especially near banks, ATMs, and popular tourist sites.
• Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive important information from the embassy and facilitate contact in case of emergency.
• Obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and medical expenses.