Mauritius

Scope

Vessel arrival in Mauritius involves port, health, customs and passport/immigration authorities. The authority issuing departure clearance varies by vessel type.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Protocol for the Entry and Departure of Vessels

Ports of entry and departure

Foreign recreational craft and yachts should make their first entry at Port Louis. Report reasonable emergency exceptions, such as distress caused by weather, to the authorities immediately.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Protocol for the Entry and Departure of Vessels

Before a yacht reaches Port Louis, submit an arrival declaration through the Vessel Clearance System (VCS). An agent may do this; if none has been appointed, the master or owner should contact Mauritius Revenue Authority Customs, which can provide the document list and help enter the information. The port authority's procedure separately requires vessel information to be submitted to the shipping authority through a local agent at least 48 hours in advance and an arrival notice to the Harbour Master at least 24 hours before the expected arrival. Yachts under 100 gross tons may be exempt from appointing an agent, but confirm with MRA/MPA how these notices apply without an agent.

All crew and passengers should hold recognized travel documents valid for their planned stay and check visa requirements according to nationality. The Mauritius Immigration Department lists limited visa-exempt categories, including crew on duty or in transit to join another vessel, and people who remain in Mauritius only during a stay aboard the same vessel on which they arrived and will depart. Do not extend these exemptions to all crew, replacement crew or people staying ashore for longer periods. Immigration officers decide admission, shore stay and crew-change arrangements case by case.

Section 48 of the Mauritius Customs Act concerns foreign yachts and temporary-import arrangements. Eligibility, duration and guarantee depend on the vessel and owner. Confirm declaration and approval requirements with Customs before arrival.

Mauritius's Ministry of Agriculture vessel-quarantine procedure requires vessels to declare and undergo biosecurity inspection, which may cover plants, animals, food and waste. Confirm current forms, risk-item requirements and inspection arrangements before arrival.

Mauritius Revenue Authority's guidance for visiting small vessels requires declaration of firearms, ammunition and controlled medicines aboard, and permits or supporting documents where required. Customs may hold firearms/ammunition in custody until the vessel departs. The guidance also says spearguns may not be used locally and may be detained. Actual permits depend on item category; before departure, obtain written confirmation from Mauritius Customs and declare the items on arrival.

Foreign yachts must make their first entry at Port Louis Customs Landing Steps for health, immigration and customs formalities; this is the official yacht port of entry. People should remain aboard until health clearance is granted. Declare plants, animals and agricultural products. Customs procedures include VCS filing, General Declaration (IMO FAL Form 1), crew and crew-effects information (Form 4), among other forms. After release, the yacht may proceed to other moorings on the island, but Form 20 must state the duration and location of the stay; notify Customs of changes. For departure to a foreign port, use VCS to obtain outward clearance and confirm departure release with the port authority.

Fees and departure

A recreational vessel bound for a foreign port or outer island must obtain applicable customs and immigration departure-clearance documents and the Harbour Master's permission to leave. Do not sail if the vessel is subject to a detention or prohibition-on-departure order. A uniform total fee has not been verified.

Official reference (specific requirements in this section have not each been checked online): Protocol for the Entry and Departure of Vessels