Mauritius customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026·Official source

Mauritius enforces strict biosecurity: all food, plants, and animal products must be declared or face fines up to MUR 10,000. The cash declaration threshold is MUR 500,000 (approx. USD 10,000). Duty-free allowances apply per adult (18+).

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 liter of spirits over 22% ABV, OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Must be 18+. Duty-free value up to MUR 2,000 (approx. USD 40).
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Declare if carrying MUR 500,000 or more (approx. USD 10,000) or equivalent in foreign currency. Use the Customs Declaration Form (CDF) available on arrival.
Goods duty-free
$800
Duty-free allowance for personal goods up to MUR 40,000 (approx. USD 800). Above that, duty is charged at 15% flat rate on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, even for medical use without permit)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (except with police permit)
  • Counterfeit currency and goods
  • Pornographic materials
  • Endangered species products (CITES-listed items)
  • Radioactive materials and hazardous waste

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing controlled substances (e.g., codeine, morphine) – require prior permit from Ministry of Health
  • Plants, seeds, and live animals – require phytosanitary certificate and import permit
  • Drones – require permit from the Civil Aviation Department (apply at least 14 days before travel)
  • Satellite phones – require prior approval from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority
  • Cultural artifacts and antiques – require export permit from the National Heritage Fund

Arriving: red vs green channel

After collecting luggage, enter the customs hall. Use the Green Channel if you have nothing to declare and are within allowances. Use the Red Channel if you have goods to declare, cash over MUR 500,000, or restricted items. You must fill out a Customs Declaration Form (CDF) regardless of channel.

Tax-free shopping & VAT refunds

Tourists can claim VAT refund on purchases of MUR 2,000 or more from a single store under the 'Tourist Refund Scheme' (TRS). Claim at the airport TRS counter before check-in with goods, receipts, and passport.

Bringing medication

Personal medications allowed for up to 3 months' supply with a doctor's prescription. Narcotics, psychotropic drugs, and some common painkillers (e.g., codeine) require prior approval from the Ministry of Health.

Food, plants & animal products

All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Banned: fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, and honey from most countries. Processed and packaged foods may be allowed if declared. Failure to declare risks confiscation and fines up to MUR 10,000.

Rules worth knowing

Biosecurity is strict

Mauritius has a zero-tolerance policy for undeclared food, plants, or animal products. Even a single apple can result in a fine of MUR 10,000 (approx. USD 200) or more. Always declare.

Duty-free allowance is per person, not per family

Each adult traveller gets their own allowance. You cannot combine allowances with family members. Children under 18 have no alcohol or tobacco allowance.

Cash declaration is mandatory

If you carry MUR 500,000 or more (or equivalent in foreign currency), you must declare it on the CDF. Failure to declare can lead to seizure and penalties.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, but you need a permit from the Civil Aviation Department. Apply at least 14 days before travel. Without a permit, the drone may be confiscated.
There is no limit on bringing MUR in, but you must declare any amount over MUR 500,000 (approx. USD 10,000) on the CDF. Export of MUR is limited to MUR 2,000 per person.
Yes, as long as the total value of all goods (including those bought duty-free abroad) does not exceed MUR 40,000 (approx. USD 800). Alcohol and tobacco must still be within the per-person limits.
You must declare the excess in the Red Channel. Duty is charged at 15% on the value above MUR 40,000. For alcohol and tobacco, duty is calculated per unit.
Yes, medications containing controlled substances like methylphenidate or benzodiazepines require a permit from the Ministry of Health. Carry a doctor's note and prescription, and apply for the permit before travel.
No, fresh produce is banned unless you have a phytosanitary certificate and import permit. Even a single mango can be confiscated and you may be fined up to MUR 10,000.
Yes, the Tourist Refund Scheme (TRS) allows you to claim back VAT on purchases of MUR 2,000 or more from a single store. Claim at the airport TRS counter before check-in, with goods, receipts, and passport.

Official source

Mauritius Revenue Authority – Customs Department

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Mauritius Revenue Authority – Customs Department before travelling.