Mauritius customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Mauritius allows duty-free entry of 1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) or 2 liters of wine/beer, and 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco for travellers 18+. Cash over USD 10,000 or equivalent must be declared. Prohibited items include narcotics, counterfeit goods, and certain meats without health certificates. Restricted items include prescription medicines (up to 3 months), plants with phytosanitary certificate, and drones with permit.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol

1.0 L

1 liter of spirits (over 22% ABV) OR 2 liters of wine or beer. Traveller must be 18+. Combined allowance not permitted; choose one.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes

or 50 cigars / 250 g

Cash to declare

$10,000

Cash or equivalent instruments (e.g., traveler's cheques, money orders) of USD 10,000 or more must be declared on the arrival form. Import/export of Mauritian rupees limited to MUR 500,000 per person; amounts above require Bank of Mauritius authorization.

Goods duty-free

$800

Personal effects and gifts up to MUR 30,000 (approx. USD 800) are duty-free. Above that, duty and VAT (15%) apply on the excess value.

Prohibited — banned from import

Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis in any form)
Counterfeit currency, coins, or goods
Pornographic materials (including digital media)
Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without prior authorization)
Meat and meat products from countries with foot-and-mouth disease or avian flu (unless accompanied by a health certificate)
Endangered species and products (CITES-listed items without permit)

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

Medicines for personal use (prescription required; over 3 months' supply needs prior approval from Ministry of Health)
Plants, seeds, and plant products (require phytosanitary certificate and inspection)
Pets (dogs, cats) require import permit, microchip, rabies vaccination, and health certificate
Drones (require permit from the Civil Aviation Department; commercial use needs additional approval)
Satellite phones (require authorization from the Information and Communication Technologies Authority)

Rules worth knowing

Currency declaration for MUR

Import or export of Mauritian rupees is limited to MUR 500,000 per person. Amounts above require Bank of Mauritius authorization.

Temporary import of vehicles

Vehicles (including motorcycles) can be temporarily imported for up to 3 months with a carnet de passage or a bank guarantee. Must be re-exported.

Duty-free shopping at arrival

Duty-free allowances apply to goods purchased at the airport's duty-free shop before customs. Keep receipts for inspection.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can bring 1 liter of spirits (or 2 liters of wine/beer) AND 200 cigarettes (or 50 cigars or 250g tobacco) as long as you are 18+. The allowances are separate, not combined.

You must declare the excess on the customs form. Duty and VAT (15%) are charged on the value above the allowance. For example, goods worth MUR 40,000 (approx. USD 1,070) would incur duty on the MUR 10,000 excess.

No, but if you carry MUR 500,000 or more in local currency, you must declare it regardless of the USD equivalent. For foreign currency, the threshold is USD 10,000 or equivalent.

Yes, for personal consumption. However, meat and dairy products from certain countries (e.g., those with disease outbreaks) may be restricted. Always declare food items to avoid fines.

Personal electronics (laptops, cameras, phones) for personal use are generally allowed duty-free. If you bring multiple units (e.g., 3+ phones), customs may consider them commercial and charge duty.

You can bring up to 3 months' supply of prescription medication. Carry a doctor's prescription or letter. For larger quantities, apply to the Ministry of Health before travel.

Official source

Mauritius Revenue Authority (Customs Division)