Mauritius is one of the safer countries in Africa. As of 2025 it had seen no terrorist attacks, and there had been no protests or physical attacks aimed at Chinese companies or Chinese people (MOFCOM country guide, 2025 edition). The main risks for Chinese residents are theft and car break-in robberies, private currency-exchange scams, road and water-sport accidents, and the yearly cyclone and heavy-rain season.
The MOFCOM guide also says security has worsened compared with the past and that many Chinese companies have suffered theft. Below, each risk is set out with recent cases and precautions, followed by verified emergency numbers and the embassy’s consular protection line.
Overall picture
- According to Statistics Mauritius, offences reported to the police (excluding minor contraventions) fell from 58,794 in 2023 to 53,331 in 2024.
- Media reports say serious crime rose in 2024: murders went from 26 in 2023 to 35, and the reoffending rate among prisoners reached 73%.
- Traffic offences rose sharply: 216,326 road traffic contraventions in 2024, 62.1% more than in 2023.
- Ordinary citizens may not own firearms. Mauritius has no army; the police maintain public order.
- The MOFCOM guide describes police and other law enforcement as having low corruption and mostly acting by the law, generally friendly towards China, though protective of their own citizens’ interests.
- The most recent annual security assessment of Chinese company projects rated the risk as low, citing long-term political stability and good public order.
These figures come from the MOFCOM guide. Official sources give no crime statistics by city. The embassy’s advice focuses on three things: go out less at night, avoid isolated places, and leave nothing valuable in your car.
Cases involving Chinese people and companies
| Type | What has been reported | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Theft | Many Chinese companies have suffered theft | MOFCOM guide, 2025 edition |
| Car break-in robbery | In early 2024, Chinese tourists were robbed after their parked car was broken into while sightseeing in the south of the island | Chinese Embassy, February 2024 |
| Currency-exchange scam | Fraudsters claiming their company needs large amounts of rupees or foreign currency offer above-market rates for private exchange, then pay only part or nothing, counting on victims not going to the police | Chinese Embassy, September 2020 |
| Accidents | Several accidents involving Chinese tourists in 2024, linked to snorkelling and other water activities and to quad-bike-type tours | Chinese Embassy, July 2024 |
| Labour disputes | After large numbers of Chinese construction workers arrived, poor site management and cultural differences led to several group strikes; there were no strikes at Chinese companies in 2024 | MOFCOM guide, 2025 edition |
The MOFCOM guide and embassy notices we reviewed record no cases of kidnapping or police extortion targeting Chinese people.
Precautions
Cash and currency exchange
- Most hotels and shops accept UnionPay, Visa and Mastercard. Pay by card and do not carry large amounts of cash.
- Mauritian law does not allow companies or individuals to exchange currency privately. Use banks or licensed exchange bureaus.
- Be wary of exchange offers made online, by phone or through acquaintances, especially for large sums. If you are cheated, report it to the police and contact your bank immediately to stop or freeze payments.
Vehicles and getting around
- Never leave bags, phones, cameras or other valuables in a parked car.
- Mauritius drives on the left, and most junctions are roundabouts where vehicles already on the roundabout have priority. Roads are narrow with many motorcycles, many stretches have no street lights at night, and there are no pavements. Avoid long walks along roads, and take full insurance when renting a car.
- During cyclones and heavy rain the authorities issue warnings in advance and order people to stay indoors; plan around them.
Shops, warehouses and sites
- The MOFCOM guide recommends specific and general emergency plans with yearly drills and training, and siting camps on high ground away from flood and cyclone risk.
- Keep a line of communication with the embassy and build contacts with the local police and community. Cooperate with inspections and show valid documents; if you think you have been treated unfairly, complain through formal legal channels and stay calm.
- Labour-sending companies should spell out injury treatment and compensation, pay dates and payment methods in contracts to avoid disputes.
Documents and legal stay
- Keep copies or phone photos of your passport data page and entry stamp.
- Check the stay period on your entry stamp, do not overstay, and do not work while visa-free or on a tourist or business visa. Visa rules are on Mauritius visas and work permits.
Water and outdoor activities
- Wear a life jacket for snorkelling and other water activities, follow staff instructions and keep clear of boat propellers. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
- Government Notice No. 154 of 2012 bans tourists from swimming, diving or snorkelling with whales and from approaching, touching or feeding whales and dolphins. Book whale and dolphin trips through licensed, reputable operators.
- Buy travel accident insurance before you go.
Emergency numbers
| Service | Number |
|---|---|
| Police | 999 or 112 |
| Ambulance | 114 |
| Fire | 115 or 995 |
| Tourism complaints | 8910 or 2031000 |
| Chinese Embassy consular protection emergency line | 230-52522618 |
| MFA Global Emergency Call Centre for Consular Protection | +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308 |
These numbers are from the Chinese Embassy’s September 2026 notice. Mauritian emergency lines operate in English and French only (MOFCOM guide), so ask a colleague or friend who speaks one of them to help if needed.
Consular protection
The embassy’s consular section can issue, renew or replace travel documents and handle notarisation; raise matters with local authorities when a Chinese citizen’s rights are violated and they cannot protect themselves; visit detained or arrested Chinese citizens; provide names and numbers of local lawyers, interpreters or doctors on request; and share information and assistance during natural disasters or emergencies (MOFCOM guide).
If your passport is lost or stolen, report it to the police first, then contact the embassy; a copy of the passport shortens identity checks and speeds up replacement. See passport renewal abroad for the process and consular protection for what help is available.
Embassy address: Royal Road, Belle Rose, Rose Hill; switchboard (230) 467-4600; consular section (230) 463-8708, (230) 463-8706; website mu.china-embassy.gov.cn. For other practical information see the Mauritius guide; Chinese associations can also help in an emergency, see the Chinese community in Mauritius.
References
- Country Guide for Outward Investment and Cooperation: Mauritius (2025 edition) (PRC Ministry of Commerce et al., 2025)
- Embassy safety reminder (car break-in robbery) (Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, 2024)
- Reminder on currency-exchange fraud (Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, 2020)
- Reminder to Chinese tourists on travel safety (Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, 2024)
- Embassy reminder on travel safety (Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, 2026)
- Embassy reminder on Mauritius entry and exit rules (Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, 2026)
- Contact us (Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, 2023)