The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has updated its travel advice for Mauritius, warning UK travellers of ongoing demonstrations in parts of the island. The update, issued on October 13, follows community unrest after a police shooting incident on October 9.
The Government has warned that the demonstrations may cause travel disruption, including road closures and interruptions to public services. Temporary curfews covering most areas of the main island have been enforced by the Government of Mauritius this week, with the second night running from 8.30pm on Wednesday, October 14 to 5am on Thursday, October 15.
Guidance for travellers
Travellers are urged to follow guidance from local authorities to stay up to date on timings and to avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings. Mauritius, an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa, is known for its white sandy beaches, waterfalls, lagoons and mountain views, and attracts more than 100,000 British visitors each year, with an average temperature of 28C.
A spokesperson for the FCDO said: "Localised demonstrations and community unrest have occurred in parts of Mauritius following a police shooting incident on October 9, 2026, and may continue."
Curfew details and insurance advice
The spokesperson added: "This could result in road closures, transport disruption and interruptions to public services. The Government of Mauritius has introduced temporary curfews during the evening and overnight, covering most areas of the main island."
"These are currently scheduled to take place from 20:30 on Wednesday October 14 to 05:00 on Thursday October 15. Follow the guidance from local authorities to stay up to date on timings. Avoid demonstrations and large public gatherings, stay indoors during curfew and follow the advice of local authorities."
The FCDO is urging travellers who choose to visit Mauritius to take out appropriate travel insurance. "If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency," the spokesperson said.
