State Department Issues Travel Advisory for Popular Tourist Destination

‘Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts,’ the department warned.

Tourists on the Flic en Flac beach located on the western coast of Mauritius on Nov. 3, 2021. Photo by Laura Morosol/AFP via Getty Images

Americans traveling to Mauritius should “exercise increased caution” due to considerable crime risk, the State Department said in a Dec. 8 travel advisory update on the East African island nation. The advisory level for the country has now been upgraded to Level 2.

“Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts. Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs,” the State Department said.

Mauritius is a popular global tourist destination. More than 1.27 million people visited the country from January to November, including 13,797 Americans, according to data from Statistics Mauritius.

Other serious crimes in the country include break-ins and violent crimes including rape, murder, and serious assaults adding that women who travel alone risk facing verbal harassment and other crimes, the State Department said.

The department advised Americans victimized by sexual assault to first contact the local police, and then visit a hospital or the U.S. embassy in Port Louis.

Travelers were advised to keep their valuables locked in their hotel room safe, maintain caution at public gatherings, be aware of their surroundings, and avoid demonstrations even if these events are intended to be peaceful, according to the advisory.

The State Department also warned against displaying any signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches, and against physically resisting robbery attempts.

“You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs result in prison sentences up to 35 years and heavy fines,” the State Department said.

“If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.”

According to data from Statbase, an open data platform, Mauritius is ranked 56th among 147 nations in terms of crime.

Other Western nations also warn travelers to be wary of crime risks while visiting Mauritius.

In a Dec. 4 advisory update, the Canadian government advised people to “take normal security precautions” in the country.

“Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs sometimes across the country. Incidents are more frequent in Port Louis, Flic en Flac and Grand-Baie, especially at night,” it said.

According to the update, theft is frequent in popular tourist areas, hotel rooms, and at or near street ATMs.

The UK government also warned about petty crime in Port Louis, Grand Baie, and Flic en Flac, adding that there have been reports of sexual assaults on tourists in the country.

“Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Mauritius, attacks cannot be ruled out,” it said.

On Dec. 9, the State Department updated the travel advisory for Seychelles, another popular tourist destination. Overall, the archipelago has a Level 1 “exercise normal precautions” designation.

“Muggings and petty crime such as purse snatching and pickpocketing are reportedly on the increase and can be a problem especially in and around tourist facilities and ATMs. Theft from vehicles and on beaches or walking trails occurs in areas frequented by foreigners,” it said.

The department specified three areas in Seychelles for a Level 2 advisory.

“Exercise Increased Caution in Praslin, La Digue, and the outer islands due to health risks. Smaller islands like these lack medical infrastructure required to treat common traumas or illnesses. Patients must travel to the island of Mahé via boat or plane to receive care,” the department said.