The Foreign Office is urging UK travellers to ‘stay away’
Some schools were reportedly closed in some parts of the country(Image: Getty)
The UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has revised its travel guidance in an update today, October 13. In its latest update for those planning a trip to Mauritius, the Foreign Office is warning tourists about “localised demonstrations and community unrest” following a shooting.
The FCDO warns: “Localised demonstrations and community unrest have occurred in parts of Mauritius following a police shooting incident on October 9 2026. Further protests may occur at short notice and could result in road closures, transport disruptions and interruptions to public services.
“Stay away from demonstrations and large public gatherings, monitor local media, follow the instructions of local authorities and exercise caution if travelling in affected areas.” About 150,000 UK tourists travel to the island every year.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need help, you should report any incidents to the Mauritius tourist police by calling 999.
Emergency services in Mauritius
- Ambulance: 999 or 114
- Fire: 999 or 115
- Police: 999 or 112
Tourist police
Contact your travel provider and insurer
The Foreign Office stresses on its website: “Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.”
Mauritius temporarily shut schools after shooting say reports
Mauritius closed schools in some parts of the country on Tuesday, October 13, reports say. It came after a night of unrest that began when a police officer allegedly shot a young woman.
An investigation is under way. It is being reported by local media that a police sergeant has been provisionally charged over the shooting of Élodie Thomas, 27.
She has since had successful surgery to remove the bullet. The incident led to protests. Police were dispatched as people burned tyres and blocked roads in parts of the country on Monday night.
Mauritius entry requirements
The island country in the Indian Ocean, located off the eastern coast of Africa, is becoming increasingly popular, with around 1.3 million tourists visiting every year.
In order to enter the country, your passport must:
- be valid for the duration of your stay
- have one blank page
The Foreign Office urges people to check with their travel provider to ensure their passport and any other travel documents meet the entry requirements, and to renew their passport if needed. Tourists could be refused entry if they do not have a valid travel document, or if they try to travel on a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.