When it comes to rent a car in Mauritius, many international tourists wonder whether their driver's licence is valid in the country or if an International Driving Permit is required. Luckily, tourists are allowed to drive in Mauritius with their domestic licence for up to 4 weeks.

Tourists who have a driving licence issued by a competent authority in their respective nations are allowed to drive during their holidays in Mauritius. The island recognizes the Geneva Road Traffic Convention of 1949. Moreover, the law stipulates that “any person holding a valid International Driving Permit or Driving Licence issued by a competent foreign authority shall not be required to pass a test”.

If you intend to stay for a period longer than four weeks, you have to get an International Driving Permit or to ask for an extension with the Mauritius Police Forces. The first option seems better, as the Mauritian administration can be slow.

Moreover as the tourism industry is growing in Mauritius, especially for China and India, the visitors from these countries can also use their national driving licences in Mauritius. However, in order to avoid any confusion or problems their licences are recommended to be written in Latin letters, and to be readable easily.

Here are some additional information you might need when driving in Mauritius:

- The cars drive on the left hand side of the road. The priority is for vehicles coming from the right.

- Mauritius has only one motorway, which starts from the airport situated in the South East of the Island and ends at Grand Bay in the North

- All roads sign posts are of international standards;

- the peak hours during which you are most likely to encounter heavy traffic are from 07:30 am to 09:30 am, and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The traffic is especially heavy in Port Louis and in the entrances or exits of the main cities

- the legal maximum rate of alcohol in the bloodstream to drive is 50mg/100ml. However, we advise you to be 100 % sober

- It is absolutely illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving

- There are no road tolls in Mauritius

- The drivers and the passengers have to wear their seat belts is mandatory at any given time for all car passengers

 

Have a great stay in Mauritius!!