Practical Information
Getting to Mauritius
Visa Requirement in Mauritius
Citizens of most countries do not need a visa or may obtain a visa on arrival to Mauritius. For those that require a visa, the application is free and can be obtained on arrival.
Important: all travelers to Mauritius require a valid recognized passport (valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay)
Check your country’s visa requirements below: http://passport.govmu.org/English/Passport%20and%20Visa%20Requirement%20in%20Mauritius/Pages/Visa-Requirements-in-Mauritius.aspx
If you have any problem securing a visa to enter Mauritius or you need an invitation letter for Visa processing please email [email protected]. or [email protected]
Airport – Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport
Mauritius only has one main airport which is the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. It is located at Plaine Magnien, in the south east of Mauritius.
The distance from the capital Port Louis is about 48 km and 30-45 minutes’ drive by car. The airport is owned and operated by the government of Mauritius. It serves as the hub of Air Mauritius, the flag carrier airline of Mauritius and has direct flights to several destinations in Africa, Asia, and Europe.
Travel Tips: A range of airlines fly to Mauritius and sometimes it might be best to get a connection flight for cheaper tickets.
Transport and Transfers
Airport pick-up will be provided for all delegates & guests/speakers via a possible shuttle. If you need a transfer, please complete the spreadsheet or relevant Google Form emailed to you.
- Travel Tip: Complimentary transfer will be provided from the recommended hotel (Voila Bagatelle Hotel) each day of the workshop (morning & afternoon).
Other means of getting around in Mauritius would be public transport (bus), taxis or rental cars. Mauritius is fairly small hence if you do want to explore the island, we recommend renting a car (Taxis can sometimes be costly!)
Your Visit
Accommodation
Voila Bagatelle Hotel 3* – Recommended
Type: Business
Website: https://www.voilahotel.mu/
Address: Mall of Mauritius, Moka, Mauritius
Conveniently located at the Bagatelle Mall of Mauritius and just 15 mins drive away from the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (Host Venue), Voila Bagatelle is a business hotel that offers a 24-hour front desk, meeting facilities and free Wi-Fi.
It is also 40-minute drive away from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Airport.
Preferential Room Rates (16-19th December 2018) will be applicable for delegates/guests:
- Sharing Twin room at $65 or Mur 2,245 per room/night on Bed & Breakfast
- Single Standard room at $95 or Mur 3,299 per room/night on Bed & Breakfast
- Double Standard room at $130 Mur 4,449 per room/night on Bed & Breakfast
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Complimentary services:
- Free Shuttle from hotel to Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (morning & afternoon)
- Complimentary bottle of mineral water upon arrival
- Complimentary Tea & Coffee in room;
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Ironing rooms – 2 ironing rooms are at the guests’ disposal on each hotel’s wing, on the 2nd floor.
For the reservation, please contact one of the following individuals & mention:
‘African Space Generation Workshop Mauritius’ + copy-in [email protected]
– Rachel Adam – [email protected]
– Krish Ramanjooloo – [email protected]
– Beatrice Fabre – [email protected]
Note: If you prefer to make your own accommodation arrangements, we cannot guarantee the complimentary shuttle/free transfer from/to your accommodation.
Catering & Dinners
On-site catering will be provided free of charge for the 2-day workshop, this includes coffee breaks and lunches.
Your registration fee will also cover free access for both the opening & closing dinners and will be complimentary for all speakers/guests.
Language
The most widely-spoken language of the country is Mauritian Creole and the national language is English but most can speak French fluently.
Other languages spoken in Mauritius include Hindi, Urdu, and Bhojpuri, which is an amalgamation of several Indian dialects. Most Mauritians are at least bilingual.
*Travel Tip: Most Mauritians are bilingual.
Currency
The monetary unit of Mauritius is the Mauritian rupee. Most places would accept cash & card payments.
*You can make exchanges at the airport or local banks in Mauritius, you will get better rates!
$1 (US) = Rs 34
£1 (UK) = Rs 45
€1 (Euro) = Rs 40
Weather
The weather in Mauritius is mostly pleasant all-year round. December is summer time in Mauritius and you will be sure to have a warm weather to enjoy the sandy beaches and turquoise lagoons during your stay.
*Travel Tip: December can be quite hot, make sure to bring summer clothes as the average temperature will be around 27-28°C/80°F
To find out more about the weather in Mauritius in December, visit: https://www.holiday-weather.com/mauritius/averages/december/#summary-section