Mauritius Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Mauritius
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated December 8, 2025
Mauritius recorded 2.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2022, a rate that is low by global standards. That places Mauritius #108 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Mauritius at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
2.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#88 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
2022
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2022)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have remained broadly stable over the past decade. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Mauritius Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Mauritius, the homicide rate for men is 1.9× higher than the rate for women — 3.0 vs 1.6 per 100,000 (2022).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Mauritius:
Exercise increased caution in Mauritius due to crime . Crime 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. Other serious crimes in Mauritius include: Break-ins Violent crimes (serious assaults, murder, rape) Verbal harassment and other crimes towards women traveling alone Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime .
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Mauritius
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 08, 2025).
Precautions
Keep valuables locked in a hotel room safe. Be aware of surroundings, especially at night. Avoid demonstrations. Even events intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Maintain caution at public gatherings and areas frequented by foreigners. Follow the instructions of local authorities, monitor local media, and the Embassy’s Facebook page and Website .
Crime
Most criminal activity directed against foreigners is non-violent. Non-violent crimes of opportunity, such as pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts, occur in crowded outdoor shopping areas, including areas that cater to the robust tourist industry, and have occurred near ATMs. Tourists should be alert for petty scams by street vendors and inflated “tourist prices” in markets. Women walking by themselves may be at greater risk for verbal harassment and criminal targeting. Individual violent crimes (serious assaults, murder, rape) are known to occur. See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information on scams.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the police, followed by the hospital and/or the U.S. Embassy. Report crimes to the local police by dialing 999 and contact the U.S. Embassy at +230-202-4400. After hours life and death emergencies: +(230) 202-4400, press one (1) after the automated greeting. Tourist Police telephone: +230-212-7979. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
The tourism industry is generally regulated and rules with regard to best practices and safety inspections are regularly enforced. Hazardous areas/activities are identified with appropriate signage and professional staff is typically on hand in support of organized activities. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is widely available on the main island of Mauritius. Outside of a major metropolitan center, it may take more time for first responders and medical professionals to stabilize a patient and provide life-saving assistance. Visitors to Rodrigues or other islands may require evacuation to the main island of Mauritius for urgent care. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Mauritius Population & Demographics
Population of 1,245,779, growth trends, economy, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mauritius safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Mauritius at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime. The homicide rate of 2.3 per 100,000 is low by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Mauritius?
Mauritius has an intentional homicide rate of 2.3 per 100,000 people (2022, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #108 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Mauritius?
Mauritius is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Mauritius compare to other countries?
Mauritius's homicide rate of 2.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.