The U.S. Department of State keeps a well-maintained log of international travel advisories, designed to help Americans make decisions about their safety when preparing to travel abroad. Every foreign country is given a designated level of risk, ranging from Level 1, the lowest, to Level 4.
On Monday, the State Department increased the level of risk to the East African island nation of Mauritius, moving it from Level 1 (“Exercise normal precautions”) to Level 2 (“Exercise increased caution”).
The U.S. travel warning levels, explained
- Level 1: “Exercise normal precautions” – Reserved for countries that are generally safe such as Canada, Switzerland, Greece, Norway, South Korea, Japan and Australia.
- “Exercise increased caution” – Certain areas may contain increased threats such as theft, crime or terrorism. Countries currently under Level 2 advisory include Albania, Brazil, China, Cuba, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico and Panama.
- Level 3: “Reconsider travel” – Citizens are urged to rethink their plans, due to “serious risks and security.” Colombia, Guyana, Honduras, Israel, Jamaica, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Uganda are among the countries currently under Level 3.
- Level 4: “Do not travel” – The most severe advisory due to “life-threatening risks.” The United States may not be able to help guests in case of an emergency, and asks citizens not to visit or leave as soon as possible. Countries under this designation include Afghanistan, Haiti, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Niger, North Korea, Russia and Sudan are all on this list.
The State Department reviews Level 1 and 2 advisories every 12 months and Level 3 and 4 warnings every six months, meaning Mauritius’ status was last updated around this time last year.
Why was the travel warning to Mauritius increased?
The State Department bumped Mauritius, an island country in the Indian Ocean with a population of just over 1.2 million, to a Level 2 on its advisory scale because of the threat of crime throughout the country.
“Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts,” the warning reads.
“Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs.”
Other significant criminal activity to watch out for in Mauritius includes:
- Verbal harassment and other crimes towards women traveling alone
- Break-ins
- Serious violent crimes (assaults, murder, rape)
You can find more information from the State Department on Mauritius right here.
Is it still safe to travel to Mauritius?
Based on the U.S. Department of State’s official guidelines, yes. It’s definitely okay to visit Mauritius, which is well-known for its tropical beauty and tourist attractions, as long as you are aware of your surroundings and take precautions against the potential risks mentioned in the travel advisory.
“Mauritius is great for family beach vacations, romantic getaways for couples and honeymooners, and anyone who loves the beach. It’s especially great for people who love diving, snorkeling, and surfing,” says GoWay.com. “Mauritius has some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs and sea life, offering an underwater treat that should not be missed.”
