Mauritius Curfew Explained: Areas, Exemptions and Penalties
A full breakdown of Mauritius's curfew order — which regions are affected, who is exempt, and what penalties apply to those who breach it.
Mauritius has imposed a curfew in response to civil unrest that has swept parts of the island, particularly in and around Port Louis. Here is everything you need to know about the restrictions currently in force.
Which areas are covered?
The curfew applies to regions identified as hotspots of unrest. These include Port Louis, the capital, and surrounding areas where disturbances, looting and clashes have been reported. Authorities have the power to extend the curfew to additional regions if the situation deteriorates further.
What does the curfew mean in practice?
Residents in affected areas are prohibited from leaving their homes or being present in public spaces during the hours specified by the order. Roads in curfew zones are patrolled by police and, where necessary, backed by the Special Mobile Force (SMF), Mauritius's paramilitary unit operating under the Commissioner of Police.
Who is exempt?
Several categories of people are permitted to move during curfew hours. These include medical professionals and healthcare workers travelling to or from duty, employees of essential services such as water, electricity and telecommunications, journalists covering the crisis in an official capacity, and individuals with urgent medical needs. People in these categories are advised to carry proof of their profession or purpose when travelling.
Students sitting national examinations — specifically the School Certificate (SC) and Higher School Certificate (HSC), the equivalent of O-Levels and A-Levels — have also been confirmed to proceed, with specific arrangements made for candidates and supervising staff to travel safely.
What are the penalties for breaching the curfew?
Breaching a curfew order in Mauritius is a criminal offence under the Public Order Act. Individuals found in a public place without a valid exemption during restricted hours can be arrested on the spot. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment. Repeat offenders or those found to be participating in acts of disorder face more serious charges, including rioting, which carries heavier sentences under Mauritian law.
Why was a curfew imposed?
The curfew was introduced after days of civil unrest, with scenes of looting, property damage and confrontations between residents and police reported in several urban areas. The government moved to restore order after the situation escalated rapidly, prompting calls for calm from religious leaders, civil society figures and opposition politicians alike.
What this means for residents and visitors
Anyone living in or travelling through a curfew zone — including tourists and expatriates — must comply with the restrictions or risk arrest. If you are unsure whether your area is affected, contact local authorities or check official government communications. Hotels and accommodation providers in affected areas are expected to advise guests accordingly. Essential supplies such as food and medicine should be secured in advance where possible, as movement outside curfew hours may be limited.
Source: Le Defi Media
Frequently Asked Questions
Which areas of Mauritius are under curfew?−
The curfew primarily covers Port Louis, the capital, and surrounding areas affected by civil unrest. Authorities can extend restrictions to additional regions if disturbances spread.
Who is allowed to travel during the Mauritius curfew?−
Exemptions apply to healthcare workers, employees of essential services (electricity, water, telecoms), journalists on official duty, people with urgent medical needs, and students and staff involved in SC and HSC national examinations.
What happens if you break the curfew in Mauritius?−
Breaching the curfew is a criminal offence under the Public Order Act. Offenders can be arrested immediately and face fines or imprisonment. Those involved in rioting or looting face additional serious charges under Mauritian law.
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