Moving Pets to Mauritius: 30-Day Quarantine and the 6-Month Residency Rule
Mauritius is one of the most beautiful islands in the Indian Ocean, and it maintains some of the most rigorous pet import requirements in the world. The combination of mandatory quarantine and pre-travel waiting periods means you need to start planning at least seven months before your intended move date.
The 30-Day Mandatory Quarantine
Every dog and cat entering Mauritius - regardless of origin country, vaccination history, or titre test status - completes a 30-day quarantine at the government-approved facility. There are no exemptions.
The quarantine facility is operated by the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MAIFS). Costs are borne by the owner.
The 6-Month Vaccination Wait
Mauritius requires that the rabies vaccination was administered at least 6 months before the animal arrives. This is not a 180-day titre test wait (as required by Australia) - it is a 180-day post-vaccination holding period.
Combined with quarantine, your preparation timeline looks like this:
- Administer rabies vaccination
- Wait 6 months
- Obtain health certificate (within 10 days of travel)
- Travel
- 30-day quarantine on arrival
Start at Month 0. Earliest possible arrival: Month 7+.
Documentation Required
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| ISO 15-digit microchip | Yes |
| Rabies vaccination | At least 6 months before arrival |
| Full vaccination record | Distemper, parvo, hepatitis for dogs |
| Rabies titre test | Required - must confirm adequate titre |
| Health certificate | Issued within 10 days of travel |
| CITES permit | If the species/breed is CITES-listed |
| Import permit from MAIFS | Yes - apply well in advance |
Import Permit Process
Apply for an import permit from the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security at least 3 months before travel. The permit will specify the quarantine facility and arrival date window.
Permitted Entry Points
Only specific entry ports are approved for live animal import. Commercial air cargo through Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) is the standard route.
Cost Estimate (UK to Mauritius)
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Import permit | MUR variable |
| Titre test | £150 |
| Government health certificate + APHA endorsement | £200-350 |
| 30-day quarantine facility fee | MUR 10,000-30,000+ (~£170-520+) |
| Airline cargo | £600-1,200 |
| Total | ~£1,200-2,400+ |
Sources: Mauritius Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security (MAIFS) official import requirements. Data current as of May 2026.