The ban on vaping in Mauritius is based on the Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) Regulations 2022, published by the Mauritian Ministry of Health and Wellness. This text, which revokes the previous regulations of 2008, has been amended twice: by the Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) (Amendment) Regulations 2022, then by the Public Health (Restrictions on Tobacco Products) (Amendment No. 2) Regulations 2023.

The effective implementation of the provisions concerning electronic cigarettes began on May 31, 2023World No Tobacco Day. Mauritius has thus become the first African country to implement plain packaging for tobacco, while simultaneously establishing a complete ban on vaping devices and heated tobacco products.

To check the official text and any changes, you can consult the website of the Mauritian Ministry of Health (health.govmu.org) or the official Tobacco Control Laws database.

Mauritian prohibition is not limited to mere marketing. It covers the entire lifecycle of vaping products:

• Manufacturing on Mauritian territory
• Importing, whether for commercial or personal reasons
• Distribution and sales, including online
• Advertising, promotion and sponsorship
• Possession and use on Mauritian soil

The products in question cover a very wide Range:

• Vaping devices Electronic cigarettes, pods, disposable vapes (puffs), mods, e-cigarettes
• E-liquids, whether or not they contain nicotine, including nicotine salts and neutral bases
• Related accessories Chargers, atomizers, coils, drip tips, dedicated batteries, replacement cartridges
• Heated tobacco products (HTP) such as IQOS, Glo, Ploom and their top-ups

In practical terms, possessing a vaping device legally acquired in one's country of origin constitutes an offence under Mauritian law, from the moment one crosses the Mauritian border with this device.

Customs controls at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and the Port of Port Louis are particularly vigilant regarding vaping products. The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and the Mauritian police have received specific training in identifying these devices, with support from the World Health Organization and the NGO Vie et Santé (VISA), which organized training sessions for law enforcement officers starting in 2023.

If an electronic cigarette is found in your luggage, several scenarios are possible:

• There systematic confiscation of the device and all accessories
• L'immediate application of a fine at the customs counter
• In some cases, the creation of an official report may lead to prosecution.

Some travelers have reported occasional tolerance from certain agents for very discreet devices intended for personal use. However, this practice remains entirely unofficial, varies from one agent to another, and in no way constitutes a guarantee. The legal risk remains, regardless of the quantity or discretion of the device being carried.

The penalties provided for under Mauritian regulations for vaping-related offences are as follows:

• Fine Between 5,000 and 10,000 Mauritian rupees (approximately 100 to 220 euros at the current exchange rate) for a first offence
• Imprisonment Up to 12 months in case of recurrence
• Confiscation final of the seized material

The Mauritian environmental police, in charge of enforcing the anti-tobacco law, reportedly issued nearly one hundred fines in the weeks following the entry into force of the 2023 amendments. The control effort has continued since then, with particular vigilance in tourist areas, hotels, beaches and shopping centers.

Important note: your travel insurance does not cover customs fines or the confiscation of prohibited goods. Penalties for regulatory violations are not included in the standard coverage of a travel insurance policy.

The Mauritian ban extends far beyond just electronic cigarettes. Several other categories of products, perfectly legal in most European countries, are prohibited in Mauritius:

Heated tobacco products

Devices such as IQOS (Philip Morris), Glo (BAT), and Ploom (JTI), as well as their tobacco stick refills, are subject to the same prohibition as electronic cigarettes. Their manufacture, import, distribution, sale, and use are prohibited throughout the country.

Rolling paper

A point often Overlooked: the rolling paper for cigarettes is strictly prohibited in Mauritius.Even empty and even imported in small quantities. If you smoke rolling tobacco, you can theoretically bring your tobacco (within the duty-free allowance), but not the rolling papers. Rolling tobacco sold locally does not include paper, and the papers are unavailable for purchase on the island.

CBD and cannabis-derived products

CBD, legal in many European countries, is considered a narcotic in Mauritius, and its possession carries severe criminal penalties, far exceeding the fines for vaping. This is a crucial point for travelers who use CBD oils in France or Belgium: importing them into Mauritius is strictly prohibited.

Beyond vaping, the use of traditional tobacco is also heavily regulated since the June 2023 amendment. The list of places where smoking is prohibited in Mauritius has expanded considerably. Tobacco and all vaping devices are prohibited in:

• All indoor public spaces without exception
• Workplaces and offices
• Public transport: buses, taxis, trains
• Bus stops and waiting areas
• Schools, universities and their courses
• Hospitals, clinics and health centers
• Government buildings and their surroundings
• Markets, food courts and shopping malls
• Supermarkets and mini-markets
• Shopping malls and shops
• Cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs, including those with outdoor seating
• Public gardens
• Cinemas and theaters

Regarding hotels and beaches, Amendment No. 2 of 2023 introduced some adjustments. Designated smoking areas are now limited to very specific zones defined by each establishment, generally outdoors and away from communal areas. Check with your hotel upon arrival to avoid any unintentional violations.

If you are a regular vaper and your trip to Mauritius is on the horizon, several options are worth considering before departure.

For vapers

The wisest option is to leave all your vaping equipment in your country of originNo devices, e-liquids, or accessories should be in your luggage, either in the cabin or in the hold. Prepare your transition in advance:

• Consult your doctor or a smoking cessation specialist several weeks before departure.
• Equip yourself with nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gums, lozenges, mouth sprays) in sufficient quantity for the entire stay
• Keep these substitutes in their original packaging, ideally with a prescription or proof of purchase from the pharmacy.
• Allow a comfortable margin, as these products are available in Mauritius but with a more limited selection than in Europe.

Traditional nicotine replacement therapies are available in most Mauritian pharmacies, particularly in urban areas (Port Louis, Curepipe, Quatre Bornes, Grand Baie). International brands (Nicorette, Nicotinell) are sold there, but at significantly higher prices than in Europe.

For smokers of traditional tobacco

Traditional cigarettes remain permitted in Mauritius, subject to the restrictions on where they are sold mentioned above. You may import tobacco within the duty-free allowance (maximum 250 grams, in the form of cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco, for adult travelers). However, you will need to leave your rolling papers at home.

This restrictive policy is part of an ambitious national tobacco control strategy led by the Mauritian Ministry of Health in partnership with the WHO. Mauritius was an early signatory of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), ratified in 2004, and is now among the most advanced countries on the African continent in terms of tobacco control policy.

According to WHO data, approximately 17% of the Mauritian adult population regularly uses tobacco, with a significantly higher prevalence among men (around 38%) than among women (around 2.5%). This consumption, combined with a high incidence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, has prompted a particularly firm approach from health authorities.

Several objectives underpin this policy:

• Protecting public health, especially that of younger generations
• Avoid the social normalization of vaping
• Limit the population's exposure to inhaled substances whose long-term effects remain only partially documented.
• Preserving a healthy environment in public and tourist spaces

Mauritius has thus joined a select group of countries that have opted for a total ban on vaping, alongside Singapore, Thailand, India, Brazil, and certain Australian states (where over-the-counter sales are prohibited and access is subject to medical prescription). This approach contrasts sharply with European regulations, which authorize and regulate vaping products while limiting their nicotine levels. No relaxation of the rules has been announced to date by the Mauritian authorities, and the trend appears to be toward a gradual strengthening of the existing legislation.

Can i really be fined for a simple puff in my Suitcase?

Yes. Mauritian law makes no distinction between a disposable vape, a pod system, or a more sophisticated mod. Possession of any vaping device is subject to confiscation and a fine, regardless of the device's size or value.

What if I simply leave my e-cigarette on the plane during transit?

As long as you remain in the international transit zone without crossing Mauritian customs, you are not subject to local legislation. However, if your stopover involves leaving the international zone (which is rarely the case in Mauritius), your device falls under the prohibition.

Is there a parallel market or discreet shops in Mauritius?

Several foreign-based websites claim to deliver vaping products to Mauritius, but these deliveries are reportedly intercepted by Mauritian customs in most cases. No physical stores legally sell e-cigarettes on the island, and any purchase on the informal market exposes consumers to significant legal risks, compounded by health risks related to the uncertain quality of the products.

Are my nicotine Replacement therapies (patches, gums) Allowed?

Yes. Traditional nicotine replacement therapies (patches, gum, lozenges, oral sprays) are perfectly legal to import and sell in Mauritius. They are also recommended by Mauritian health authorities as a smoking cessation aid.

What if they discover my vape pen upon arrival?

Cooperate immediately with customs officers, do not attempt to conceal the device, and offer no resistance. The most likely scenario is confiscation of the equipment and payment of a fine on the spot. In all cases, you will be asked to provide supporting documents (passport, return ticket). Avoid arguing about the legality of the product in your country of origin: only Mauritian law applies within the territory.

Does the ban also apply to Rodrigues and the other islands?

Yes. Mauritian legislation applies to the entire Republic of Mauritius, including the main island, Rodrigues, Agaléga, Saint Brandon, and the Scattered Islands. Vaping is not permitted in any free trade zone.

Is this ban likely to be relaxed soon?

Mauritian authorities have not announced any plans to ease restrictions. The trend observed in recent years has been towards a gradual tightening of measures, in line with Mauritius' international public health commitments. The situation could change, but no indication of this has been given to date.

Where can i find the most up-to-date official Information?

The official sources to consult before departure are:

• The website of the Mauritian Ministry of Health and Wellbeing: health.govmu.org
• The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority website: mauritiusattractions.com
• The official portal of the mauritian Government: govmu.org
• Travel advice from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: diplomatie.gouv.fr

These institutional resources provide the most reliable information and allow verification of the current state of regulations, which remains subject to change.