The U.S. Just Issued a Travel Advisory to This Stunning Island Destination Citing Crime and Safety Concerns—What to Know

The Department of State is warning travelers to the tropical island of Mauritius to be alert due to crime concerns there.

Located in the Indian Ocean off the eastern coast of Africa, Mauritius is a popular option among honeymoon travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a relaxing getaway. However, the State Department’s Dec. 8 Level 2 travel advisory warned vacationers to exercise increased caution when heading there due to a variety of crime concerns.

“Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts,” the State Department wrote in its advisory. “Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs.”

In addition to these petty crimes, the State Department said more serious crimes have been reported, including break-ins, verbal harassment and crimes against women, and even violent crime, including assault, murder, and rape.

In an effort to keep visitors safe, the State Department encouraged travelers hide overt sign of wealth (think: expensive watches of jewelry), use extra vigilance when walking or driving in the evenings, and generally remain aware of their surroundings.

“Do not physically resist any robbery attempt,” the advisory recommended. “Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.”

Travelers can also register with the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which provides updates on advisories and other critical information when traveling. The service also helps the State Department quickly engage with travelers abroad in the event of an emergency.

Last year, more than 1.3 million tourists visited Mauritius, according to statistics from the country’s Ministry of Tourism. Of those, most came from France, the United Kingdom, and the nearby Reunion Island and stayed for an average of just over 11 nights.

The number of travelers from the United States has steadily risen over the past few years. Last year, more than 15,000 Americans visited the island.

The Department of State regularly issues travel advisories for countries around the world from Level 1 to Level 4, its highest warning, which comes with a recommendation to avoid traveling to the destination.

In addition to Mauritius, the Department has recently issued warnings for Tanzania following reports of crime, terrorism, and other concerns there, and reissued a travel advisory for the Maldives due to the “risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in the Maldives.”