Intercountry Adoption

English

Country Information

Mauritius

Mauritius
Republic of Mauritius
Exercise increased caution to Mauritius due to crime.

The advisory level was increased to 2. The “crime” indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated.

Exercise increased caution to Mauritius due to crime.

Advisory summary

Crime
Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity. This includes pickpocketing, purse snatchings, and petty thefts.

Petty crime occurs in crowded outdoor shopping areas, beaches, and other tourist spots. It also happens near ATMs.

Other serious crimes in Mauritius include:

  • Break-ins
  • Violent crimes (serious assaults, murder, rape)
  • Verbal harassment and other crimes towards women traveling alone

Review our information on Crime Abroad and for Victims of Crime.

If you decide to travel to Mauritius:

  • Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Do not answer your door at your hotel or residence unless you know who it is.
  • Stay alert in tourist spots.
  • Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
  • Review the Country Security Report for Mauritius.
  • Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest Travel Health Information for Mauritius.
  • Whether you’re a first time or frequent traveler, use the International Travel Checklist.
  • We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
... [READ MORE]

Hague Convention Participation

Hague Adoption Convention Country?
Yes

Hague Convention Information

Mauritius is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Hague Adoption Convention).  Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of Mauritius.

Below is the limited adoption information that the Department has obtained from the adoption authority of Mauritius.  U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from Mauritius should contact the Central Authority of Mauritius to inquire about applicable laws and procedures.  U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Mauritius who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact Mauritius’ Central Authority.  See contact information below.

The Convention entered into force with respect to Mauritius in January 1999.  However, the Government of Mauritius has informed the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis that it is in the process of amending its laws in order to fully implement the Hague Adoption Convention.  The Department will be gathering information on how these changes will impact intercountry adoptions between the United States and Mauritius.  U.S. prospective adoptive parents who wish to adopt from Mauritius may encounter delays during this transition.

Please visit the Department’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to Mauritius and the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis’ website for information on consular services.

U.S. Immigration Requirements

To bring an adopted child to the United States from Mauritius, you must meet certain suitability and eligibility requirements. USCIS determines who is suitable and eligible to adopt a child from another country and bring that child to live in the United States under U.S. immigration law.

Additionally, a child must meet the definition of a Convention adoptee under U.S. immigration law in order to be eligible to immigrate to the United States with an IH-3 or IH-4 immigrant visa.

Contact Information

Mauritius’ Adoption Authority
Adoption Unit
c/o Ministry of Gender Equality and Family Welfare
C.S.K Building
Corner Remy Ollier & Emmanuel Anquetil Streets
Port-Louis
Tel: +230 206 3700/ 206 3718
Email: childadopt@govmu.org

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)
For questions about filing a Form I-800A application or a Form I-800 petition:
USCIS National Benefits Center (NBC):
Tel:  1-877-424-8374 (toll free); 1-913-275-5480 (local); Fax: 1- 913-214-5808
Email: NBC.Adoptions@uscis.dhs.gov

For general questions about immigration procedures:
USCIS Contact Center
Tel:  1-800-375-5283 (TTY 1-800-767-1833)
Internet:  uscis.gov

Last Updated: January 31, 2025

Assistance for U.S. Citizens

U.S. Embassy Port Louis
4th Floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Street
Port Louis, Mauritius
Telephone
+(230) 202-4400
Emergency
+(230) 202-4400,
press one (1) after the automated greeting
Fax
+(230) 208-9534

Mauritius Map