Night curfew ends in Mauritius; visitors urged to steer clear of protests

Mauritius has lifted the nighttime curfew it imposed last week after a rare wave of violent demonstrations on the Indian Ocean island. The office of Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam announced on Monday that the measure would not be extended, citing what it called the "favourable evolution of the situation".

Key facts

• The last curfew ended at 4:30am on Monday 19 October 2026 and was not extended.
• Curfews covered most areas of the main island, according to the British government.
• The unrest followed protests over water shortages and the rising cost of living.
• Roads are open and schools have reopened, a local tourism operator said.
• At least 188 people were arrested in the days that followed.

Why was the curfew imposed?

Protests broke out last week over water shortages and the rising cost of living. Violence escalated after a police officer shot and seriously wounded a woman in the neck on Saturday. Authorities said the officer has been arrested and brought to court.

In the following days, at least 188 people were arrested on charges including looting, arson, damage to police stations and possession of explosives.

What is the situation now?

The Prime Minister's office said the curfew currently in effect would not be extended, effective immediately. The Mauritius Tours tourism operator stated on its website that the last curfew ended at 4:30am on Monday 19 October, that roads are open, that all schools have reopened with classes running as usual, and that daily life is back on track.

The British government said the temporary curfews covered most areas of the main island and ran from 12 October to 18 October, ending at 4:30am on Monday 19 October.

What does the UK advise for travellers?

The British government updated its travel advice for Mauritius after the unrest, urging people travelling to the popular holiday destination to take care. It advised travellers to stay away from demonstrations and large public gatherings and to follow the advice of local authorities.

What this means for travellers

The overnight restrictions are no longer in force, and a local tourism operator reports that roads and schools are operating normally. Travellers already in Mauritius or planning a trip should still stay away from demonstrations and large public gatherings, and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Mauritius is usually viewed as a model of stability and prosperity in Africa, and the last major unrest was in 1999, when a renowned singer died in police custody. The source gives no further details on any pending decisions or measures that could follow the curfew.