Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026
Dreaming of white sandy beaches and turquoise waters with your furry best friend? If you’re heading to the island paradise of Mauritius in 2026, you’ll need to pack some serious patience along with that sunscreen.
Air Mauritius has some of the strictest pet policies in the sky. To keep the island’s unique ecosystem safe, they treat pet travel more like a high-security mission than a weekend getaway. Here is everything you need to know about the Air Mauritius Pet Policy 2026.
First things first: Air Mauritius does not allow pets in the cabin or as checked baggage. Whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a massive Maine Coon, they must travel via Manifest Cargo. This means your pet won’t be on your ticket; they’ll have their own “Air Waybill.”
The Entry Requirements: Start 6 Months Early!
Mauritius is a rabies-free island, and they intend to keep it that way. You cannot “wing it” here.
- Age Limit: Your pet must be at least 6 months old to enter the country.
- Microchipping: A 15-digit ISO-compliant microchip is mandatory and must be implanted before the rabies vaccine.
- The Sterilization Rule: All dogs and cats must be neutered or spayed to enter Mauritius (unless you have a specific breeding permit).
- Import Permit: You must apply for this from the Ministry of Agro-Industry and Food Security at least 3 to 6 months before you fly.
The Paperwork “Paws-port”
You’ll need a folder thick enough to be a novel. Essential docs include:
- Pet Passport & Health Certificate: Signed by an official government vet in your home country.
- Rabies Titre Test: Most countries require a blood test (RNAT) performed at least 30 days after vaccination and 3 months before travel to shorten or avoid long-term quarantine.
- The “Originals” Rule: You must attach copies to the crate, but you must carry the original documents to the cargo terminal.
The Cargo Experience (AVIH)
Since your pet is flying as cargo, they’ll be in a pressurized, temperature-controlled section of the hold.
- Cost: Expect to pay around €190 – €350+ for international segments, plus local handling and broker fees.
- Broker Power: You must hire a local clearing agent (broker) in Mauritius to handle the customs formalities upon arrival. If no one is there to meet the pet, they could be sent back at your expense!
- No Sedation: For safety, sedated pets are strictly prohibited.
Approved Carrier Sizes (IATA Standards)
Air Mauritius follows strict IATA Live Animal Regulations.
- The crate must be rigid (plastic or wood), leak-proof, and escape-proof.
- The “Stand & Turn” Rule: Your pet must be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. If the crate is too small, Air Mauritius will refuse transport.
- Labeling: The crate must have a “Live Animal” sticker, plus a tag with your name, address, phone number, and the pet’s name.
🛑 Prohibited Breeds & Restrictions
Mauritius has a “No-Fly” list for certain breeds to protect public safety. Prohibited breeds (and their mixes) include:
- American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Dogo Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, and Boerboel.
- Snub-Nosed Pets: While not outright banned, Air Mauritius strongly discourages transporting brachycephalic breeds (like Pugs or Bulldogs) in the hold due to the high risk of heatstroke and respiratory failure.
Arrival & Quarantine
Welcome to Mauritius! But don’t expect a beach day just yet.
- Mandatory Quarantine: All pets entering Mauritius are subject to a 5-day to 30-day quarantine at the government facility in Reduit.
- Visits: You can usually visit your pet during specific hours, but you’ll need to provide their food and cat litter yourself!
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