Country guides
Africa
Electricity
The electrical current in Mayotte is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong plugs are used.
Language
French is the official language of Mayotte, but the most commonly spoken language is Shimaore.
Money
Mayotte is politically part of France and an Outermost Region of the European Union, and uses the euro (EUR) as its official currency. Banking facilities are comparatively limited but the banking system is modern and efficient, as it is integrated with France's.
Tipping
Tipping isn't expected but is appreciated in bars, restaurants or by hotel staff. travellers should round up fares in taxis, and tip around 20 USD for guided day trips, snorkelling and diving.
Health
No vaccinations are required for travel to Mayotte but vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if travellers are coming from or have transited through an airport of a country where yellow fever occurs. Chikungunya and dengue fever (also mosquito-borne diseases) are present in Mayotte so travellers should take precautions against mosquito bites. Medical facilities are available and the presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) entitles travellers to medical care. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.
Safety
Travellers should be wary of petty crime, and crimes of opportunity such as pickpocketing and purse snatching. Thieves could operate in Kawéni neighbourhood, the capital Mamoudzou, and crowded public areas such as markets, hotel lobbies, the airport and tourist sites. Violent incidents don't typically target foreigners, but there is a risk of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Tourists should avoid demonstrations and instances of civil unrest, as these can suddenly turn violent and lead to clashes with security forces.
Local customs
Mayotte's strong European flavour derives from it being an overseas department of France, its large expat community, and its appeal as a holiday destination for the French. However, beyond the expats and holidaymakers the population of Mayotte is largely Muslim, which ensures that the island is culturally distinct from France. Outside of the main resort areas, travellers (especially women) should be respectful of Islamic customs.
Doing business
Foreigners should wear a lightweight suit or shirt and tie. French and Arabic are the languages of business; English is seldom used.
Duty free
Travellers entering Mayotte from Mauritius can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes or cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 400g of tobacco. Those arriving from with the EU who are over the age of 17 can bring in 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200 cigars or 1kg of tobacco. They can also enter with 10 litres of spirits, 90 litres of wine or 110 litres of beer. Travellers from outside the EU who are older than 17 can bring in 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. They can enter with 1 litre of spirits, 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer as well.
Communications
The international access code for Mayotte is +262. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the United States). Travellers can purchase local SIM cards for unlocked phones; some hotels offer WiFi.
Passport & Visa
Return or onward air tickets and all necessary documents for the next destination are required. It is recommended that passports be valid for six months after the intended period of travel.
Entry requirements
Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of USA are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Passports must be valid on arrival. British nationals and passport holders are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of Canada are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of Australia are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Nationals of South Africa require a normal passport and visa. A visa is not required by holders of a valid multiple-entry Schengen C visa issued by a French consular authority. The visa must have a validity period of between 6 months and 5 years.
Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of Ireland do not require a visa.
Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of New Zealand are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.