Packing the right suitcase makes all the difference.
Whether you're coming for a holiday or for a long-term stay, choosing a suitcase for Mauritius above all, it requires good management the size (cabin vs hold), the weight (deductibles vary greatly depending on the ticket) and the content (tropical climate, customs restrictions, medications, professional equipment). In this 2026 guide, you will find concrete points of reference, numerical examples (official sources) and a checklist to ensure a worry-free trip.
For a turnkey expatriation (housing, schools, banking, insurance, permits/visas, etc.), you can also consult Expat Mauritius (free evaluation).
What size suitcase should I take to Mauritius?
In practice, the “right size” depends on 3 things: length of stay, type of trip (vacation / prospecting / moving) and baggage allowance indicated on the ticket. Airlines apply different rules (and sometimes a mix of "weight" vs. "coins"). Air Mauritius, for example, reminds you that your baggage allowance is shown on the ticket and may vary depending on the route.
Quick guide: cabin, hold, or both?
- 7-day weekend : cabin suitcase + small bag (if your ticket allows it).
- 10 to 21 days cabin baggage + 1 checked bag (medium size) for comfort.
- Relocation / Expatriation cabin baggage + 1 to 2 checked bags, and sometimes a cargo/sea shipment depending on the volume (to be studied on a case-by-case basis).
Table of recommended formats (concrete guidelines)
| Need | Recommended format | Approximate size | Target weight (excluding allowance) | Why is this suitable for Mauritius? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight trip (3–7 days) | Rigid cabin | Approximately 55 cm (depending on the company) | 7–10 kg depending on ticket/airline | Convenient for getting out of the airport quickly and limiting waiting times at the carousel. |
| Comfort stay (10–21 days) | "Medium" hold“ | 60–69 cm | Aim for 18–23 kg | Allows you to bring more (outfits, shoes, beach equipment) without overloading. |
| Expat / relocation | Large hold + packing cube organization | 70–79 cm | Often 23 kg per piece (beware of the limits per piece) | Useful for work clothes, documents, small equipment, first few weeks before buying locally. |
| Family with children | 1 hold per adult + 1 "shared" hold (if applicable) | Mix 60–75 cm | Optimization per kg / per piece | Avoid 4 small suitcases: easier to transport (taxi, rental, transfers). |
Permitted weight: cabin and hold (examples 2026, check your ticket)
There is no single rule “for Mauritius”: these are the your company's terms and conditions + your price + sometimes your itinerary (direct flight, connecting flight, code-share) which determine the deductible.
Cabin: the Air Mauritius example (useful as a reference point)
- Economy : 1 cabin baggage up to 7 kg (exception mentioned for Rodrigues: 5 kg).
- Dimensions Air Mauritius indicates “as a general rule” a sum length + width + height ≤ 115 cm.
- Code-share : for some flights operated by a partner, the rules of the operating carrier apply (Air Mauritius cites in particular a case of a flight operated by Air France with 35×55×25 cm + 1 accessory, and a total of 12 kg).
Council 2026: If you are departing from or transiting through the United States, keep in mind the security rules regarding liquids in the cabin: the TSA reminds you of the limit of 3.4 oz (100 ml) per container, all in a quarter-size sachet“.
Cargo hold: pay attention to the limits per item (very important)
Many companies cap the weight of’one piece of baggage for handling reasons. Air Mauritius, for example, indicates a maximum “as a general rule” of 32 kg per piece and dimensions (L+ l + h) ≤ 158 cm, with possible surcharge up to 300 cm (beyond that: cargo).
Air Mauritius also publishes a franchise schedule applicable to tickets issued from June 1, 2025 (still in effect in 2026 unless updated), with frequent cases at 1 piece weighing 23 kg to certain destinations and 2 pieces of 23 kg on others, depending on the route.
What to pack in your suitcase for Mauritius? (smart packing list)
Clothing: focus on lightweight, breathable, and "mix & match" options.“
- Textiles : linen, lightweight cotton, breathable materials (humidity possible in southern summer).
- 1 rain outfit : compact windbreaker or rain jacket (especially if you arrive during cyclone season).
- Shoes : sandals + 1 closed pair (walking, errands, appointments), + flip-flops/beach.
- “Administrative/Professional” attire” Even in Mauritius, you will appreciate smart attire for banks, visits, and appointments.
Weather: adjust according to the season (official reference point)
The cyclone season in Mauritius covers the period of November 1st to May 15th (Official information). If you arrive during this window, bring quick-drying clothes, rain protection, and secure your devices (waterproof case, zip bags).
Electronics: plugs, adapters and organization
- Fluent : the standard is generally 230V / 50 Hz.
- Sockets We mainly encounter the types C And G (depending on accommodations/hotels).
- To be placed in the cabin passport, documents, computer, external batteries (according to air safety regulations).
To check the compatibility of your chargers, a simple guide is to consult a plug guide (e.g., Wise) before purchasing an adapter.
Health & medication: the key point not to miss
If you are travelling with medication (prescription or controlled), the Mauritian authorities particularly recommend: legible prescription, original boxes, limited quantity (up to 3 months for prescription and 1 month for controlled drugs), and authorisation required for certain controlled drugs.
Regarding the aircraft, Air Mauritius also indicates that medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be kept with you. with you in the cabin (in cabin baggage/small bag).
Customs restrictions upon arrival: what you can (really) import
Upon arrival, the question isn't just "what fits in the suitcase?", but also "what gets through customs without any problems?". To avoid unpleasant surprises, consult the official websites of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).
Alcohol and tobacco exemption: rules and effective date
The MRA indicates franchise options for alcohol/tobacco, with one important note: a new table enters into force on September 1, 2025. The quantities are structured into “options” (you must choose only one option).
Other assets: Mauritian rupee ceilings (MUR)
The MRA also specifies an allowance on “other accompanied goods” (excluding excluded categories), with amounts that vary according to status (Mauritian/foreign) and age. Example: for a foreign passport, The stated ceiling is Rs 15,000 (according to the “International Flights” table).
Prohibited/Controlled Items: Caution advised with certain items
Without going into specific cases, remember that certain categories are prohibited Or subject to permit (weapons, controlled substances, etc.). The MRA details restrictions, including on certain types of weapons and controlled drugs (authorization required).
"Anti-weight" tips: avoid expenses and stress
1) Weigh before you leave (really)
- Invest in a luggage scale (or weigh yourself on a household scale using the “you + suitcase” method).
- Aim for a margin of 1 to 2 kg souvenirs, shopping, duty-free…
2) Optimize volume without creasing everything
- Packing cubes : to compartmentalize (beach / city / sport / administrative).
- Roll for t-shirts and shorts, structured folding for shirts/dresses.
- Shoes : fill the inside (socks, cables) + odor-absorbing sachets.
3) Anticipate the matching and code-sharing
If part of your journey is operated by another airline (code-share), your cabin/cargo baggage rules may change. Air Mauritius explicitly states that the rules of the operating airline apply.
Departure checklist (ready to copy)
- Ticket : check baggage allowance (kg / number of pieces) + cabin dimensions on the airline's page.
- Cabin passport, means of payment, telephone, charger, documents, medication, 1 change of clothes.
- Liquids : compliance with security rules (if transiting through the US: TSA rule 3-1-1).
- Cargo hold : clothing, shoes, toiletries, beach accessories.
- Drugs : prescription + original boxes + correct quantities.
- Adapter : compatible with type C/G and 230V sockets.
- Customs : check alcohol/tobacco franchises and values in MUR.
FAQ – Suitcase for Mauritius (frequently asked questions)
What size cabin baggage is required for Mauritius in 2026?
There is no single size, as the rule depends on the airline and sometimes the airport. As a concrete guideline, Air Mauritius indicates, “as a general rule,” a cabin size limit based on the sum length + width + height ≤ 115 cm, and a 7 kg baggage allowance in Economy. This gives an idea of the accepted sizes, but in the case of a code-share flight (operated by a partner), the dimensions may be different: always check the exact allowance on your ticket and the website of the operating carrier.
How many kilos of hold baggage are allowed on a flight to Mauritius?
The baggage allowance varies considerably depending on the fare (Economy Light vs. Economy Standard), the route, and the airline. As a documented example, Air Mauritius publishes a baggage allowance schedule applicable to tickets issued from June 1, 2025, with many Economy tickets allowing one 23 kg piece of luggage (and sometimes two 23 kg pieces depending on the destination/route). Important note: the maximum weight per piece may be limited (Air Mauritius reminds passengers of a general limit of 32 kg per piece). Check the "baggage allowance" line on your ticket.
What should you absolutely pack in your cabin baggage for Mauritius?
Keep everything critical in case of delayed baggage in your carry-on: documents (passport, confirmations), payment methods, phone/charger, a change of clothes, and especially medications. Air Mauritius specifies that medications (prescription and non-prescription) must be carried in the cabin. If you are transiting through the United States, also comply with the TSA rule on liquids (3.4 oz / 100 ml per container in a quarter-size bag). This combination of security and continuity avoids hassles upon arrival.
Can I bring prescription medication to Mauritius?
Yes, but you must comply with the declaration and transport rules. The Mauritius Revenue Authority recommends traveling with a legible prescription, keeping medications in their original packaging, and limiting quantities (up to three months for a prescription, one month for controlled medications). For some controlled medications, prior approval is required (Government Pharmacist). In practice, prepare a simple file (prescription + list) in your cabin, and avoid transporting large quantities without justification.
And now ?
If you're planning more than just a trip (scouting, settling in, administrative procedures), a good suitcase is just the beginning. To structure your project (visas/permits, housing, schools, banking, insurance, starting a business), you can browse the expatriation guides Expat Mauritius, then contact the team via the website Expat Mauritius for a free assessment and support tailored to your situation.
