Can I bring my car to Mauritius?
Direct Answer
Technically yes, but it is rarely worth it. Import duty is 15–100% of vehicle value and left-hand drive cars are impractical.
Importing a car to Mauritius
Import duty rates
| Engine size | Duty rate | |-------------|----------| | Up to 550cc | 0% | | 551–1000cc | 15% | | 1001–1600cc | 45% | | 1601–2000cc | 75% | | Over 2000cc | 100% |
VAT (15%) and excise duty also apply on top, making total tax burden on a mid-size car 60–130% of its CIF value.
Drive on the left
Mauritius is left-hand traffic. European and American cars (left-hand drive) are impractical and may not be registerable.
No duty-free allowance for vehicles
Unlike household goods, there is no new-resident exemption for vehicles. Full duty applies.
Best approach
Buy locally. Used Japanese imports (Toyota, Honda, Nissan) are reliable, right-hand drive, and fuel-efficient. Budget MUR 300,000–900,000 for a good used SUV.