Mayotte is a French overseas department and region in the Indian Ocean, situated between Madagascar and the northern tip of Mozambique. Comprising Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre (Pamanzi) plus several islets, it is home to one of the world's largest coral lagoons, abundant marine life including green turtles and humpback whales, volcanic highland forests, and a vibrant Comorian-influenced culture. The island became France's 101st department in 2011 and uses the euro, making it accessible for French and European visitors while retaining an authentically remote tropical character.
Mayotte is a French overseas department under French law and police jurisdiction. The main risks for visitors are petty theft in urban markets, traffic accidents on narrow roads, marine hazards (strong currents in lagoon passes), and seasonal cyclones (December–March). Violent crime targeting tourists is uncommon.
Current safety advisory
Low To Moderate Risk For Tourists. Mayotte Is Safer Than Many Developing-World Destinations; Petty Theft And Social Tensions Exist But Targeted Violence Against Tourists Is Rare.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep photocopies of passport and travel insurance documents separate from originals
Carry only necessary cash — ATMs available in Mamoudzou and Dzaoudzi
Avoid walking alone after dark in Mamoudzou urban areas
Never swim alone in lagoon passes — currents can be sudden and powerful
Apply DEET repellent from dusk: malaria and dengue mosquitoes are active evenings
Check cyclone forecasts at meteofrance.fr if visiting December–March
Respect designated turtle protection zones at N'Gouja — fines up to €150,000 for disturbing sea turtles
Carry a charged mobile phone; French SIM cards (Orange, SFR) work in Mayotte
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Items
- Topic
- Malaria
- Detail
- Mayotte has low but ongoing malaria risk. Consult a travel medicine specialist before visiting; prophylaxis (e.g., Malarone) recommended. Use DEET repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.
- Topic
- Dengue fever
- Detail
- Seasonal outbreaks, particularly after rains (January–April). Use insect repellent (DEET 30%+) especially during dusk/dawn.
- Topic
- Water safety
- Detail
- Tap water is treated and safe in Mamoudzou and Dzaoudzi but bottled water is widely preferred. Avoid tap water in rural villages.
- Topic
- Sun and heat
- Detail
- UV index is extreme year-round. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen, wear a hat, and rehydrate frequently. Seek shade between 11:00–15:00.
- Topic
- Medical facilities
- Detail
- Centre Hospitalier de Mayotte (CHM) in Mamoudzou (+262 269 618 000) is the main hospital. Serious cases requiring specialist care are evacuated to Réunion.
- Topic
- Vaccinations
- Detail
- No vaccinations required for entry. Recommended: hepatitis A, typhoid, tetanus. Check with a travel health clinic before departure.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Items