Mayotte

Overview of Mayotte

Located in the Comoros group of islands, between Madagascar and Mozambique, Mayotte is set apart by its decision in the 1970s to remain a French protectorate instead of becoming part of the independent Union of the Comoros. In 2011 the island officially became an Overseas Department of France.

Although it is officially part of France, Mayotte has little in common with its parent country. French, the official language, is spoken by only about 35 percent of the population, with local dialects like Mahorian and Malagasy more commonly used. The population is mostly Muslim, though with some interesting cultural beliefs and practices unique to the region.

The standard of living is also not quite up to French standards, but the infrastructure is more than sufficient for travellers, who are mainly drawn to Mayotte for scuba diving and hiking the undulating volcanic landscape.

Mayotte is made up of two islands, Grande-Terre and Petite-Terre, with sparkling white sand beaches and excellent diving among the colourful coral reefs. Sea turtles lay eggs on the southern beaches, while lemurs make their home in the interior. The best views of the islands are to be had from the summit of Mount Choungui, a popular hiking spot.

The islands have no large cities. However, the biggest town Mamoudzou on Grand-Terre is a busy settlement with banks, restaurants, hotels, bars, and a bustling market. Mayotte is a stunning setting for a relaxing holiday on the Indian Ocean. But it's considerably more expensive than other islands in the archipelago, with prices on a par with destinations in Europe.

Key Facts

Language:: French is the official language of Mayotte, but the most commonly spoken languages are Shimaore and Shindzwani.
Passport/Visa:
Currency:: Mayotte is politically part of France and an Outermost Region of the European Union, and thus uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Banking facilities are comparatively limited in Mayotte, but the banking system is integrated with France's and is therefore modern and efficient.
Electricity:: The electrical current in Mayotte is 230 volts, 50Hz. Two-prong plugs are used.

Travel to Mayotte

Health Notes when travelling to Mayotte

No vaccinations are required for travel to Mayotte but vaccinations are recommended for hepatitis A, hepatitis B and typhoid. It is also recommended that travellers see their doctor for advice on malaria medication prior to travel. Chikungunya and dengue fever (also mosquito-borne diseases) are also 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) entitles travellers to medical care. Comprehensive travel insurance is advised.

Customs in Mayotte

Mayotte is an overseas department of France and is home to a large expat community as well as being a popular holiday destination for the French, all of which gives the capital a European flavour. 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.

Duty Free in Mayotte

Travellers over 17 years entering Mayotte can bring in the following items duty-free: 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco; 1 litre of spirits with alcohol content 22% and over, or 2 litres of dessert wine or sparkling wine not exceeding 22% alcohol volume, and 2 litres of table wine; 50g perfume or 250ml eau de toilette and other goods to the value of €430 per adult.

Communication in Mayotte

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). The island has good 3G network coverage and some hotels offer wifi, but fixed line internet is limited in Mayotte.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:: Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of USA are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Entry requirements for Canadians:: Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of Canada are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:: Passports must be valid on arrival. British nationals and passport holders are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians:: Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of Australia are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:: Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of Ireland do not require a visa.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:: Passports must be valid on arrival. Nationals of New Zealand are visa-exempt for a maximum stay of 90 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans:: 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.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Currency

Mayotte is politically part of France and an Outermost Region of the European Union, and thus uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency. Banking facilities are comparatively limited in Mayotte, but the banking system is integrated with France's and is therefore modern and efficient.

Dzaoudzi Airport (DZA)
Dzaoudzi Pamandzi International Airport
http://www.aeroport-mayotte.com

Location: Dzaoudzi The airport is located two miles (4km) from Dzaoudzi, on the island of Pamanzi.

Time: Local time is GMT +3

Getting to the city: There is no public transport to and from the airport, however taxis and rental cars are available and some hotels offer transfers to guests. There is a barge in Dzaoudzi for getting your rental car from the island of Pamanzi (Petite-Terra) to the larger island of Grand Terre, as well as a water taxi.

Car rental: Rental cars are available from Budget, Europcar, Multi Auto, and Garcia Location.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available at the airport.

Facilities: Airport facilities include duty-free shops, food vendors, and restaurants.

Parking: Parking is free for the first 20 minutes and thereafter costs €1 for 30 minutes, €3 for one hour, €5 for two hours and so forth, up to a daily maximum of €28 per day, with varying rates after the two days.

Overview of the Attractions in Mayotte

Public Holidays in Mayotte

	2020	2021
Easter Monday	Sun. April 13	Sat. April 5
Abolition Day	Sun. April 27	Sun. April 27
Labour Day	Thu. May 1	Thu. May 1
Victory Day	Thu. May 8	Thu. May 8
Mi'raj	Sun. April 13	Thu. April 3
Ascension Day	Wed. May 21	Tue. May 13
Whit Monday	Sun. June 1	Sat. May 24
National Day	Mon. July 14	Mon. July 14
Id al Fitr	Sat. May 24	Tue. May 13
Assumption Day	Fri. August 15	Fri. August 15
Id al Kabir	Thu. July 31	Sun. July 20
All Saints Day	Sat. November 1	Sat. November 1
Armistice Day	Tue. November 11	Tue. November 11
Christmas Day	Thu. December 25	Thu. December 25

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