Reality Brief: Mamoudzou
What to know about Mamoudzou, gathered from AfriPilot's sourced information: alerts, rules, addresses and useful places. Nothing is added without a source.
Region: MamoudzouGathered from 5 sources checked on October 2, 2026.
Current alerts
No official alerts recorded for this region.
Essentials before you arrive
- Passport: United Kingdom, Canada
Mayotte is a French overseas department and part of the European Union. British and Canadian nationals may stay without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism; for longer stays, work or study, check the official French visa website.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Mayotte travel advice: entry requirementsGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Entry and residence
Emergencies 112; ambulance 15, fire 18, police 17, coastguard 196.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Mayotte travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Health
Since Cyclone Chido (2024), most services have been restored, but drinking water and power cuts may still occur, and the hospital is not yet fully operational. Water shortages are regular: keep supplies.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Mayotte travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Health
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent, notably in Kawéni (Mamoudzou), markets, the airport and tourist sites. Gang violence with knives or firearms occurs; it does not target tourists but stay alert.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Safety and emergencies
There is no public transport: rent a car or take a taxi. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, book through your hotel and do not get into a taxi already carrying passengers. Roads are sometimes poor and unlit.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Getting around
Cyclone season runs from November or December to April: follow Météo-France and the authorities' instructions.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Mayotte travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Safety and emergencies
The currency is the euro; ATMs in Mamoudzou and on Petite-Terre.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Money and banking
Living in Mamoudzou
Pickpocketing and bag snatching are frequent, notably in Kawéni (Mamoudzou), markets, the airport and tourist sites. Gang violence with knives or firearms occurs; it does not target tourists but stay alert.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Safety and emergencies
Spontaneous demonstrations linked to socio-economic tensions can turn violent and disrupt traffic and emergency services: stay away.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Safety and emergencies
There is no public transport: rent a car or take a taxi. Avoid hailing taxis on the street, book through your hotel and do not get into a taxi already carrying passengers. Roads are sometimes poor and unlit.
Government of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Getting around
Since Cyclone Chido (2024), most services have been restored, but drinking water and power cuts may still occur, and the hospital is not yet fully operational. Water shortages are regular: keep supplies.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Mayotte travel advice: safety and securityGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: MayotteGuide: Health
Field experience
- Tip
Pharmacies, clinics and hospitals
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): pharmacies (11), clinics (5), hospitals (3). Locate those near your home in the first days and check opening hours and on-call services locally.
- Tip
Where to shop for food
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): markets (2), supermarkets (32). Compare a few basic prices between market and supermarket before settling into habits.
- Tip
Banks, cash machines and exchange
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): banks (11), cash machines (2), currency exchange (2), money transfer (1). Withdraw and change money at these official places, preferably during the day, never in the street.
- Tip
A shop for your SIM card
Listed in OpenStreetMap (not exhaustive): phone and internet (16). Go with your passport: SIM registration is often mandatory.
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
112; ambulance 15, fire 18, police 17, coastguard 196.
GOV.UK (FCDO), Mayotte travel advice: getting helpGovernment of Canada, Travel advice: Mayotte· Oct 2, 2026