Welcome to Mayotte

Baobabs and tulip trees rise from the landscape, lemurs hop between branches and the scent of ylang ylang, orchids and vanilla perfume the air in Mayotte. Sounds lovely, right?

Mayotte, a territory of France between the continent of Africa and Madagascar, is a small, but stunning place. Hike the trail around the entire island to view flora, fauna and a range of geography. One of the greatest attractions if offshore – a coral reef bordering one of the world’s largest enclosed lagoons.

Enjoy, too, the multitude of cultures that are reflected in daily life, from African and Asian to European and Arabic. Take part in religious, cultural and folk events that occur throughout the year and feel at one with this glorious isle.

Unique Facts

• Mayotte is an archipelago and French overseas department in the Indian Ocean, close to the Comoros, Tanzania, Kenya, Somalia, the Seychelles, Madagascar and Mozambique.
• Mayotte comprises five islands, but only three of them are inhabited.
• Mayotte’s exports include coffee, cinnamon, vanilla, coconuts, copra and ylang-ylang.
• Traditionally, a house is given to a woman by her family when she marries for the first time.
• Lake Karihani is the only freshwater lake in Mayotte and is a refuge for myriad birds, egrets and herons.

Language

Mayotte’s official language is English.

When To Go

The best time to go to Mayotte is between April and December.

Airports

Dzaoudzi–Pamandzi International Airport

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid for six months beyond arrival date.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Mayotte: Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Malaria, Yellow Fever and Rabies vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types C and E. Standard voltage: 230V. Frequency: 50Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: Euro

Getting Around

Most roads in Mayotte are paved, but be aware of potholes, poor lighting and lack of traffic lights.

Other than driving yourself, taxis are the only public transportation available. Ferry service is available between the two main islands of Grande Terre and Petite Terre.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy Antananarivo
Lot 207 A, Point Liberty
Andranoro, Antehiroka
105 Antananarivo
Madagascar
Telephone: +( 261) (20) 23-480-00
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: (261) (20) 23-480-00
Fax: +(261) (20) 22-584-06
AntanACS@state.gov or AntanVISA@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Tourist Office
Mamoudzou 97600,
Mayotte
Tel: +262 269 61 09 09

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

Police: 17
Ambulance: 15
Fire: 18

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in Mayotte, yet petty crime occasionally occurs, including theft and burglary. Do not leave valuables unattended. Use standard safety precautions.