Balaclava, Mauritius | September 28 – October 1, 2026
Thank you for confirming your presence and participation at the Forum on Internet Freedom in Africa 2026 (FIFAfrica26). To ensure a hassle-free trip, please take note of the information below.
Event Venue
InterContinental Resort, Mauritius
Fort Coastal Road, MU, Balaclava 21306, Mauritius
Flights
If you are being sponsored by CIPESA, your travel itinerary will be shared with you. Please note that any requests for changes to issued bookings should be made directly with the airline. Any charges incurred for amendments or changes to the booking shall be at the individual’s cost.
Visa
No Visa Required or Visa on Arrival
For entry into Mauritius, most Countries fall under the visa on arrival and exempted categories.
Visa Required Prior to Travel
For the 15 countries that required a visa prior to travel (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Iraq, Korea (North), Laos, Libya, Mali, Pakistan, Palestine, Saharawi Republic, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Syria and Yemen). The visa application guidelines are available here.
Invitation Letters
CIPESA will provide invitation letters for immigration purposes. Letter requests should be submitted via this form.
PLEASE NOTE: All invitation letter requests should be submitted before August 14, 2026.
Travel Vaccinations
Mauritius requires proof of vaccination from all foreigners if travelling from Yellow Fever risk countries.
Airport Transfers
Local transport to/from the airport (home country): International participants are responsible for local transport to/from the airport in their home countries.
Transport to/from airport (Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport): Airport pickups and drop-offs will be arranged for speakers and sponsored participants. Upon arrival, please look for someone holding a sign with the FIFAfrica26 logo in the public arrival hall.
Participants who are not sponsored by CIPESA are advised to arrange their own transport from the airport to the Forum venue or pre-arranged accommodation.
Cab-hailing services such as Taxi Service Mauritius, Yugo, DodoGo, and Ala-lila are operational in Mauritius.
If you are uncertain about your ground transportation upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport, please ask for guidance from the information desk in the arrivals hall.
Please also be informed that for your departure, it is advisable to leave for the airport four hours before your flight time.
Accommodation
CIPESA sponsored participants will be accommodated at the InterContinental Resort, Mauritius and Le Meridien Ile Maurice.
Additional rooms have been secured for self-sponsoring participants as follows:
- The Ravenala Attitude Hotel at a rate of 9,600 Mauritian Rupee (MUR) per night, on Bed and Breakfast basis and 9,900 MUR per night on Half Board basis.
Contact persons: resa@theravenala-hotel.com Cc sheetal.kalisaran@hotels-attitude.com
Booking Reference: FIFAfrica2026
Accommodation for CIPESA-sponsored participants is booked on Half Board basis (breakfast and dinner) for the duration of your stay. Individual hotel expenses, including international and local telephone calls, laundry, fax, use of the mini bar, and all other additional drinks and meals MUST be paid for on an individual basis before checking out of the hotel. Please clarify with the hotel staff about your complimentary service entitlements before placing an order.
Incidental Expenses
All participants are responsible for incidental expenses related to their conference attendance and are advised to carry enough funds to cover the duration of their stay in Mauritius.
Local Currency
The official currency is the Mauritian Rupee (MUR). The current average exchange rate is about 1 US Dollar to 46.95 MUR.
Foreign currencies can be exchanged at the airport or at the hotel or any major bank in the city. Please note that most ATMs and shops accept major credit/debit cards including Visa, Master Card, Maestro and American Express.
General Information
Travel medical insurance
We recommend that all participants obtain travel insurance for their trip, which covers the date of departure from their home country until the date of return. For personal health needs, remember to carry your medication.
It is also recommended to use bottled drinking water and not to consume tap water.
Weather and What to Pack
During the conference in September, Mauritius experiences a pleasant, dry, and cool transition from winter to spring. Average temperatures typically range from 18°C (64°F) to 26°C (79°F). While light clothing is suitable for the day, participants are advised to pack a light jacket, sweater, or fleece for cooler evenings and breezy weather.
Communication
To obtain a local SIM card, you will need to register a number with one of the country’s telecommunications operators, such as Mauritius Telecom, Mahanagar Telephone Mauritius Limited (MTML), or Emtel. A form of identification, such as your passport, is required for this registration.
Internet
All rooms at the recommended hotels have Internet access. During the Forum, the venue will also have wireless internet access. You can also access the internet on a locally acquired SIM card, which will incur additional charges.
Electricity and electrical outlets
Mauritius uses a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz, featuring two main socket types: Type G (British 3-pin) and Type C (Europlug 2-pin). While Type G is more common in modern buildings, both are used frequently. A universal travel adapter is highly recommended to fit both socket types. See more about plug types here.
Dietary Needs
Mauritian cuisine offers an exquisite blend of influences, notably French, Indian, Chinese, and Creole. Expect most dishes to feature a degree of spiciness. Should you have any dietary restrictions, please notify us by September 11, 2026.
CIPESA Contacts
Email: internetfreedom@cipesa.org
Asimwe John Ishabairu: +256 772 544 332 (available on WhatsApp and Signal)
Dorothy Mwine: +256 700 868 897 (available on WhatsApp)
We look forward to seeing you at #FIFAfrica26
