There are three visa options for staying in Mauritius depending on your nationality: visa-free, visa-on-arrival and advance visa. Check if you need a visa to enter Mauritius: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605

If you do not need a visa to enter, your total stay in the country should not exceed 90 days within 180 days. This applies to those cases when you travel as a tourist, visit family or friends, attend business meetings, cultural or sporting events.

A longer stay is possible, but you must apply for a visa or residence permit. To extend your stay in Mauritius, you should contact the Passport and Immigration Office: http://passport.govmu.org/ 

You also need to take out an insurance policy for the entire period of your stay in the country.

A travel insurance policy should cover all medical expenses abroad, including medical evacuation.

Before traveling, it is recommended to fill out the Mauritius digital tourist form: https://safemauritius.govmu.org All in One. Once completed, the site will generate a PDF document with a QR code that must be presented to the medical staff upon arrival at the Mauritius airport.

An immigration disembarkation card will also be issued on board the aircraft and must be presented upon arrival.

The documents that must be submitted with the visa application, as well as the procedure, differ depending on the applicant's country of residence.

To find out what documents you need to submit, click on the link and select a country to view the conditions for submitting a visa for you: https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=605#dearflip-df_609/1/ 

Visa free

Citizens of some countries were exempted from visa requirements. They must have a valid passport to enter Mauritius.

Persons exempted from visa requirements:

• Citizens of Mauritius

• Persons who are residents of Mauritius under the Immigration Act

• Spouse/husband of a citizen of Mauritius

• A child, a foster child or a legally adopted child

• Holders of diplomatic passports other than those issued by the governments of Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Palestine, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen

• The crew of a vessel moving on duty or transiting to join another vessel

• Holders of a pass issued by the United Nations, COMESA, SADC or other internationally recognized organizations

• Holders of an Interpol-issued passport arriving in Mauritius on official business

• Holders of a pass issued by the African Reinsurance Corporation and the African Development Bank Group in respect of their directors, officers or employees traveling to Mauritius on official business

• Holders of passports issued by the governments of countries that are part of the European Union

• Persons who intend to remain in Mauritius only during the stay of the vessel on which they arrive and depart.

Types of visas

Visa on arrival

Under this category, citizens of 68 countries are allowed to travel to Mauritius without a visa, as the visa is issued on arrival. Travelers found guilty of violating the Immigration Department's instructions are subject to penalties. Anyone traveling without an official visa issued by the appropriate department may be deported to their home country.

Tourist visa

A regular tourist visa is issued and granted to tourists who wish to spend a short period of vacation or travel in the country without the business activities authorized by this visa.

What are the requirements for a tourist visa to Mauritius?

• A valid passport with a validity period of at least six months.

• Copy of passport.

• Blank visa pages in the passport.

• Proof of financial status, such as bank statements and pay stubs.

• Documents confirming the reservation/stay at the hotel.

• Proof of booking of air tickets to Mauritius.

• Tour itinerary showing the planned tour, start and finish.

Business visa

A business visa allows a non-citizen to travel to Mauritius for the purpose of setting up or conducting a business or investment.

What is the maximum possible period of stay under a business visa?

Entrepreneurs are granted a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year, provided that the maximum stay for each trip does not exceed 90 days and that the non-citizen does not receive remuneration for Mauritius.

What documents must be submitted to obtain a business visa to Mauritius?

• Passport issued by the country of residence.

• Blank pages in passport for Mauritius business visa stamp.

• Air ticket confirmation.

• Copies of proof of residence.

• Financial status – bank statements.

• Proposed business plan.

• Detailed information about the amount of money to be invested.

• Copies of educational qualifications.

• Copies for confirmation of professional examination.

• Proof copies of your current company and registration certificate.

Social visa

A social visa is granted to non-citizens who are sponsored by public and cultural organizations for a period of no more than 45 days for public and religious activities. Non-citizens traveling to Mauritius for religious purposes must apply for and obtain a social visa prior to travel.

Premium visa

The premium visa is intended to encourage foreign nationals who wish to come for a long-term stay as a tourist, retiree or professional with their family and run their business or work remotely from Mauritius. It allows a non-citizen to stay in Mauritius for one year, renewable.

You can apply for a premium visa here:

https://www.edbmauritius.org/premium-visa 

What is the visa application process like?

The application process depends on the embassy or consulate of the country you are using to apply for your visa.

General process recommendation:

• First, contact your nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate to arrange an appointment

• Fill in the application form for a visa to Mauritius, which can be obtained from the embassy or consulate

• Collect all the necessary documents, pay the required visa fee and submit the documents and application to the embassy or consulate. Some offices may require you to file in person, while other offices may also allow filing by mail.

What documents are required to apply for a visa to Mauritius?

• You need a valid passport which will also be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry into Mauritius.

• Confirmation of a valid «to/from» air ticket the country.

• You will need enough blank visa pages in your passport to affix the visa.

• A bank statement confirming your financial situation during your stay.

What are the visa requirements?

• Foreign passport with a validity period of at least six months.

• Applicant must be 18 years of age or older.

• Blank visa pages in the passport for affixing a visa.

• Financial documents such as bank statements.

• Good moral character.

• No criminal record in the past.

• Basic knowledge of English, French or Creole.

• Good education.

• Extraordinary qualifications, if any.

• Travel insurance.

Additional requirements for entry into Mauritius

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for a foreign visitor traveling from or transiting through a country at risk of yellow fever transmission. The list of countries that require a vaccination certificate is here: https://moafrikatours.com/mauritius-visa-requirements 

A yellow fever certificate is valid 10 days after vaccination, so it is important to get vaccinated in time before leaving for Mauritius.

You may be refused entry if you leave it too late and arrive in Mauritius within the 10-day waiting period.

Visiting Mauritius by minors

Minors traveling with one parent need a certified letter of consent from the non-traveling parent. A letter of consent from both parents is required for minors traveling alone. All minors must have an original birth certificate.