Mauritius

Comprehensive Visa Solutions for Strategic Travel Planning

Whether you're planning to explore Port Louis's vibrant markets, establish business operations in this Indian Ocean financial hub, or pursue academic opportunities, Mauritius offers exceptional possibilities for discerning travelers and professionals.

Our expert immigration specialists transform complex visa requirements into clear, actionable pathways. Located strategically between Africa and Asia, Mauritius maintains a progressive visa policy that welcomes international visitors, with nationals from more than 120 countries eligible for visa-free entry or visitor permits on arrival. All visitors must hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay at a minimum of USD 100 per day, confirmed hotel reservations, and documents required for their next destination.

Professional Service Framework

Key Categories We Navigate:

• Tourist and leisure travel documentation, with stays up to 180 days per calendar year
• Business visa strategies allowing up to 120 days per calendar year, with maximum 90-day stays per trip
• Student and academic program visas for approved study or training programs
• Professional work permit applications through Occupation Permits combining work and residence rights under Investor, Self-Employed, and Professional categories
• Premium Travel Visa for digital nomads and remote workers, valid for one year with renewal options
• Retirement Residence Permits for foreign nationals aged 50 and above

This comprehensive guide provides authoritative guidance through Mauritius's immigration landscape, ensuring your application meets current regulatory standards while maximizing approval prospects.

Most travelers can visit Mauritius without obtaining a visa in advance. Nationals from more than 120 countries are eligible to receive a visitor's permit on arrival, making Mauritius one of the world's most accessible destinations.

Visa-Free Entry for Tourism

Citizens from more than 120 countries can obtain a visitor's permit without a visa. Most visitor's permits allow stays in Mauritius for up to 60 days, with extensions available up to 90 days. Citizens of the following regions enjoy visa-free access:

• European Union countries (60–90 days)
• United Kingdom and Crown Dependencies (60 days)
• United States (60 days)
• Most Commonwealth countries (60 days)
• SADC member states including South Africa (60–90 days)
• Seychelles, Maldives
• Japan, South Korea, Singapore (60–90 days)
• Australia, New Zealand (60–90 days)

2026 update: The Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office confirmed that nationals of 21 additional African countries are exempt from visa requirements for tourism, further expanding visa-free access.

Entry Requirements

All visa-free travelers must present:

• Passport valid beyond the intended period of stay
• Valid return or onward ticket
• Proof of confirmed accommodation or sponsorship
• Sufficient funds (minimum of US$100 per day)

Travelers entering Mauritius are required to complete the Mauritius All-In-One Travel Digital Form via the official Safe Mauritius government portal before departure. Travelers who have not completed the form prior to arrival must fill out an Immigration Disembarkation Card at the port of entry.

Who Needs a Visa

Nationals of certain countries must obtain a visa before travelling to Mauritius. This requirement generally applies to nationals of African countries not covered by SADC membership or the 2026 visa-free expansion, as well as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Guyana, and a number of other nationalities. Holders of unrecognized travel documents and stateless persons must also obtain an Entry Visa before travelling. The Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office publishes the definitive list; always verify your entry status with the nearest Mauritian diplomatic mission before booking travel.

Business and Extended Stays

Business visitors are entitled to a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year provided that during each trip the maximum stay does not exceed 90 days and that the visitor is not remunerated in Mauritius. For employment, study, or longer stays, all nationalities must obtain appropriate permits through Mauritian missions abroad.

Transit Requirements

Holders of confirmed onward tickets may transit through Mauritius without a visa for a maximum time of 24 hours. However, nationals requiring advance visas must obtain transit visas even for airport connections unless specifically exempted.

Always verify current requirements with official Mauritian government sources or your nearest embassy before traveling, as regulations may change.

Mauritius offers various visa categories tailored to different travel purposes, from leisure visits to business ventures and long-term residence. Understanding these visa types ensures you select the appropriate option for your intended stay.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist visas permit stays up to 180 days within a calendar year, with a visitor permit on arrival available for 60 days or 2 weeks depending on nationality. Extensions up to 6 months may be granted on a case-by-case basis, subject to immigration requirements. For business visits, stays are restricted to a maximum of 120 days per calendar year.

Premium Visa for Long Stays

The Premium Visa is valid for one year with the option to renew, allowing non-citizens to stay in Mauritius for up to a year. This visa is required for stays exceeding 180 days in a calendar year. The Premium Visa is issued free of charge with no processing fee applicable, and applications are approved within 48 hours for submissions made Monday to Friday. You can work remotely but cannot enter the Mauritius labour market. The Premium Visa is available to eligible nationals from 114 countries and requires a demonstrated minimum monthly income of USD 1,500.

Business Visa Categories

Business visas serve various commercial purposes:

• Business visas permit a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year, with each individual trip not exceeding 90 days, provided you are not remunerated in Mauritius
• Multiple-entry business visas may be granted subject to a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year
• Investment visas for substantial business investments with extended validity

Social and Religious Visas

Social visas are granted to non-citizens sponsored by socio-cultural organizations for a maximum period of 45 days to carry out social and religious activities. Non-citizens traveling to Mauritius for religious purposes must apply and obtain a social visa prior to travel.

Employment and Work Permits

Occupation Permits under the Professional category are issued for a maximum period of three years or as per the duration of the contract of employment. Occupation Permits for Investor and Self-Employed categories are issued for a maximum period of ten years, renewable thereafter. Work permits generally take 4–6 weeks to process. The minimum monthly basic salary for the Professional Occupation Permit is USD 1,500 (approximately MUR 68,000). A new Technical Category under the Occupation Permit framework was announced in the 2026–2027 national budget; full eligibility criteria will be confirmed upon implementation.

Student and Academic Visas

Prospective students are advised to travel to Mauritius only after their application for study or training has been approved. Foreign students who have completed at least an undergraduate degree at a recognized tertiary education institution in Mauritius are eligible to apply for a Young Professional Occupation Permit, which must be submitted within 6 months after publication of results. The Young Professional Permit requires a minimum monthly basic salary of MUR 25,000.

Medical and Transit Visas

Medical visas are granted to foreign nationals coming for medical treatment in registered private healthcare institutions, granted on arrival for the duration of treatment but not exceeding 6 months. Transit visas are granted to passengers traveling to a third country within 24 hours.

Long-Term Residence Options

Holders of an Occupation or Residence Permit are eligible to apply for a 20-year Residence Permit if they hold an Occupation Permit for at least 3 years with a basic monthly salary of at least MUR 150,000 for 3 consecutive years, or invest at least USD 375,000 in a qualifying business activity. Foreign nationals above the age of 50 years may retire in Mauritius under a Residence Permit.

2026–2027 update: Mauritius is introducing a new Golden Visa programme targeting high-net-worth individuals and innovators. Qualifying applicants must invest at least USD 1 million within 12 months of arrival in strategic sectors including fintech, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Successful applicants may reside in Mauritius for up to two years before applying for Permanent Residence.

You can extend a valid Mauritius visa by applying to the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office and submitting required documents including a visa extension application form, passport photocopy, airline reservation, accommodation, financial proof, and invitation letter.

Processing Times & Timeframes

Tourist visas: No visa required for stays up to 60 days for most nationalities. Extension applications process in 5 business days through Passport and Immigration Office.

Work permits: Standard processing takes 4-6 weeks, with expedited service available for additional fees.

Student permits: Allow 6-8 weeks for complete processing, including security clearances.

Occupation permits: Approval in principle typically issued within 15-20 working days once all documents are correctly submitted through the National Electronic Licensing System.

Premium Visa: Applications approved within 48 hours for applications made Monday to Friday. Applications submitted during weekends are approved on the next working day.

Costs & Fee Structure

• Tourist visa extensions: Free of charge
• Work permit processing fee: MUR 700 (approximately $16 USD) per application
• Occupation permit for professionals (2 years): $400 USD
• Occupation permit for professionals (3-5 years): $500-800 USD
• Occupation permit for investors or self-employed: $1,000 USD
• Short-term occupation permit (9 months): $300 USD
• Premium Visa: Free of charge, no processing fee applicable
• Annual non-refundable fee per non-citizen worker: MUR 500 (approximately $11 USD)

Application Locations & Procedures

In Mauritius: Passport and Immigration Office, 8th Floor, Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey Road, Port Louis. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM.

Overseas applications: Submit through Mauritian embassies or online via the appropriate portal for eligible permit types. Premium Visa applications are processed through the Mauritius E-licensing Platform.

Payment methods: Bank drafts, certified checks, or online payment for electronic applications. Occupation permit fees are now processed in U.S. dollars.

Essential Requirements

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity
• Proof of onward travel and sufficient funds
• Financial statements showing minimum $100 USD per day for tourist stays
• Medical certificate for work permits, study permits, and residency permits longer than 90 days
• Proof of accommodation and return ticket required upon arrival

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose. Tourist visas on arrival accommodate leisure travel up to 180 days per calendar year for most nationalities. Business visas facilitate commercial activities and meetings. The Premium Visa allows remote workers, retirees, and long-stay visitors to remain in Mauritius for up to one year with renewal options.

Step 2: Prepare Required Documentation

Gather essential documents systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond your intended stay
• Completed application form with accurate information
• Two recent passport-sized photographs meeting specifications
• Proof of accommodation such as hotel reservations, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host with ID and address
• Return or onward flight tickets
• Financial statements demonstrating sufficient funds (minimum USD 100 per day)
• Travel and health insurance coverage for the duration of stay
• For business visas: invitation letter from company in Mauritius
• All documents translated into English or French if originally in another language

Step 3: Complete the All-In-One Travel Digital Form

All travelers entering Mauritius must complete the Mauritius All-In-One Travel Digital Form, available via the official Safe Mauritius government portal. It is recommended to complete and submit the form at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure. Upon successful submission, the system generates a PDF document with a QR code; print this and present it to Health Officials on arrival at the airport or seaport. Travelers who have not completed the form before arrival must fill out an Immigration Disembarkation Card at the port of entry.

Step 4: Submit Your Application

For nationals requiring a visa in advance, apply through the nearest Mauritian diplomatic mission or consulate. Where no diplomatic office exists, submit applications at Air Mauritius offices. Alternatively, applications can be sent via email to [email protected]. For Premium Visas and certain long-stay categories, apply online through the MauPass portal at passport.govmu.org. Schedule appointments in advance when required to avoid delays.

Step 5: Biometric Collection (If Required)

Certain applicants may need to provide biometric data including fingerprints and facial photographs during their appointment at designated visa application centers or diplomatic missions. This requirement varies by visa type and nationality.

Step 6: Pay Processing Fees

Tourist visas for most nationalities are issued free of charge. Business visa fees typically range from USD 20 to USD 100 depending on type and duration. The Premium Visa is issued free with no processing fees. Payment methods vary by location and include cash at designated banks, electronic payments, or credit card payments through online portals. Retain payment receipts for tracking purposes.

Step 7: Monitor Application Status

Track your application progress through the MauPass portal for online applications or contact the diplomatic mission where you submitted your documents. Processing typically requires 5–10 working days for standard tourist and business visa applications, while advance-application visas may take up to 12 working days. Premium Visa applications are processed within 48 hours for weekday submissions.

Step 8: Collect Your Visa

For e-visas, you will receive your visa approval via email. Print this document and carry it with you when traveling. For visa stamps, retrieve your processed passport from the submission location. Verify all details immediately upon collection to ensure accuracy before travel. Note that a visa does not guarantee entry; final admission decisions rest with immigration officers at the point of entry.

Extending a Tourist Visitor Permit

Visitors wishing to remain in Mauritius beyond their initial permit may apply for an extension at the Passport and Immigration Office before the current permit expires. Permits are initially granted for up to 60 days and may be extended up to 90 days per stay. Further extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis subject to demonstrated sufficient funds, accommodation, and a valid reason for continued stay.

Documents Required for a Visitor Permit Extension

• Completed permit extension application form
• Valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
• Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation, rental agreement, or host invitation with host ID and address)
• Onward or return air ticket
• Proof of sufficient funds (minimum USD 100 per day)
• Travel and health insurance covering the extended period

Fees and Processing

Tourist and visitor permit extensions are processed free of charge. Applications are typically reviewed within 5 working days at the Passport and Immigration Office, Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey Road, Port Louis, open Monday to Friday, 09:00–15:00. Apply well before the current permit expires; overstaying without authorization may result in fines or deportation.

Extending a Business Visa

Business visas may be extended through the Passport and Immigration Office subject to the 120-day calendar-year cap, with each individual visit not exceeding 90 days and no remuneration from a Mauritian employer.

Renewing the Premium Travel Visa

The Premium Travel Visa, valid for one year, may be renewed for one further year via the MauPass platform. Renewal is free of charge and requires continued demonstration of a minimum monthly income of USD 1,500 and non-participation in the local labour market.

Transitioning to Long-Term Status

Visitors requiring a stay beyond the tourist, business, or Premium Visa limits must apply for an Occupation Permit or Residence Permit. Categories include the Professional, Investor, Self-Employed, and new Technical Occupation Permits, the Retirement Residence Permit (for nationals aged 50+), and the Dependent Residence Permit for family members of permit holders.

Do You Need a Visa to Visit Mauritius?

Most international travelers do not need a visa obtained in advance. Nationals of more than 120 countries — including EU member states, the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and most Commonwealth and SADC nations — receive a visitor permit on arrival at no charge. As of 2026, the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office confirmed that nationals of 21 additional African countries are exempt from visa requirements for tourism.

Nationals not covered by visa-free access must obtain a visa before travelling via the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate, or by email to [email protected] where no mission is present. Transit passengers with confirmed onward tickets may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours; those requiring advance visas must also obtain transit visas unless specifically exempted.

The All-In-One Travel Digital Form

All travelers arriving in Mauritius must complete the Mauritius All-In-One Travel Digital Form, available via the official Safe Mauritius government portal. Complete the form at least 72 hours before departure; submission generates a PDF with a QR code that must be printed and presented to Health Officials on arrival. Travelers who do not complete the form before arrival must fill out an Immigration Disembarkation Card at the port of entry instead.

Documents to Present at Immigration on Arrival

• Valid passport (validity beyond the intended period of stay)
• All-In-One Travel Digital Form QR code printout, or Immigration Disembarkation Card if not pre-registered
• Confirmed return or onward travel ticket
• Proof of confirmed accommodation (hotel booking, rental agreement, or host letter)
• Evidence of sufficient funds (minimum USD 100 per day)
• Valid advance visa for nationalities required to obtain one before travelling

Upcoming eVisa / Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA)

The 2026–2027 national budget formally announced a mandatory digital pre-travel clearance system for all non-citizens, referred to as both an eVisa and an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). An amendment to the Immigration Act is required before implementation. Fees will apply; specific amounts, validity, and exemptions have not been published. As of July 2026 the system is not yet live. Current visa-free, advance-visa, and All-In-One Travel Form rules remain fully in effect until further notice.

Port of Entry

Mauritius is served primarily by Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport (SSR) near Mahebourg, and by Port Louis for cruise and cargo arrivals. Immigration officers make the final admission decision; a valid visa or visa-free eligibility does not guarantee entry if requirements are not fully met.