A visa is an official acknowledgement issued by the Immigration Office/Embassy/Consular of Mauritius, indicating that your application to enter Mauritius has been reviewed by an Immigration Officer and that the officer has determined you are eligible to enter or transit in Mauritius for a specific purpose.
A visa, therefore, simply allows the bearer to travel to Mauritius up a port of entry and does not implicitly guarantee right of admission into Mauritius. The final decision to admit a non-citizen rests with the Immigration Officer after examination at the point of entry in Mauritius. He/she decides how long the person can stay for any particular visit.
The following are exempted from Visa Regulations:-
- Citizens of Mauritius;
- Persons who are residents of Mauritius under the Immigration Act;
- The Spouse of a citizen of Mauritius;
- The child or step child or lawfully adopted child of persons referred to at (1) and (2) above;
- Holders of Diplomatic Passports other than those issued by the Government of Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Libya, Palestine State, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria and Yemen;
- Crew of a vessel travelling on duty or in transit to join another vessel;
- Holders of Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations, COMESA, SADC or other internationally recognized organizations;
- Holders of passport issued by the INTERPOL who come to Mauritius on official mission;
- Holders of Laissez-passer issued by the African Reinsurance Corporation and the African Development Bank Group in Respect of their directors, officers or employees travelling to Mauritius on official mission;
- Holders of passport issued by Governments of countries belonging to the European Union; and
- Persons who intend to remain in Mauritius only during the stay of a vessel by which they arrive and depart.
Tourist Visa
- The tourist visa allows a non- citizen to visit Mauritius for a short time on vacation.
- The maximum period of (six) months may be granted in a calendar year on a case to case basis, subject to Immigration requirements.
Business visa
- The Business visa allows a non-citizen to travel to Mauritius for the purpose of establishing or conducting a business or investment.
- Businessman are entitled for 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 non-citizen is not remunerated in Mauritius.
Social Visa
- Social visa is 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 travelling to Mauritius for religious purposes should apply and obtain a social visa prior to travel.
Multiple Entry Visa
- Granted only to foreign business persons having business interest in Mauritius and who needs a visa prior to travel. For business facilitation, bona fide business persons may be granted multiple-entry visa subject to a maximum of 120 days in a calendar year and provided the stay during each trip does not exceed 90 days.
Transit visa
- Granted to passengers travelling to a third country within a period of 24 hours.
Medical Visa
- Medical visa is granted to foreign nationals coming to Mauritius for medical treatment to be provided in private health care institutions which are duly registered with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life under the Private Health Institutions Act.
- Medical visa is granted on arrival for the duration of treatment, but not exceeding six (6) months.
Visa Requirement Country-wise
NOTE
- Nationals of Guyana intended to travel to Mauritius should apply and obtain a visa prior to their travel.
Additional Information
- Non-citizens travelling to Mauritius without a visa (if required) may be repatriated to their country of origin or residence at the transporting carrier’s cost.
- Any person who stays in Mauritius after the expiry of the period for which he obtained a visa or entry permit as the case may be, shall commit an offence and shall be liable for prosecution by a Court of Law.
- Prospective students are advised to travel to Mauritius only after their application for study/training in Mauritius has been approved.
- Non-Citizens coming to celebrate their marriage in Mauritius should comply with the requirements of the Section 24A of the Civil Status Act.
- A non-citizen coming to get married to a Mauritian should fulfill the requirements under the Section 19A of the Civil Status Act.
- Non-citizens coming to Mauritius for business may apply for an Occupation Permit to Passport and Immigration Officer through Economic Development Board as Investor, Self-Employed and Professional.