Mauritius

🇲🇺

Phone Code

+230

Capital

Port Louis

Population

1.3 Million

Native Name

Maurice

Region

Africa

Eastern Africa

Timezone

Mauritius Time

UTC+04:00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Mauritius is a volcanic island nation in the Indian Ocean, about 2,000km off the southeast coast of Africa. Famous for being the only known habitat of the now-extinct dodo bird, Mauritius is a tropical paradise known for luxury beach resorts, turquoise lagoons, coral reefs, and multicultural society. Mark Twain wrote 'Mauritius was made first, and then heaven; heaven being copied after Mauritius.' Port Louis, the capital, is a busy port city with French colonial architecture and vibrant markets. Independent from Britain since 1968 (previously French 1715-1810, then British), Mauritius has no indigenous population - all Mauritians descend from immigrants: Indian (68%, mostly indentured laborers brought by British), Creole (mixed African-Malagasy-European, 27%), Chinese (3%), Franco-Mauritian (2%). This creates remarkable cultural diversity. Visitors are drawn to pristine beaches (Belle Mare, Flic en Flac, Le Morne), luxury resorts, Seven Colored Earths Chamarel geological formation, Black River Gorges National Park hiking, underwater waterfall illusion off Le Morne, ÃŽle aux Cerfs island day trips, Grand Bassin Hindu sacred lake, Port Louis market and waterfront, diving and snorkeling, water sports, and multicultural cuisine (blend of Indian, Creole, Chinese, French). Mauritius offers upscale island paradise with political stability and welcoming visa policies.

Visa Requirements for Mauritius

Mauritius has remarkably liberal visa policies: visa-free entry for citizens of ALL countries for tourist stays up to 90 days (extendable to 180 days). No advance application, no visa fees, no restrictions by nationality - every passport holder receives free tourist visa stamp upon arrival at Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport. Requirements are minimal: valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond stay), confirmed return or onward ticket, proof of accommodation (hotel booking or address), and sufficient funds (no specific amount mandated but ~$100/day suggested). The visa is stamped in passport at immigration within minutes. This universal visa-free access is designed to maximize tourism, which accounts for 24% of GDP. Extensions up to 180 days total are possible through Passport and Immigration Office. Mauritius' visa policy rivals Maldives for liberalism - both allow free entry for all nationalities. The process is smooth and welcoming, reflecting Mauritius' tourism-focused economy and reputation for hospitality. Long-term stays (beyond 180 days) require residence permits or investor visas.

Common Visa Types

Visa-Free Entry (ALL Nationalities)

Up to 90 days automatically granted free on arrival; requires passport (valid 6 months), confirmed return/onward ticket, accommodation proof (hotel booking or host address), sufficient funds (~$100/day); NO visa fee; stamped at airport; extendable to 180 days total; cannot work on tourist visa.

For tourism for citizens of EVERY country - most liberal visa policy alongside Maldives.

Visa Extension (Up to 180 Days)

Can extend up to 180 days total stay (90 days + two 90-day extensions); apply at Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis before current 90 days expire; requires passport, application, accommodation proof, proof of funds, fee (~$25 USD per extension); relatively straightforward process; popular with European retirees escaping winter.

For tourists wishing to extend stay beyond initial 90 days.

Residence Permit / Investor Visa

Beyond 180 days; Mauritius offers various programs: Occupation Permit (for professionals/investors/self-employed), Retirement Permit (for retirees with pension income), Property Owner Permit (for luxury property buyers $375,000+); requires specific eligibility, documentation, fees; popular with expatriates and retirees.

For long-term stays exceeding 180 days including residence, retirement, or investment.

Important Travel Information

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. This is strictly enforced. Blank pages required for entry/exit stamps.

Return ticket REQUIRED: Must have confirmed return or onward ticket out of Mauritius. Immigration will ask to see proof. E-ticket confirmation acceptable. No one-way tickets allowed for tourist entry.

Accommodation proof: Must show hotel booking or host address. Immigration may ask for confirmation. Keep printout or electronic confirmation accessible. Helps demonstrate genuine tourist intent.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Port Louis
Port Louis
States & Regions in Mauritius

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Hosted missions

Embassies in Mauritius

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Mauritius
United States in Mauritius

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