PM Ramgoolam highlights Mauritius’ Liberal Visa Policy and Upcoming E-Visa System

The Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, informed the National Assembly, yesterday, that Mauritius maintains a liberal visa regime while ensuring robust immigration controls to safeguard national security and facilitate legitimate travel in response to a Parliamentary Question on the issuance of visas to foreign nationals.

The Prime Minister explained that, under Section 20 of the Immigration Act, an Immigration Officer may admit tourists, businesspersons and other visitors to Mauritius, who are then issued with a visa specifying the conditions and authorised period of stay.

He indicated that, in accordance with Regulation 25 of the Passport Regulations 1968, every non-citizen seeking entry into Mauritius is required to satisfy a number of immigration requirements. These include holding a passport that remains valid beyond the intended period of stay, possessing a valid return ticket, being eligible to re-enter the country of origin or residence, demonstrating sufficient financial means to support the stay, having confirmed accommodation or sponsorship, refraining from engaging in any gainful employment, and not being classified as a prohibited immigrant.

The Prime Minister stressed that any non-citizen who fails to meet any of these requirements is not admitted into Mauritius, irrespective of nationality.

Highlighting the country’s openness to international visitors, the Prime Minister noted that Mauritius has been ranked 10th out of 199 countries in the 2026 Henley Openness Index, which measures the number of nationalities a country permits to enter without obtaining a visa beforehand.

He pointed out that while the majority of foreign nationals receive a visa on arrival, nationals of 15 countries are required to obtain a visa before travelling to Mauritius, in accordance with Section 12 of the Passports Act and the Eleventh Schedule of the Passport Regulations.

The Prime Minister further indicated that the inclusion of countries on the prescribed list is determined after careful assessment of several factors, including national security considerations, international relations, immigration policy and the risk of visa abuse.

According to guidelines issued by the Passport and Immigration Office, nationals of these countries are required to submit their visa applications at least one month before their intended travel date. Where all required documentation is in order, visa applications are generally processed within approximately 12 working days.

The Prime Minister emphasised that nationals of the prescribed countries remain welcome to visit Mauritius and are not charged any visa fee. He added that, in addition to the standard immigration requirements, the Passport and Immigration Office conducts enhanced security checks before granting entry clearance.

The Prime Minister additionally highlighted that the Budget 2026–2027 makes provision for the introduction of a new digital e-visa system. The platform will enable non-citizens from all countries to apply for and obtain an electronic visa prior to travelling to Mauritius. According to the Prime Minister, the new system will strengthen border security by reducing the risk of entry by mala fide individuals while also facilitating smoother passenger processing and reducing queues at arrival terminals.

01 July 2026

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