Mauritius, known for its stunning beaches, lush green landscapes and vibrant culture, attracts a large number of tourists every year. As a South African citizen, it is important to know the visa requirements for entering Mauritius. In this article, we will explore the visa requirements for South Africans visiting Mauritius, including information on visa-free travel, how to apply for a Mauritian visa from South Africa, and what documents you need to travel to Mauritius.
No visa required
South African citizens do not require a visa to visit Mauritius for a stay of up to 60 days. This means that you can enter Mauritius for tourism, business or visit purposes without a visa for up to two months.
Can I go to Mauritius without a visa?
Yes, South African citizens can go to Mauritius without a visa for a stay of up to 60 days. However, it is important to note that if you plan to stay in Mauritius for a longer period or engage in business activities, you will need to apply for a visa before your trip.
How to apply for a Mauritian visa from South Africa?
If you plan to stay in Mauritius for longer than 60 days or engage in business activities, you will need to apply for a visa. The process of applying for a Mauritian visa from South Africa involves the following steps:
- Determine the type of visa you need: Depending on the purpose of your trip, you may need a tourist visa, business visa, student visa, temporary worker visa, spousal visa, or partner visa.
- Gather required documents: You will need to provide supporting documents such as your passport, proof of financial means, and a letter explaining the purpose of your trip.
- Submit your application: You can submit your visa application at the Mauritian embassy in Pretoria, South Africa, or through an authorized visa processing agency.
- Wait for processing: The processing time for a Mauritian visa can vary, but you should expect to wait at least 14 working days.
- Collect your visa: Once your visa has been approved, you can collect it from the embassy or authorized visa processing agency.
Which countries are visa-free to Mauritius?
Mauritius has visa-free or visa-on-arrival arrangements with over 40 countries, including South Africa. This means that citizens of these countries do not need a visa to visit Mauritius for a specified period.
What documents do I need to travel to Mauritius?
As a South African citizen, you will need the following documents to travel to Mauritius:
- A valid South African passport
- A return ticket or onward travel arrangements
- Proof of financial means to support your stay in Mauritius
- Accommodation arrangements in Mauritius
Types of Mauritian Visas
There are several types of visas that are offered to those who are interested in visiting Mauritius. The different types of visas are designed to accommodate various reasons for travel to the island country.
Mauritian Tourist Visa
This visa is granted for a short period of leisure travel and no business activities are permitted. This visa is ideal for those who are simply looking to enjoy a holiday in Mauritius and explore its beautiful beaches, lush forests and vibrant culture.
Mauritian Transit Visa
The transit visa is valid for 3 days or less, for transferring through a port in Mauritius to a third destination. This visa is ideal for travelers who are en-route to another destination and need to make a stopover in Mauritius.
On-Arrival Visa for Mauritius
The on-arrival visa for Mauritius is given at a port of entry. This is different from not needing a visa at all, as the visitor still needs to obtain the visa before they can pass through immigration. This type of visa is typically granted for a short period of time, usually for tourism purposes.
Student Visa for Mauritius
This visa permits its holder to study at an institution of higher education in Mauritius. This type of visa is ideal for those who are looking to further their education or pursue a degree in the country.
Mauritian Temporary Worker Visa
The temporary worker visa is for people who need to work in an organization in Mauritius. This visa is ideal for those who are taking up a temporary position in the country or who need to complete a project for a limited period of time.
Spousal Visa or Partner Visa
This visa is given to the spouse, civil partner or de facto partner of a resident or Mauritian citizen. This type of visa is ideal for those who are accompanying their partner to Mauritius for a lengthy period of time.
Mauritian Business Visa
The business visa is for those who are participating in short term commerce in Mauritius. This visa is ideal for business travelers or entrepreneurs who are looking to establish or expand their operations in the country.
Mauritian Marriage Visa
The marriage visa is given for a lengthy time prior to a civil partnership wedding based on a proven relationship with a citizen or resident of Mauritius. This type of visa is ideal for those who are getting married in the country and need to spend a substantial amount of time there before the wedding.
Exemption from Visa Requirements
There are several groups of individuals who are exempt from the visa requirements to enter Mauritius. These include:
- Citizens of Mauritius
- the child or step child or lawfully adopted child of persons who are residents of Mauritius or those who are residents of Mauritius under the Immigration Act
- holders of Diplomatic Passports other than those issued by the Government of Afghanistan, Algeria, Nigeria, Sudan, and Yemen
- persons who are residents of Mauritius under the Immigration Act
- the spouse of a citizen of Mauritius
- persons who intend to remain in Mauritius only during the stay of a vessel by which they arrive or depart
- crew of Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations, SADC or from internationally recognized organizations.
Who Requires a Visa to Visit Mauritius?
All those coming from countries which are not exempt from visa requirements must apply for a visa before traveling to Mauritius. You can refer to the visa requirements table for more information. Additionally, all persons coming to Mauritius for purposes other than tourism, visit, or business need to apply for a visa/permit before undertaking any travel.
Visa Admission Restrictions
There are some restrictions that the government of Mauritius has imposed on visa admission. These restrictions apply to citizens of certain countries and those who hold certain types of passports.
Passports issued by the Governments of Taiwan and the homelands of Botsphutatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, Venda or any other homeland existing in the Republic of South Africa are not recognized by the Government of Mauritius. This means that holders of these passports cannot enter Mauritius without first obtaining an entry permit.
Similarly, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is not recognized by the government of Mauritius, and holders of passports issued by this entity are also required to obtain an entry permit before traveling to Mauritius.
In conclusion, if you are a South African citizen and you do not hold a passport issued by any of the aforementioned entities, you do not need a visa to visit Mauritius. However, it is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements and admission restrictions before traveling, as these can change from time to time.