Mauritius intends to expedite border checks for visitors without a visa.
Visitors from nations that do not require a visa may soon need to use a new electronic travel authorization system that Mauritius is getting ready to implement. The existing entrance regulations are still in place, although airport lines may get shorter in the future.
Mauritius is getting ready to alter the way visitors enter the nation. An Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system would be introduced shortly, according to Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam. At an event honoring Constance Hotels & Resorts' 50th anniversary, he gave the update.
Notably, a significant portion of Mauritius' GDP comes from tourism. In 2025, almost 1.4 million tourists arrived in the nation. These days, the government seeks to make travel easier and more contemporary. Better digital tools, quicker border checks, and shorter airport lines result from this.
The Significance of the New ETA
Before visiting Mauritius, individuals must obtain an online clearance known as the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). The objective is straightforward: shorten wait times and facilitate admission for both visitors and Mauritius residents.
Not all the details have yet been clarified by the administration. The ETA might be applicable to all travelers, even those who are now able to enter the country without a visa. In addition to the ETA, Mauritius is developing a digital recognition system to facilitate a more effective border procedure.
Nothing has changed as of yet. The current visa regulations are still in effect.
Entry Requirements as of right now:
For brief visits, many visitors can enter Mauritius without a visa.
Depending on current restrictions, others may need to obtain a visa prior to arrival or obtain one upon arrival.
Before boarding, all travelers are urged to complete the Mauritius All-in-One Digital Travel Form. It generates a PDF that needs to be printed and sent to authorities along with a QR code.
Travelers must fill out an immigration card at the airport if the paperwork is not completed beforehand, which slows things down.
What is the estimated time of arrival in Mauritius?
Before departing, travelers must fill out the Mauritius ETA, a digital pre-travel authorization. It will serve as an additional security measure and facilitate more effective arrival management for the nation. It's not a visa. Rather, it verifies that a passenger is authorized to enter the nation prior to boarding the aircraft.
Who Will Require the ETA?
Although the complete list has not yet been confirmed by the government, it is anticipated that:
Before arriving, travelers from nations that do not require a visa will probably require an ETA.
Depending on future regulations, travelers who now need a visa may still need both the visa and the ETA.
When reentering the country, holders of Mauritius passports may also utilize the ETA.
Countries Anticipated to Need an ETA
Travelers from the following nations may be subject to the ETA based on current visa-free entry regulations:
India
United Kingdom
The United States
nations that make up the European Union
Australia
The New Zealand
The South African
The United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia
CanadaSingapore
Malaysia
Japan
The South Korean
After the system is formally deployed, the final list will be made public.
What This Means for Travellers
The ETA will likely seem like a little extra step to take online before the trip to the majority of travelers. However, many travelers will embrace the move if it is successful in reducing airport lines and paperwork.
Concluding Remarks
There is only one key lesson to be learned for the time being. So yet, nothing has changed. If you intend to take a vacation in Mauritius in the near future, review the current regulations regarding visas and fill out the online travel form before departing.
The government is anticipated to provide comprehensive information and a date when the new requirement becomes necessary once the ETA goes live.
