Mauritius Plans Digital E-Visa for All Non-Citizens to Reduce Airport Queues

International travellers planning a trip to Mauritius may eventually need to complete a new digital authorisation process before boarding their flight.

The Government of Mauritius confirmed the planned introduction of an electronic travel system in its 2026–2027 National Budget. The Budget Speech describes the system as an “E-Visa” that will allow all non-citizens to apply before travelling to the island. Its stated objectives are to reduce queues at arrival terminals and strengthen national security through advance passenger screening.
The system is also being referred to as an Electronic Travel Authorisation, or ETA, in tourism trade reporting and supporting budget summaries. This difference in terminology will need to be clarified when the final regulations and application procedures are released.

What the Planned System Could Mean for Travellers
Once implemented, the system is expected to introduce an additional step before departure. Non-citizens would apply online, provide the required personal and travel information, pay the prescribed fee and receive digital approval before travelling to Mauritius.
This could allow immigration authorities to assess travellers before they reach the airport, while helping airlines confirm that passengers have the necessary permission to travel.
However, several important operational details remain outstanding, including:
- The official launch date
- The application website or mobile platform
- The application fee
- Expected processing times
- How long an authorisation will remain valid
- Whether it will allow single or multiple entries
- Which travellers or permit holders may be exempt
- How the system will affect passport holders who currently travel visa-free

As of mid-July 2026, the Mauritian Prime Minister’s Office continues to describe the e-Visa platform as an upcoming system rather than an active entry requirement.

Visa-Free Travellers Should Wait for Further Guidance
The announcement is particularly relevant to travellers from countries that currently benefit from visa-free access to Mauritius.
The Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office presently lists several categories of travellers who do not require a visa, including passport holders from European Union countries. Other nationalities are subject to the country-specific requirements applicable under the existing immigration system.
It has not yet been confirmed whether the new digital authorisation will replace certain visa processes, operate alongside existing visa exemptions or simply add a pre-travel registration requirement for visa-exempt visitors.
An ETA does not necessarily mean that a country has ended visa-free travel. In many destinations, eligible passport holders remain visa-exempt but must obtain a digital authorisation before departure. Mauritius will need to publish its final rules before travellers and travel professionals can determine how the new system will affect individual nationalities.

Current Entry Requirements Remain in Place
Travellers should continue following the existing entry rules until the Mauritian authorities formally announce the system’s commencement date.
The current Mauritius All-in-One Travel Digital Form is separate from the proposed e-Visa or ETA. The existing form is intended to help facilitate arrival formalities and is currently available free of charge through the official Mauritius government platform.
Travellers should be cautious of unofficial websites requesting payment for the existing All-in-One Travel Form or claiming to provide access to the future e-Visa before an official application platform has been announced.
Air Mauritius currently advises passengers to check entry requirements with the relevant authorities and ensure that they hold all required passports, visas, travel authorisations and supporting documents before departure.

What the Tourism Trade Should Prepare For
Tour operators, travel agents, airlines, hotels and destination management companies selling Mauritius should monitor the rollout closely.
Once the system becomes operational, booking confirmations, pre-departure emails, traveller documentation checklists and agent training materials may need to be updated. Businesses will also need sufficient notice to explain the new requirement to guests and prevent passengers from arriving at check-in without approval.
The efficiency of the application platform, the cost of the authorisation and the time required for approval will be particularly important for last-minute bookings and short-haul regional travel.
Until the implementation details are published, tourism businesses should avoid presenting the proposed e-Visa or ETA as a current entry requirement. Travellers should instead be advised that a digital system is being developed and that official instructions will follow.

About the Proposed Mauritius Digital Travel System
The planned digital system forms part of Mauritius’ broader efforts to modernise border control and improve the arrival process for international visitors. Final application procedures, eligibility rules, fees and launch dates are still to be announced by the Mauritian authorities.