Mauritius confirms plans for digital eVisa/ETA system in 2026-2027 budget

Budget documents describe the system as both an eVisa and an Electronic Travel Authorization, with fees, launch date, and exemptions still to be confirmed

Mauritius has formally committed to building a digital pre-travel authorization system that would require non-citizens to obtain electronic clearance before arriving on the island. The project appears in the country's 2026-2027 budget documents, moving it from early-stage discussion into a more concrete planning phase, according to the Budget Speech and the official budget annex published by the Mauritian government.

Notably, the two documents use different terminology for the same system. The Budget Speech refers to an eVisa, while the official annex describes an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) and specifies that an amendment to the Immigration Act will be required to implement it.

The Budget Speech states: "We will introduce a digital system to enable all non-citizens to apply for an E-Visa prior to traveling to Mauritius and thus reduce queues at the arrival terminal and consolidate national security."

What the system is designed to do

The Mauritian government has pitched the future eVisa/ETA as a modernization tool with two primary goals. First, it aims to shorten waiting times at immigration counters by collecting traveler information before departure rather than processing everything on arrival. Second, it is framed as a national security measure, giving border authorities structured data on incoming passengers before they board a flight or reach passport control.

Who would need to use it

The budget documents describe the system as applying to all non-citizens, which under Mauritian law means anyone who does not hold Mauritian citizenship. Read broadly, that would potentially sweep in tourists, business visitors, students, foreign workers, non-Mauritian residents, and travelers from countries that currently enjoy visa-free access.

However, the final regulations have not been published. It remains unclear which categories will actually be required to apply, whether any groups will be exempt, and how the official portal will function day to day. For travelers from countries like France, the UK, the US, and other nations that currently enter Mauritius without a visa, the system would not necessarily end visa-free travel but could add a mandatory electronic step before boarding or arrival.

Fees confirmed but not yet priced

The budget annex confirms that the ETA application will come with a prescribed fee, but no figure has been disclosed in the documents reviewed. This will be one of the most closely watched details for both travelers and the tourism industry. Beyond the cost, questions around validity periods, the number of entries allowed, processing timelines, and refund policies all remain open.

For Mauritius, which depends heavily on international tourism, getting the balance right will be critical. The system will need to be quick and user-friendly enough that it does not turn a famously accessible destination into one associated with cumbersome red tape.

Golden Visa and immigration changes also in the budget

The eVisa/ETA is not the only immigration-related measure in the 2026-2027 budget. The government also outlined plans to revamp its Golden Visa program, targeting investors who commit at least $1 million to the Mauritian economy within 12 months of arrival. Priority sectors include fintech, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, and other high-value industries. Qualifying investors could eventually become eligible to apply for permanent residence.

Beyond investor visas, authorities plan to revise the Occupation Permit framework and adjust several programs tied to economic immigration.

On the education front, Mauritius wants to attract more international students through a centralized "Study in Mauritius" portal, expanded access to work during school holidays, and post-study visas designed to give graduates a reason to stay in the country after completing their degrees.

These measures target a different audience than the eVisa/ETA, but together they signal that Mauritius is undertaking a broad modernization of its immigration framework, covering everything from short-stay tourists to long-term economic and academic residents.