A visa is an official acknowledgement issued by the Immigration Office/Embassy/Consular of Mauritius, indicating that your application to enter Mauritius has been reviewed by an Immigration Officer and that the officer has determined you are eligible to enter or transit in Mauritius for a specific purpose.
A visa, therefore, simply allows the bearer to travel to Mauritius up a port of entry and does not implicitly guarantee right of admission into Mauritius. The final decision to admit a non-citizen rests with the Immigration Officer after examination at the point of entry in Mauritius. He/she decides how long the person can stay for any particular visit.
Categories of persons who are exempted from Visa
The following are exempted from Visa Regulations:-
(a) Citizens of Mauritius;
(b) Persons who are residents of Mauritius under the Immigration Act;
(c) The Spouse of a citizen of Mauritius;
(d) The child or step child or lawfully adopted child of persons referred to at (a) and (b) above;
(e) Holders of Diplomatic Passports other than those issued by the Government of Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Yemen;
(f) Crew of a vessel travelling on duty or in transit to join another vessel;
(g) Holders of Laissez-passer issued by the United Nations, SADC or from other internationally recognized organizations, and;
(h) Persons who intend to remain in Mauritius only during the stay of a vessel by which they arrive and depart.
Who Needs a Visa?
» All persons coming from countries which are not exempted from visa requirements - Please refer to Visa Requirement Country-wise (See below).
» All persons coming to Mauritius for purposes other than Tourism, Visit or Business need to apply for a visa/permit before undertaking any travel.
General Information
» Non-citizens travelling to Mauritius without a visa (if required) may be repatriated to their country of origin or residence at the transporting carrier's cost.
» Any person who stays in Mauritius after the expiry of the period for which he obtained a visa or entry permit as the case may be, shall commit an offence and shall be liable for prosecution by a Court of Law.
» Non-citizens travelling to Mauritius as tourists/visitors are not allowed to engage in any gainful activities or apply for extension of visa to follow studies/training courses.
» Any person who wishes to seek employment or to engage in any gainful occupation in Mauritius will not be allowed to enter Mauritius unless he is the holder of valid residence permit and a work permit issued by the Mauritian Authorities.
» Prospective students are advised to travel to Mauritius only after their application for study/training in Mauritius has been approved.
» Non-Citizens coming to celebrate their marriage in Mauritius should comply with the requirements of Civil Status Act.
» A non-citizen coming to get married to a Mauritian should fulfill the requirements under the Civil Status Act.
» Non-citizens coming to Mauritius for business may apply for an Occupation Permit to Passport and Immigration Officer through Board of Investment as Investor, Self-Employed and Professional.
Visa Requirement Country-wise
The above information was correct at time of publication..05th March 2016.
Source: http://passport.gov.mu/English/Passport%20and%20Visa%20Requirement%20in%20Mauritius/Pages/Visa-Requirements-in-Mauritius.aspx