Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and diverse cultural heritage. Mauritius’ lifestyle is also known to be more luxurious than that of any other African country.
It is a popular tourist destination for visitors worldwide, including Nigerians. If you are Nigerian and are planning to visit Mauritius in 2023, it is crucial to know the visa requirements.
Is it possible for Nigerians to enter Mauritius without a visa? The short answer is yes. You don’t need a visa for Mauritius if you are willing to stay there for less than 14 days. Your passport will be checked and stamped with a temporary visa, meaning you can legally stay in the country for 14 days and no more.
However, this scenario has a downside: this only applies if you are a Nigerian visiting the country for tourism, business, or visit purposes. If you intend to work or study for an extended period, you should apply for a long-term visa.
If you change your mind and decide to live there longer, extending your visa wouldn’t be possible. As a result, it is strongly advised that you decide on the length of your stay.
If you are determined to stay in the country long-term, you must apply for a long-term visa.
As you read further in the article, you will understand how to apply for a long-stay visa from your home country, obtain a short-stay visa, and receive all the necessary guidance.
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Different Types of Mauritius Visas For Nigerians
You can apply for a visa based on the reason for your trip. The following are the most common types of visas issued in Mauritius:
- A tourist visa can be applied if you intend to travel to the country for leisure.
- A business visa can be applied if you plan on attending a business meeting, conference, or any other business-related work.
- A visit visa can be applied if you are willing to visit the country to meet with friends or family.
Other types of visas include,
- Study visa
- Work permit visa
- Investor visa, etc.
Step-by-Step Guide: How To Apply For a Visa?
I’ve compiled a guide to help you apply for a long-term visa to Mauritius as a Nigerian.
Documents Required For The Visa
You need to provide several documents while applying for a visa. Please be aware that these documents are required even if you are visiting Mauritius temporarily.
The documents that are required to apply for the visa include the following:
- Visa application. The application should be appropriately filled out, with all details entered entirely and truthfully. The application form can be downloaded from the following link: (https://passport.govmu.org/passport/?page_id=436#).
- Valid passport. It should be valid for at least six months after the intended return date.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs. The photographs must be taken following the guidelines outlined on the website.
- Photocopy of the data pages of the applicant’s passport. Clear photocopies are required.
- Copy of the bank statement for the last three months. This is required as it is checked whether you are financially stable to afford this trip. It is also a good idea to keep your employment letter on hand.
- Proof of valid return. This is required as you cannot prolong your stay more than permitted. You are, therefore, required to provide a copy of the booking of the return flight to Nigeria, its date, and its flight number.
- Proof of Accommodation. This can be different based on where you will be staying. If you are going to be staying at a hotel, then a copy of that hotel’s reservation and its address will do, whereas if you are going to be staying with an accomplice, you need to provide a letter of invitation signed by them.
- Proof of your legal residence in Nigeria.
- A letter stating your reason for traveling to the country.
- If you are traveling with your family, you must provide certain proofs like your marital certificate, birth certificates of your children, etc.
- If you are applying for a business visa, you must also provide a letter from your company or sponsor.
- If you are a minor, you must provide a letter of consent signed by your parents or your guardian, your birth certificate, and a copy of your parents’/guardian’s passports.
These requirements are subject to change. Keep visiting the website for any updates that might conflict with your application process.
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How to Apply For Mauritius Visa From Nigeria?
No Mauritius embassy is sitting in Nigeria. That is part of why there is no need to pre-apply for a visa for a short trip to Mauritius.
But for a long trip, it is required that you submit the application as well as all the documents through mail at [email protected].
The application usually takes up to 5 days, as mentioned officially.
Your passport will then be returned. If your visa were approved, it would be attached to your passport; otherwise, why your visa was rejected will be stated.
The applicant is advised to apply for the visa at least one month before the trip.
Travel Tips for Nigerian Tourists in Mauritius
Mauritius is a beautiful country known for its multicultural residents. You will also likely find a whole community of Nigerians during your visit. The people are incredibly welcoming and hospitable, as they know Mauritius is a prime tourist spot.
During your stay, you might encounter a few problems that could most easily be avoided if you stay cautious. Here is a list of tips that might come in handy:
- Sometimes, travelers experience a few complications during their visit, which naturally provoke them to endure rash behavior. Stay calm and ask the locals or management for help whenever you face a problem. The people of Mauritius provide too good of hospitality.
- Always be on time. Ensure you leave as soon as possible for departure to avoid long queues and unhappy people.
- Take care of your family. Mauritius is a safe country, but not everyone can be trusted. Keep an eye out for scammers and suspicious-looking people. Keep your kids close to you, and don’t let them go out late at night.
- Stay away from locals or tourists with bad behavioral habits. Trust me, you don’t want to get mixed up in bad company; otherwise, your trip will go gloomy.
Besides that, make sure to get the most out of your trip. Capture all the mind-blowing experiences on camera. Be sure to go to the seaside more often, as it will be one of the most beautiful sights you have ever witnessed.
Why is There No Mauritius Embassy in Nigeria?
Mauritius does not have an embassy in Nigeria because Nigerians only need a visa for longer than 14 days. According to the Government of Mauritius’s website, Nigerians can stay in the country for up to 90 days if they have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
However, if your planned stay exceeds 90 days, you must apply for an appropriate visa at your nearest embassy or consulate.
Can I Travel To Mauritius Without Visa From Nigeria?
Nigerians are allowed into Mauritius without a visa provided their stay is shorter than 14 days and they have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for their visit.
If you plan on staying longer than 14 days, you must apply for an appropriate visa at your nearest consulate before entering the country.
What is the Visa Cost From Nigeria To Mauritius?
The cost of visas varies depending on which type you require. For instance, Visitor Visas cost €50 (approximately $60) and Business Visas cost €70 (approximately $84).
It is also important to note that some visas may require additional documentation, such as bank statements, medical certificates, and police clearance reports.
Be sure to check with your closest consulate if there are additional requirements before applying for your visa. You can also check the cost of a long-stay visa from Nigeria to Mauritius from the Official Visa Website of Mauritius.
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What is the Flight Cost From Nigeria To Mauritius?
The average flight cost from Nigeria to Mauritius is between $1000 and $1400, depending on when and where you book your ticket. Prices may be higher during peak season,, but great deals are usually available if you plan and book early enough.
In a week, more than 150 flights move to Mauritius from Nigeria, so prices can vary according to the flight you choose to book your travelling tickets.
The price for a flight will also depend on the type of service you’re using. The cost may be less if you’re traveling on a Government occupied service. In contrast, if you’re traveling through private flights, than cost can be high.
Similarly, the prices willl also vary when you choose economy, business, or 1st class cabins.
Ina nutshell, the prices for flights are variable, but the average flight prices are $1000-$1400. Sometime, it can less, and sometimes it can go high.
