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Travel can be beautiful, but it can also be tedious with bureaucratic hurdles to clear.

In what’s become the norm for many of the most worthwhile destinations to visit, yet another stunning country is preparing to introduce a new entry requirement.

Yes, checking do’s and don’t’s before setting foot in another country is still a must, and this time it’s one of the world’s most wondrous destinations, attempting to streamline the customs process we all definitely look forward to. 😑

To date, the UK, St. Kitts & Nevis, South Africa, India and Sri Lanka all announced their own version of Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in 2025, before the latter changed their mind…

But this time, it’s the paradise island of Mauritius taking a hack at it and appears to be set in stone for what sounds like 2026.

Here is everything American travelers need to know before visiting this bucket-list island:

Current Entry Requirements For Mauritius

If you were to visit Mauritius today, no such ETA is required. However, Mauritius does require an All-in-One Digital Travel Form, expected to be completed up to 72 hours before your flight or boat takes off.

Just know this form is merely an administrative step, not a full pre-approval to gain entry, despite its generated QR code seeming to do so.

According to the U.S. State Department, no visa is required. You will be allowed to stay in Mauritius for up to 60 days once your passport is stamped with an extinct Dodo bird emblem as a free, brag-worthy souvenir.

Mauritius Requires A Form Already, So What’s Changing?

‘Fill out this’, ‘fill out that’ is what it may seem like. But Mauritius is aiming to speed up the process to crack down on long lines and make it easier for everyone, overall.

At a recent conference, Prime Minister Dr. Navinchandra Ramgoolam raved about Mauritius’s tourism sector and wants to be one step ahead as the island continues to become more popular, despite being a far-flung map dot in the Indian Ocean.

As such, the next move will be to fully introduce an ETA, essentially giving travelers permission to enter before they set foot in an immigration line.

Here is what we know so far:

• Part of a broader plan to streamline arrivals and reduce airport wait times
• Follows a year of 1.4 million tourist arrivals and growing demand
• The ETA will (likely) replace or enhance the current All-in-One Digital Travel Form
• Travelers will apply online before their trip for pre-clearance
• Full timeline hasn’t been announced yet
• Current rules remain the same (most visitors still enter visa-free for now)

Why Visit Mauritius?

A couple of forms might be boring, but once you’re here, there’s never a dull moment.

Truly one of the most magnificent islands on Earth, this African paradise may be a journey to reach, but it holds rave reviews by those who have given it a fair shake.

Many of us dream of visiting locations that flash across our screensavers — and Mauritius is one of those places.

Boasting pristine turquoise waters, vibrant lagoons, lush mountain backdrops, and powder-white beaches, the juice is worth the squeeze for travelers chasing a true once-in-a-lifetime island escape.

Not to mention locals couldn’t be more welcoming, especially knowing you’ve likely made a long trip with multiple layovers.

We say ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ because of the long flights here and the surprisingly costly resorts here.

When you hear “Africa”, you might instantly think cheap, but that’s not the case for Mauritius’s resort scene, such as the Hilton Mauritius Resort & Spa, which goes for upwards of $600 per night.

However, other facets won’t bruise your bank account so much. Fresh street food is ultra cheap and plentiful, fun tours can be found for under $50 per day, and getting around by bus is as little as $1.

Is Mauritius Safe?

Again, “Africa” can conjure a mix of thoughts given how the continent in its entirety is often portrayed.

The good news is that Mauritius is one of Africa’s safest nations.

According to the U.S. State Department, Mauritius was last updated as ‘Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution‘ last week, aligning with many of Americans’ favorite international vacation spots.

It’s advised to be wary of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, though more alarming crimes such as assaults and home break-ins have been reported.

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.