Eligibility of ETIAS

  • Mauritius will be among the initial countries to join ETIAS.
  • Citizens of Mauritius will be able to submit ETIAS applications in 2025.
  • Mauritian citizens will enjoy the convenience of an online ETIAS application process.

Other Requirements for ETIAS

  • Online ETIAS application is available for Mauritian citizens.
  • The ETIAS visa waiver covers air, sea, and land entry to Europe.
  • An e-passport that can be read by machine is required for travellers.
  • The ETIAS visa waiver only covers short trips for tourism, business, transit, or medical purposes.
  • ETIAS can be obtained free of charge for applicants under 18 years of age or over 70 years of age

Starting from 2025, citizens of Mauritius will have to obtain an ETIAS authorisation in order to travel to European countries that are participating in the program for short stays not exceeding 90 days. The main purposes of these visits may include tourism, business, transit, or medical treatments.

The launch of ETIAS is a response to the worldwide rise in terrorism. This new program aims to screen travellers from foreign countries who intend to enter Europe. ETIAS will require travellers to provide basic personal and biometric information, such as name, date of birth, and passport details, and answer security-related questions. This information will then be compared against multiple databases, including Europol and Interpol, to determine if there are any security risks associated with the traveller. This process is expected to take only a matter of minutes and will allow for a quick and efficient evaluation of the traveller’s background and potential risk factors.

In addition to improving the security of European countries, ETIAS also aims to simplify the travel process for eligible travellers. By having a pre-screening process in place, travellers who are deemed low-risk will be able to enter Europe more quickly and easily, without the need for additional security checks upon arrival. This will help to reduce wait times and improve the overall travel experience for both EU citizens and foreign visitors. The launch of ETIAS is an essential step towards enhancing Europe’s security while facilitating travel for eligible travellers.

The European Union approved the ETIAS program in 2016, with the aim to integrate it with current immigration databases and security information. This effort took 4 years to fully develop a seamless screening tool that would be used across participating European countries.

Starting 2025, travellers from Mauritius must apply for ETIAS before setting foot on an aircraft, sea vessel or coach heading to Europe, even if their stay in the continent is just for transit. To ensure that ETIAS is fully effective, all travellers from Mauritius, including those who will only transit in Europe en route to another destination, must complete the ETIAS application process before embarking on their journey.

For a stay longer than 90 days in Europe or for purposes other than tourism, business, transit, or medical visits, Mauritian citizens must obtain a Schengen visa. To assess your visa needs, visit the https://etias.co.uk/ homepage.

To ensure a smooth and efficient ETIAS application process, it is recommended that Mauritian citizens submit their application at least 4 days before their departure. For detailed information on ETIAS requirements and answers to frequently asked questions, please refer to the ETIAS Requirements page and the ETIAS FAQ’s. Before starting your ETIAS application, it is important to review these resources to minimize the risk of delays or rejection

The application for ETIAS must be completed by citizens of Mauritius in order to enter participating European countries for short stays, for a duration of fewer than 90 days. This includes visits for tourism, business, transit or medical purposes. It is important to note that in order to apply for ETIAS, one must be a full Mauritian citizen and hold a passport with that status.

Travellers who hold a passport or travel document with a different status may not be eligible for ETIAS and may need to apply for a full Schengen visitor visa instead. Travellers should know the different types of visas before planning their trip to Europe, to ensure they comply with the immigration requirements. 

It is important to know that ETIAS and Schengen visas are two distinct types of visas, and they are intended for different purposes. The Schengen visa, which allows a traveller to enter all the countries in the Schengen area for up to 90 days, is more suitable for those who are looking to stay in Europe for an extended period of time. On the other hand, the ETIAS, which is a short-term travel authorisation for travellers visiting Europe for tourism, business, medical, or transit purposes, is a more straightforward and efficient option for those who plan to stay in Europe for less than 90 days.

For Mauritian citizens, the process of obtaining an ETIAS is quick and efficient. The application is usually approved within minutes and the authorisation is sent to the applicant via email as a PDF document. No physical copies or presentation of the ETIAS is necessary as the information is stored electronically and linked to the passport details in the European immigration system.

Benefits of ETIAS

  • The ETIAS authorisation is valid for a period of three years from the date it was issued.
  • ETIAS authorisation permits multiple entries within a 90-day duration.
  • Speedy approval and digital receipt.
  • Can be applied through desktop, tablet, or mobile devices.

Application Advice for ETIAS

  • Apply 96 hours before departure.
  • A full visitor visa is still an option for those who are not approved for an ETIAS.
  • The border security personnel of the European country of arrival make the final entry decision, even with an ETIAS.