Mauritius introduces premium travel visa for long stays

Mauritius has introduced a new Premium Travel Visa for foreign nationals who intend to stay in Mauritius for a maximum period of one year as a tourist, retiree or a professional, and is willing to come with his/her family and carry out his/her business or work remotely from Mauritius in a Covid-safe destination.

Applying for a Premium Visa is a simple online process, which opened on 16 November. An application will be processed within 48 hours and the e-visa will be issued via email. The Premium Visa is issued free of charge and there is no processing fee.

The Premium Visa is valid for a period of one year and is renewable. A Premium Visa is required by those who intend to stay in Mauritius for a period exceeding 180 days in a calendar year. For those staying for less than 180 days, a tourist visa can be granted on arrival to Mauritius. Foreign nationals staying in Mauritius under a tourist visa can apply for a Premium Visa during their stay in Mauritius.

In order to qualify for the Premium Visa, the applicant must have proof of his/her long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay. The following criteria should also be met:

• The applicant should not enter the Mauritius labour market;
• The main place of business and/or source of income and profits should be outside Mauritius;
• Documentary evidence should be provided to support application such as purpose of visit, accommodation etc.;
• Other basic immigration requirements.

A holder of a Premium Visa is permitted to apply for an Occupation Permit if he/she intends to work or invest in Mauritius or a Residence Permit as a retired non-citizen. Foreign nationals may also acquire a residential property developed under the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Real Estate Scheme (RES), Property Development Scheme (PDS) or Smart City Scheme (SCS). A foreign national is also allowed to acquire an apartment located in a building of at least ground plus two floors.

Money spent in Mauritius through the use of foreign credit or debit cards is not liable to tax in Mauritius. A person becomes a tax resident and therefore liable to tax in Mauritius if he/she spends 183 days or more in the country.

All prospective passengers (including children and infants) travelling to Mauritius for the month of November and December 2020 must possess the following documents:

• A certificate of a negative Covid-19 PCR test administered not more than seven days prior to the date of boarding at the last point of embarkation;
• A valid air ticket to Mauritius; and
• Proof of purchase of a travel package including accommodation, on a full-board basis, at a designated hotel for a mandatory 14-day in-room quarantine.

Any arriving passenger will have to undergo PCR tests on the day of arrival, and after seven and 14 days after arrival. If a PCR test reveals that a person is Covid-19 positive, he/she shall be transferred to a public medical institution for treatment.