Travel formalities vary according to passenger profiles. To help you plan a typical journey in the best manner possible, please find herewith some of the key considerations and requirements.
Please note that this is not a complete list of all possible requirements around the world. We recommend that you visit the IATA Travel Centre before your trip for information about travel requirements of the countries you will be visiting or transiting in and also check with the relevant authorities of those countries to avoid last minute issues.
Passports and ID Cards
International Flights
You will need a passport or an equivalent travel document that is valid for the full duration of your trip. Your children will also need their own passports, including infants under two years.
It is strongly recommended that, before leaving on a trip, you check the entry and travel requirements with the competent authorities of the destination(s) you intend to visit and/or the country/countries where you will be in transit. Keep all required travel documents with you, according to the specified standards.
Furthermore, some countries require that the passport is valid for a minimum period beyond your trip — usually six months. For instance:
- Originating from Mauritius: Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your return date.
- To Mauritius: Passport must be valid beyond the intended period of stay in Mauritius.
In addition to your return ticket and a valid passport, some authorities also require a visa, a health certificate, insurance cover or other documents such as a hotel reservation or your host’s contact information (exact address and telephone number), etc.
Some authorities also require that you leave at least two side-by-side blank pages in your passport for visa on arrival.
Rodrigues Flights
The documents listed below must be presented at check-in for the identification of passengers travelling by air to and from Rodrigues. Foreign nationals proceeding to Rodrigues should also hold a return ticket over and above the following documents:
Adult passenger (above 18 years)
A passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. For Mauritian nationals, either a valid passport or the National Identity Card may be used.
Accompanied minors (under 18 years)
In the absence of a valid passport, the parents must produce a birth certificate or a valid bus pass or other identification document issued by a recognised educational/training institution.
Unaccompanied minors (under 18 years)
Unaccompanied minors are required to produce a valid passport, or a valid bus pass or other identification document issued by a recognised educational/training institution. In the absence of the above-mentioned documents, a minor must produce an identity document issued by the Police Station of his/her locality.
Note: All documents presented should be originals and not copies.
Transit in Mauritius
Passengers transiting through Mauritius must hold a valid passport or a passport replacing document accepted to enter Mauritius.
Check this section for government, airline and airport regulations which may affect your travel
Travelling Minors/Children or Infants
Prior to departure, please ensure you are aware of all the entry and travel requirements for minors, children and infants to your destination.
For travel to countries where a passport is required, all Mauritians, including children, must carry their own passport. Mauritius does not allow children to travel on their parent’s passport.
Some countries require one or more of the following documents when travelling with a child:
- The child’s birth certificate showing the names of both parents.
- Any legal documents (e.g. court order or letter of special circumstances) pertaining to custody.
- A parental consent letter or affidavit authorising travel (if the child is travelling with one parent, the letter must be signed and dated by the other parent; if the child is travelling without his parents, the letter must be signed and dated by both parents.)
- A death certificate if one of the parents is deceased.
Please check with the competent authorities of the destination you intend to visit before leaving on your trip.
Minors travelling to or from South Africa
Immigration regulations for travel from/to South Africa
Since 1st June 2015, South African authorities have implemented immigration regulations that concern all travelers under the age of 18, travelling into/out of/transiting South Africa.
Read more…
France/Reunion: Minors travelling outside French territory
Permit to travel outside French territory for minors – effective on January 15, 2017
A child who travels abroad without being accompanied by one of his or her parents must submit the following 3 documents:
- Valid identity document of the minor: identity card or passport + visa, if applicable according to the requirements of the country of destination (to be verified by consulting the country profiles of the diplomatie.gouv.fr site)
- Photocopy of the identity document of the parent or legal guardian who signed the form: identity card or passport; the document must be valid or expired since less than 5 years
- Form signed by one of the parents or a legal guardian (accessible here)
Ban on Mac Book Pro and Samsung Galaxy Note 7
Carriage of Mac Pro devices on Air Mauritius flights
From 12 September 2019 onwards and until further notice, all passengers, when traveling with 15″ Mac Pro devices, must have printed confirmation that the device is not eligible for the recall program by Apple Inc. More information.
The carriage of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is banned on all Air Mauritius flights.
This ban applies to devices carried on the passenger, in carry-on baggage, in checked baggage and as cargo or mail.
Travel to New Zealand: Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) effective 01 Oct 2019
New Zealand has introduced the electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) effective 01-Oct-19.
In this context, all travelers to New Zealand must obtain their NZeta prior to departure from their country of origin by submitting their application online on the official New Zealand website.
This applies to all travelers, including those originating from visa-waiver countries.
Find your visa requirements and other travel documents
Do I need a Visa?
Depending on your nationality and the purpose of your journey, you may need a visa or an equivalent form of authorisation for every country you enter as part of your journey — even if you are only connecting from one flight to another. This is in addition to a valid passport. Check if you need a visa via the IATA Travel Centre.
Please note that this is not a complete list of all possible requirements around the world. We recommend that you visit the IATA Travel Centre before your trip for information about travel requirements of the countries you will be visiting or transiting in and also check with the relevant authorities of those countries to avoid last minute issues.
Applying for a Visa
If you need a visa for your journey, you can apply directly via the embassy or high commission of the country you wish to travel to — visit their website or local consulate to learn more about the process.
Important Note
• Passengers visiting Mauritius for any purpose other than tourism or business must obtain prior authorization from the Mauritius Passport and Immigration Office before undertaking their trip.
• Any person who stays in Mauritius beyond the period granted on their visa or entry permit is committing an offense and may be subject to legal proceedings.
Advance Passenger Processing (APP)
Like all other airlines, we are required to provide your information to Customs and Immigration authorities, prior to arrival, based on your passport/visa data already known in the Customs and Immigration databases. Please refer to our privacy policy.
Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS)
Like all other airlines, many countries require us to collect some passport and travel information about who’s flying into their country. The information you provide is sent and managed securely to the necessary government authorities.
Depart Smart: travel tips for your passport and visa
- Use a passport cover to protect your passport, but remove it at immigration counters to expedite the process.
- Make a laminated, wallet-sized copy of the main page of your passport.
- Keep an electronic copy of the visa to the country you’re traveling in on your phone.
- Mind your passport. If you’re at home, keep your passport in a secure, dry place. On the road, keep it in your money belt or some other place that is zipped or locked up, out of sight and hard to get to.
- Triple check your visa requirements.
- Know your embassy and consulates to the country you are travelling to.
- If you’re struggling with your visa, hire a professional.
- Maintain a friendly demeanour at passport control.