United States Visa RequirementsFor Mauritius passport holders
Citizens of Mauritius must obtain a B1/B2 visitor visa before entering the United States. The US Embassy is located in Port Louis, where interviews are conducted. Mauritius has one of the lower wait times in Africa, typically 1 to 3 months.
Mauritius passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Apply online at ceac.state.gov using Form DS-160. Pay the $185 USD non-refundable MRV fee, then schedule an interview at the US Embassy in Port Louis, located on 4th Floor, Rogers House, John Kennedy Street, Port Louis. Bring all required documents on your interview day.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
DS-160 application form
Completed online at ceac.state.gov before scheduling interview
Valid passport
At least 6 months validity beyond intended stay
MRV fee receipt
$185 USD non-refundable visa application fee
Passport photo
2x2 inch (51x51mm), white background
Interview appointment confirmation
Scheduled via US Embassy website
Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or tax returns
Proof of ties to home country
Employment letter, property documents, family ties, or enrollment
Travel itinerary Recommended
Intended travel dates and purpose
Current Travel Situation
Mauritius to United States: What You Need to Know
Mauritius and the United States enjoy a strong and positive bilateral relationship built on shared democratic values, trade, and investment. Mauritius is one of Africa's most prosperous nations and an AGOA-eligible country with a diversified economy. The US has a positive commercial and diplomatic engagement with Mauritius. The Mauritian diaspora in the US is modest but growing.
How to Get There
There are no direct flights from Mauritius to the United States. Common connections include Air Mauritius or Emirates via Dubai (DXB), British Airways via London (LHR), South African Airways via Johannesburg (JNB), and Air France via Paris (CDG). From these hubs, you can connect to JFK, IAD, ATL, or ORD.
Money & Banking
The US dollar (USD) is the currency in the United States. Credit cards are widely accepted. Budget around $100 to $150 per day for modest US travel. Note that Mauritius has a strong banking sector and major US financial institutions are familiar with Mauritian bank statements. Tipping is customary in the US: 15 to 20% at restaurants.
Practical Tips
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Port Louis are typically 1 to 3 months, among the shorter waits in Africa. Apply at least 2 to 3 months before your intended travel date. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes. Mauritius has a strong economy, and demonstrating financial stability and ties to home is straightforward for most applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a US Embassy in Mauritius where I can apply for a B1/B2 visa?
Yes, there is a US Embassy in Port Louis where Mauritius citizens can apply for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Complete the DS-160 form at ceac.state.gov, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule an interview appointment through the embassy website.
How long are US visa interview wait times from Mauritius?
Interview wait times at the US Embassy in Port Louis for Mauritius citizens are typically 1 to 3 months for a B1/B2 visitor visa. Wait times fluctuate based on demand and embassy staffing. Check current wait times at travel.state.gov/waitingtimes before planning your application.
How far in advance should Mauritius citizens apply for a US B1/B2 visa?
Given current interview wait times of 1 to 3 months, apply at least 3 months before your intended travel date. This allows time for scheduling your appointment, attending the interview, and receiving your passport with the visa. Applying early also gives you time to gather supporting documents.
What airlines and routes are available from Mauritius to the United States?
There are no direct flights from Port Louis to the United States. Common routing options include Air Mauritius or Emirates via Dubai, British Airways via London, and South African Airways via Johannesburg. Ethiopian Airlines is Africa's largest carrier and connects many African cities to JFK, IAD (Washington Dulles), ATL (Atlanta), IAH (Houston), and ORD (Chicago) via Addis Ababa.
How can I strengthen my US B1/B2 visa application from Mauritius?
The key to a strong US B1/B2 application from Mauritius is demonstrating strong ties to your home country and that you will return after your visit. Submit a stable employment letter, property ownership documents, bank statements showing sufficient funds, and evidence of family responsibilities. A clear travel purpose, realistic itinerary, and clean travel history also help.
What documents should I bring to my US visa interview as a citizen of Mauritius?
Bring your valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay, your DS-160 confirmation page, your MRV fee payment receipt, your interview appointment confirmation, a 2x2 inch passport photo, bank statements, employment letter or proof of ties to Mauritius, and any other supporting documents that demonstrate your intent to return home.
What is the US B1/B2 visa fee for Mauritius citizens?
The US B1/B2 visa application fee is $185 USD, known as the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee. This fee is non-refundable, even if your application is denied. Pay the fee through the payment portal linked on the US Embassy website before scheduling your interview.
Can a Mauritius citizen with a US B1/B2 visa work in the United States?
No. A B1/B2 visa only permits business visits (B1) and tourism or pleasure (B2). Working for a US employer is not permitted on a B1/B2 visa. Unauthorized work can result in deportation and future visa denials. If you intend to work in the United States, you must apply for an appropriate work visa such as H-1B, L-1, or O-1.