Do Mauritius Citizens Need a New Zealand ETA (NZeTA)?

Mauritian passport holders can stay in New Zealand for up to 90 days per visit. This 90-day limit applies to each individual entry into New Zealand. The NZeTA itself is valid for 2 years from the date it is issued, and allows multiple entries during this period.

This means a Mauritian traveller can use the same NZeTA for more than one trip to New Zealand within the 2-year window. For example, you might visit New Zealand for a 3-week holiday in one year and return for another visit the following year, using the same NZeTA (provided it has not expired). Each individual visit must not exceed the 90-day limit.

For Mauritian travellers, New Zealand is a particularly appealing destination given the shared connection to island landscapes, ocean environments, and outdoor culture. The flight from Mauritius to New Zealand is approximately 12–14 hours, typically routing via Singapore or Dubai — shorter than from many other countries — making New Zealand a more accessible long-haul destination for Mauritians than it might be for travellers from elsewhere.

The NZeTA application for Mauritian citizens is entirely online. There are no embassy appointments, no forms to print, and no postal submissions. The steps are:

1. Complete the online application form — enter your Mauritian passport details (passport number, expiry date, personal information) and basic travel information. Takes approximately 5–10 minutes on any device.
2. Answer the health and character declaration — respond honestly to standard questions about health history and any criminal record. Most Mauritian applicants pass this stage without difficulty.
3. Pay the NZeTA application fee — by credit or debit card (Visa or Mastercard). The fee covers the NZeTA processing charge and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This payment is non-refundable.
4. Await your approval email — most applications are decided within 24–72 hours. When approved, a confirmation email is sent to the address you provided. The NZeTA is electronically linked to your Mauritian passport.

Apply at least one week before your departure date for a comfortable buffer. Flights from Mauritius to New Zealand typically route via Singapore or Dubai.

The NZeTA application for Mauritian citizens requires minimal documentation:

• Valid Mauritian passport — must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure date from New Zealand. Ensure your passport is current and will not expire during your trip.
• Email address — a working email address to receive your NZeTA approval. Use an address you can access during your travels.
• Payment card — a Visa or Mastercard credit or debit card to pay the application fee. The fee is non-refundable.
• Health and character declaration answers — honest responses to the required questions about your health and any criminal history.

No photographs, bank statements, employment letters, hotel bookings, or travel insurance documents are required for the NZeTA application itself. However, at the New Zealand border on arrival, you may be asked to show evidence of accommodation, onward travel, and sufficient funds for your stay.

A stopover in Australia on a journey between Mauritius and New Zealand is geographically logical and entirely possible — but it is important to understand that Australia and New Zealand have completely separate entry requirements.

Your New Zealand NZeTA is a New Zealand entry authorisation only. It does not give you any right to enter Australia. If you wish to stop over in Australia (for example, in Sydney or Melbourne) for more than 8–72 hours (the threshold for needing to pass through immigration), you will need a separate Australian entry authorisation:

• Australian ETA (subclass 601) or eVisitor (subclass 651) — both are online applications, similar in concept to the NZeTA, available to eligible passport holders. Mauritian passport holders should check their eligibility for an Australian ETA directly with Australian immigration authorities.
• If your Australian stopover involves an airside transit only (not passing through passport control), you may not need an Australian visa, but you should verify this before travel.

Many Mauritian travellers enjoy combining a New Zealand trip with time in Australia, as the two countries offer very different but complementary experiences. If you are planning a combined trip, apply for both the NZeTA and any required Australian authorisation well in advance of your departure from Mauritius.

Standard processing time for NZeTA applications submitted by Mauritian passport holders is 24–72 hours. Most applications are decided within 24 hours; processing may extend to 72 hours during peak periods or if additional review is required.

Express processing options are available — see our processing times and fees page for current details and pricing. We recommend applying at least one week before your departure from Mauritius, regardless of processing option chosen. This provides a comfortable margin for any unexpected delays and ensures your NZeTA is confirmed well before check-in.