A few questions from a newbie

invicta — Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:08 am

Author: invicta

Posted: Tue Oct 20, 2009 10:08 am

Hi Folks,
My wife and I are ex pat Brits currently living in South Africa and are looking to move elsewhere. We haven't been to Mauritius yet and will come for a looksee before we make any decisions but before we go to the expense of a visit, I'd like to do some research and would welcome your comments and opinions on the following please.
We're both in our early 50s and in receipt of a smallish private income from early pensions. We also run a couple of websites that give us additional income and I also work as a safari guide in various parts of Africa for 2-3 months a year and if we do decide to live in Mauritius, we'll be buying a smallish home on a cash purchase without a mortgage. and we’ll need to have a good broadband internet connection available.
My first question is would we be eligible for permanent residency status and if so in what category?
Second question is if we can get residency, can we get it before we buy the property? I’d obviously be reluctant to invest money without a guarantee of residency.
Third question is that my (occasional) work as a safari guide obviously means I need firearms in my work. Whilst I don’t want to use them in Mauritius I would need to store them in Mauritius whilst I’m not working. Can someone please tell me if there’s any allowance for me to store these firearms either in my own home in a safe or in some kind of gunshop etc. The rifles are worth a small fortune so security is very important to me.
Fourth question is how is the crime situation over there?
I’m sure I’ll have other questions but that’s it for now and thanks in advance.

VISA TO MAURITIUS / MAURITIUS VISA GUIDE

Mauritius Info — Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:03 am

Author: Mauritius Info

Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 5:03 am

VISA TO MAURITIUS

Passports

Passport valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all. Passports issued by the Government of Taiwan, homelands of Botsphutatswana, Ciskei, Transkei, Venda or any other homeland and the Turkish Republic of Cyprus are not recognised. The holders of such documents can apply for an entry permit to the Passport and Immigration Officer.

Note: All visitors must hold valid tickets and documents for their onward or return journey and adequate funds for their intended length of stay.

Visas

Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of USA, Japan and the EU for stays up to three months;

(b) nationals of Commonwealth countries, except nationals of India and nationals of Bangladesh, Cameroon, Fiji, India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Swaziland, who do require a visa for stays of up to three months;

(c) nationals of Bahrain, Hong Kong (SAR), Israel, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, Oman, Qatar, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Vatican City and Zimbabwe for stays of up to three months;

(d) nationals of China (PR), India, Jordan and Lebanon for tourist stays of up to 15 days;

(e) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport.

Types of visa and cost

Tourist, Business and Social, each available as single- or multiple-entry. Visas are issued free of charge.

Validity

Tourist/Business visas: Up to three months. Applications for extensions should be made to the relevant authority.

Application to

Consulate or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission.

Note:

(a) Nationals of Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to three months.

(b) Nationals of Korea (Rep) can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to 16 days.

(c) Nationals of Albania, Bulgaria, CIS, Comoro Islands, Fiji, Madagascar and Romania can obtain a visa on arrival for stays of up to two weeks. Extensions are possible. These visas can be issued from Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport or the Passport and Immigration Office in Port Louis).

(d) Nationals of Afghanistan, Algeria, Congo (Dem Rep), Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Libya, Nigeria, Sudan and Yemen should obtain a visa before travelling to Mauritius, even if they are on transit.

Application requirements

(a) Valid passport.
(b) Completed application form.
(c) Two passport-size photos.
(d) Photocopy of passport page with date of birth.
(e) Proof of sufficient funds (at least US$50 per day or equivalent, or at least US$100 per day for some other nationals).
(f) Proof of accommodation such as hotel booking or letter of invitation.
(g) Self-addressed stamped envelope. (h) Appropriate documents for the next destination, including return or onward tickets.

Processing time

Varies according to nationality of applicant. Most can be issued within seven days but can take up to one month.

Temporary residence

Residence permits are issued by the Passport and Immigration Officer, Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey Street, Port Louis (tel: 210 9312-9). Work permits are necessary for those taking up employment.

Expatriates Forums in Mauritius

A few questions from a newbie

VISA TO MAURITIUS / MAURITIUS VISA GUIDE