Citizens of two African countries can travel to the United Kingdom, UK without obtaining a traditional visitor visa in advance, according to the latest UK immigration rules.
The countries are Mauritius and Seychelles.
However, visa-free does not mean that their citizens can simply travel to Britain without prior requirements. Both countries are included in the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, meaning eligible travellers generally need to obtain an ETA before travelling to the UK.
The UK Home Office’s current Visa National List, updated on August 3, 2026, identifies nationalities that require entry clearance before travelling to Britain. Mauritius and Seychelles do not appear on that list.
1. Mauritius
Mauritian citizens generally do not need to obtain a UK visitor visa before travelling to Britain for a short visit.
However, Mauritius is included in the UK’s ETA national list. The UK government says an ETA allows eligible travellers to visit the UK for up to six months for purposes such as tourism, visiting family and friends, or certain business activities.
An ETA is a digital travel authorisation rather than a traditional visa. Travellers must obtain the required authorisation before travelling.
Mauritius is therefore one of the few African nationalities that can visit the UK under the country’s visa-exempt visitor arrangements, subject to the applicable immigration rules.
2. Seychelles
Seychellois citizens are also generally exempt from the requirement to obtain a UK visitor visa before travelling to Britain.
Like Mauritius, however, Seychelles is included in the UK’s ETA system. Eligible Seychellois travellers therefore need an ETA before travelling to the UK.
The ETA permits eligible travellers to seek entry for visits of up to six months, although having an ETA does not guarantee admission at the UK border.
What this means for African travellers
The distinction between a visa and an ETA is important.
A visa normally involves applying for permission to enter the UK before travelling and, depending on the route, may require supporting documents, biometrics and other information.
An ETA is a digital travel authorisation for travellers who do not normally need a visa for short visits. The UK government states that an ETA allows eligible travellers to travel to the UK for visits of up to six months.
Therefore, Mauritian and Seychellois citizens do not generally need to apply for a traditional UK visitor visa, but they must comply with the ETA requirement and other UK entry rules.
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