Get Your Mayotte Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for the world's largest lagoon, marine biodiversity, and French-African culture
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Mayotte Visa
Simple 4-step process — most travelers approved within 5-15 business days
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel dates, and purpose of visit. Our system guides you through the specific requirements for Mayotte, which differ from standard Schengen rules despite being French territory.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), recent passport photographs, proof of accommodation in Mayotte, return flight itinerary, travel insurance, and financial documentation. Our visa specialists review every document to ensure compliance.
3
We process your visa
Our experienced team submits your application to the French consular authorities. We handle all communications and document verification. Most applications are processed within 5-15 business days depending on your nationality and visa type.
4
Receive your visa electronically
Once approved, you'll receive notification and instructions for collecting your visa or receiving your visa sticker. Print your confirmation documents and prepare for your journey to France's stunning Indian Ocean territory!
Mayotte Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Short-Stay Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
For tourism, lagoon exploration, and marine activities
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial meetings and professional activities
EU/EEA Visa Exemption
Unlimited stay
EU citizens have freedom of movement rights
Family Visit Visa
Up to 90 days
For visiting family members residing in Mayotte
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 3+ months beyond stay with 2 blank pages
- Two passport photos 35x45mm, white background
- Confirmed hotel booking or host invitation letter
- Return or onward flight ticket required
- Travel insurance covering minimum 30,000 EUR
- Proof of sufficient funds for duration of stay
Understanding Mayotte's Unique Visa Status
Mayotte occupies a unique position in French and European administration. As a French overseas department since 2011, it is part of the European Union but operates under special visa rules distinct from the Schengen Area. This means that a standard Schengen visa does not automatically grant entry to Mayotte, and a Mayotte visa does not permit travel to mainland France or other Schengen countries.
Who Needs a Visa for Mayotte?
Citizens of EU/EEA countries and Switzerland enjoy freedom of movement and can enter Mayotte without a visa using their national ID card or passport. Citizens of countries with Schengen visa exemption agreements (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, etc.) can typically enter Mayotte visa-free for short stays up to 90 days.
Visa Requirements for Other Nationalities
Citizens of countries requiring Schengen visas must apply for a specific Mayotte visa at the French embassy or consulate. The application process is similar to Schengen visas but the visa stamp will indicate validity for Mayotte specifically. Processing typically takes 5-15 business days.
Important Note
Even if you hold a valid Schengen visa, you should verify whether it includes Mayotte, as many do not. When in doubt, contact the French consulate handling your application.
Business & Long-Stay Visas
Business Visa
Professionals visiting Mayotte for business purposes can apply for a short-stay business visa allowing stays up to 90 days. This permits attending meetings, conferences, negotiations, and site visits. Required documentation includes an invitation letter from the Mayotte-based company, proof of business relationship, and company registration documents. Business visitors cannot engage in paid employment.
Long-Stay Visa (Visa de Long Séjour)
For stays exceeding 90 days, you must apply for a French long-stay visa. Categories include:
• Work visa: Requires employer sponsorship and work authorization from French authorities
• Student visa: For enrollment in Mayotte's educational institutions
• Family reunification: For joining French/EU family members
• Retirement visa: Requires proof of pension income and health insurance
Residence Permits
Long-stay visa holders must apply for a residence permit (carte de séjour) at the Mayotte prefecture within the first months of arrival. This establishes legal residency status in French territory.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Essential Documentation for Mayotte Entry
All visitors (except EU/EEA citizens) must present:
• Valid passport: Minimum 3 months validity beyond your intended stay with at least 2 blank pages
• Mayotte-specific visa: If your nationality requires one (verify with French consulate)
• Return or onward ticket: Proof of departure from Mayotte within visa validity
• Accommodation proof: Hotel reservation, rental agreement, or invitation letter from host
• Travel insurance: Minimum coverage of 30,000 EUR for medical emergencies and repatriation
• Financial proof: Bank statements, pay slips, or sponsor letter showing approximately 65 EUR per day
Visa Application Fees
• Short-stay visa (up to 90 days): Approximately 80-100 EUR
• Long-stay visa: Approximately 99-150 EUR depending on category
• Children under 6: Free in most cases
• Processing fees: May vary by country of application
Health Requirements
No mandatory vaccinations for Mayotte, but yellow fever vaccination certificate required if arriving from endemic areas. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and keeping routine vaccinations current.
Entry Points & Practical Information
International Entry Point
Mayotte has one international airport serving all commercial flights:
• Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport (DZA): Located on Petite-Terre island, connected to Grande-Terre by ferry (barge). Direct flights operate from Paris (Orly), Reunion, Madagascar, Comoros, and Kenya. Major carriers include Air Austral, Corsair, and Kenya Airways.
Ferry Services
Ferries connect Mayotte's two main islands (Petite-Terre and Grande-Terre) continuously throughout the day. International ferry service to Comoros islands exists but requires separate Comoros visas.
Customs & Immigration
Immigration processing occurs at Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi Airport. Have all documents ready including passport, visa (if required), accommodation confirmation, and return ticket. French customs regulations apply, with duty-free allowances for tobacco, alcohol, and personal goods.
Best Time to Visit
The dry season from May to October offers ideal weather with temperatures around 24-28 degrees Celsius, calm seas for diving, and whale watching season (July-October). The wet season (November-April) brings higher humidity and occasional cyclones but features lush landscapes and turtle nesting season.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
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97%Approval rate
"DoVisa clarified the confusing Mayotte visa situation perfectly. My Schengen visa didn't cover it, but they helped me get the right visa quickly. The lagoon was worth every effort!"
"Excellent service for what I thought would be a complicated process. The team explained exactly why I needed a separate Mayotte visa. Approved in 8 days!"
"Good support throughout the application. Processing took a bit longer than expected but DoVisa kept me informed. The diving in Mayotte was incredible."
"Visited family in Mamoudzou. DoVisa made the family visit visa process straightforward. French customer service was helpful for my questions."
"Clear instructions on the unique Mayotte requirements. Wish I had known earlier that my EU travel wasn't automatically covered. DoVisa sorted it out."
"Professional service from start to finish. The whale watching season in Mayotte exceeded all expectations. Thank you DoVisa!"
"Business trip to Mayotte went smoothly thanks to DoVisa's preparation. They understood the specific documentation needed for French overseas territories."
Mayotte Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Mayotte?
Mayotte offers several visa categories for international visitors. Short-stay tourist visa: For tourism, beach holidays, diving, and wildlife watching, valid up to 90 days. Business visa: For professional activities, meetings, and conferences up to 90 days. Family visit visa: For visiting relatives residing in Mayotte. Long-stay visa (Visa de Long Séjour): For stays exceeding 90 days including work, study, or family reunification. Transit visa: For travelers passing through Mayotte en route to other destinations. EU/EEA citizens and citizens of visa-exempt countries do not need visas for short stays.
Is Mayotte part of the Schengen Area?
No, Mayotte is not part of the Schengen Area despite being French territory and part of the European Union. This is one of the most common misconceptions about visiting Mayotte. A standard Schengen visa does not automatically grant entry to Mayotte, and a Mayotte-specific visa does not permit travel to mainland France or other Schengen countries. When applying for a French visa, you must specifically request coverage for Mayotte if you intend to visit. Similarly, if you hold a Schengen visa, check whether it includes the mention DOM-TOM or specifically lists Mayotte as a valid territory.
Who needs a visa for Mayotte?
Visa exemptions apply to: EU/EEA citizens and Swiss nationals (freedom of movement rights); citizens of countries with French visa exemption agreements including USA, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most of Latin America for stays up to 90 days. Visa required for: Citizens of most African countries (except South Africa and some others), most Asian countries (except Japan, South Korea, Singapore, etc.), and other countries requiring Schengen visas. Important: Even if your country has Schengen visa exemption, verify that this extends to French overseas territories like Mayotte, as policies can differ.
What documents are required for a Mayotte visa?
Essential documents for Mayotte visa application: Valid passport with 3+ months validity beyond intended stay and 2 blank pages; completed visa application form; two recent passport photographs (35x45mm, white background); proof of accommodation (hotel booking, rental contract, or invitation letter); round-trip flight itinerary; travel insurance with minimum 30,000 EUR coverage; proof of sufficient funds (bank statements, pay slips, approximately 65 EUR per day). Additional documents may include: Employment letter or business registration; invitation letter for business/family visits; proof of ties to home country. All documents should be original or certified copies with French translations if applicable.
How long can I stay in Mayotte with a tourist visa?
The standard Mayotte short-stay visa allows stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This is consistent with French short-stay visa regulations for overseas departments. For EU/EEA citizens: There is no limit on stay duration due to freedom of movement rights. For visa-exempt nationalities: The 90-day limit within 180 days also applies. Extensions: Short-stay visas cannot typically be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a long-stay visa before arrival or leave and reapply. Long-stay visa: For stays exceeding 90 days, you must obtain a Visa de Long Séjour and apply for a residence permit after arrival.
Can I extend my Mayotte visa?
Short-stay visa extensions are generally not possible in Mayotte. French overseas department regulations require you to plan your stay within the initial visa validity. If circumstances require a longer stay, you have limited options: Emergency extensions: In exceptional circumstances (medical emergency, flight cancellations), the prefecture in Mamoudzou may grant a temporary extension. Long-stay transition: If you wish to stay permanently, you must return to your home country and apply for a long-stay visa. Overstaying penalties: Overstaying your visa can result in fines, deportation, and future visa denials. Planning advice: Apply for the correct visa type from the beginning, and if you anticipate needing more than 90 days, apply for a long-stay visa initially.
Can I work in Mayotte with a tourist visa?
No, tourist visas do not permit employment in Mayotte. Tourist and visitor visas are strictly for leisure activities including tourism, visiting family, and short business trips (meetings, not employment). To work legally in Mayotte: You must obtain a work visa (Visa de Long Séjour valant titre de séjour - VLS-TS) before arrival. This requires employer sponsorship from a Mayotte-based company and approval from French labor authorities. Application process: Your employer files a work authorization request; once approved, you apply for the visa at your local French consulate. EU/EEA citizens: Have the right to work in Mayotte without a work permit, though registration requirements may apply. Penalties: Working without authorization can result in deportation and criminal charges.
Do I need to print my Mayotte visa?
For Mayotte visa holders, the visa is typically a sticker (vignette) placed in your passport at the French consulate. This physical visa must be presented at immigration when entering Mayotte. What to print and bring: Visa appointment confirmation; application receipt; accommodation booking; return flight itinerary; travel insurance certificate; DoVisa confirmation documents. At immigration: Present your passport with the visa sticker, along with supporting documents (accommodation proof, return ticket). Immigration officers may ask about your travel plans. Digital backups: Keep electronic copies of all documents on your phone or email, but always have printed versions as primary documentation. Tip: Ensure the visa sticker is firmly attached and legible before leaving the consulate.
What are the processing times for Mayotte visas?
Standard processing times for Mayotte visas: Short-stay tourist/business visa: 5-15 business days from submission of complete application. Long-stay visa: 2-4 weeks or longer depending on category and required background checks. Factors affecting processing time: Peak travel seasons may extend processing; completeness of documentation; nationality and security clearance requirements; specific consulate workload. Recommendations: Apply at least 4-6 weeks before planned travel; ensure all documents are complete to avoid delays; DoVisa's document verification helps prevent rejection-related delays. Expedited processing: Not typically available for standard applications, but urgent cases may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the consulate.
What if my Mayotte visa application is rejected?
If your Mayotte visa application is rejected, you have several options. Notification: You'll receive a written decision stating the rejection reasons (incomplete documents, insufficient funds, doubts about return intent, etc.). Appeal process: You can file an appeal (recours gracieux) to the French consulate within 2 months of rejection. Alternatively, file a recours contentieux before the Nantes Administrative Tribunal. Reapplication: Address the stated rejection reasons and submit a new application with improved documentation. DoVisa assistance: Our document verification service reduces rejection risk by ensuring complete, compliant applications. We can advise on strengthening your application if concerns arise. Prevention: Common rejection reasons include insufficient travel insurance, weak proof of ties to home country, and unclear travel purpose.
What is the best time to visit Mayotte?
The best time to visit Mayotte is during the dry season from May to October. Dry season (May-October): Temperatures 24-28°C, low humidity, calm seas perfect for diving and snorkeling, whale watching season (July-October with humpback whales), clearer underwater visibility. Wet season (November-April): Higher humidity and temperatures up to 32°C, occasional heavy rainfall and cyclone risk (January-March), but also sea turtle nesting season, lush green landscapes, and lower tourist numbers. Specific wildlife: Humpback whales: July-October; sea turtles nesting: November-March; best diving conditions: May-November. Budget consideration: Wet season may offer better hotel rates due to lower demand. Overall: Year-round destination with warm waters, but dry season offers optimal conditions for outdoor activities.
How do I get to Mayotte?
Dzaoudzi-Pamandzi International Airport (DZA) is Mayotte's only international airport, located on Petite-Terre island. Direct flight routes: Paris (Orly) via Air Austral and Corsair (approximately 10 hours); Reunion Island via Air Austral (2 hours); Madagascar (Antananarivo/Nosy Be); Nairobi via Kenya Airways; Comoros (Moroni). Connections: Most travelers from outside the region connect through Paris-Orly or Reunion Island. Airport to Mamoudzou: The airport is on Petite-Terre; to reach Grande-Terre and Mamoudzou, take the ferry (barge) which operates continuously (15-minute crossing). Airlines serving Mayotte: Air Austral (primary carrier), Corsair, Kenya Airways, and regional carriers. Tip: Book flights well in advance, especially during French school holidays when Mayotte-Paris routes fill quickly.
What currency is used in Mayotte?
Mayotte uses the Euro (EUR) as its official currency, as it is a French department. Cash availability: ATMs are available in Mamoudzou and larger towns on Grande-Terre; Petite-Terre has limited banking facilities. Card acceptance: Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, supermarkets, and tourist establishments; smaller shops and markets often prefer cash. Banking: French banks operate in Mayotte including BFC, Banque de la Réunion. Banking hours typically 8:00-12:00 and 14:00-16:00, closed weekends. Exchanging money: Exchange services available at the airport and banks; USD and other currencies can be exchanged but EUR is recommended to bring. Costs: Mayotte is relatively expensive compared to neighboring Comoros, with prices similar to mainland France for many goods due to import costs.
Is Mayotte safe for tourists?
Mayotte is generally safe for tourists but requires normal precautions. Safety considerations: Petty theft can occur, especially in urban areas — secure valuables and avoid displaying expensive items; avoid isolated areas after dark; vehicle break-ins reported in some parking areas. Political situation: Occasional social unrest and strikes can disrupt services; stay informed through French government advisories. Health: No malaria in Mayotte; dengue fever occurs occasionally — use mosquito protection; tap water is safe in urban areas; medical facilities in Mamoudzou hospital but serious cases may require evacuation to Reunion. Natural hazards: Cyclone risk November-April; strong currents in some lagoon passages; respect marine wildlife. General advice: Register with your embassy; obtain comprehensive travel insurance; respect local customs, particularly around mosques; swimming in the lagoon is generally safe with awareness of currents and marine life.
What is there to see and do in Mayotte?
Mayotte offers unique experiences combining French infrastructure with tropical Indian Ocean beauty. Marine activities: Explore the world's largest enclosed lagoon (1,500 km²) with exceptional diving and snorkeling; swim with sea turtles, manta rays, and dolphins; whale watching July-October; visit islets (Ilot Mbouzi, Ilot Bandrélé). Nature: Hike Mount Combani and Mount Choungui for panoramic views; explore mangrove forests; visit ylang-ylang and vanilla plantations. Cultural experiences: Discover the blend of French, Comorian, and Malagasy cultures; visit Mamoudzou market; explore traditional villages; experience m'biwi dance performances. Beaches: N'Gouja beach (turtle sanctuary), Sakouli, Moya beach with its volcanic sand. Wildlife: Marine National Park of Mayotte, Mbouzi islet natural reserve, makis (lemurs), and extensive birdlife. Unique aspect: Mayotte is one of few places where you can combine French administrative ease with unspoiled tropical wilderness.
Can I travel between Mayotte and Comoros?
Yes, but you need separate visas for each territory. Mayotte to Comoros: Comoros (Union of the Comoros) is a separate independent country. Most nationalities can obtain a Comoros visa on arrival. Ferry services operate between Mayotte and Anjouan island (Comoros), though service can be irregular. Flights available via regional carriers. Comoros to Mayotte: A valid Mayotte visa is required if your nationality requires one. Comoros visas do not grant access to Mayotte. Important considerations: Political tensions exist between France and Comoros regarding Mayotte's status; immigration controls are strict; illegal crossings are dangerous and prosecuted. Multiple-entry visa: If planning to travel between both territories, ensure your Mayotte visa allows multiple entries if you intend to return. Planning: Organize all required visas before your trip as applying locally may not be possible.
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