Mauritius is a slice of paradise. Turquoise waters, warm breezes, and a pace of life that feels like a permanent vacation. For an Indian living here, whether for work, study, or family, this island feels like home. But there is one small book that keeps you connected to your roots. Your passport. When its pages run out or its expiry date creeps closer, a familiar anxiety can surface.

I remember a software consultant in Ebene. She had been in Mauritius for three years. Her passport was set to expire in five months. She thought she had plenty of time. Then a sudden project required her to travel to India. The panic was real. The forms, the appointments, the waiting. She wished she had started sooner.

Here is the good news. Renewing your Indian passport from Mauritius is a clear, structured process. It is designed to be followed. This guide will walk you through every single step. From the first click on the Passport Seva portal to the moment you hold your new passport in hand. We will cover documents, fees, timelines, and special cases like lost passports or renewals for children.

The entire process is handled by the High Commission of India in Port Louis. They are there to help you. Think of this guide as your personal assistant, walking you through each stage so you know exactly what to expect.

Let us begin.

When Should You Renew Your Indian Passport?

Timing is everything. Do not wait until the final stamp is placed. You can apply for renewal up to one year before your passport expires. This is the smartest move.

Why so early? Because your passport is your primary identity document. Banks, employers, and immigration authorities all rely on it. An expired passport can freeze your bank account, delay your work permit renewal, and ground your travel plans.

You should also apply immediately if:

• Your passport is lost or stolen
• Your passport is damaged (torn pages, water damage, faded lamination)
• You have changed your name after marriage
• You need to update your address or personal details

Do not delay. Early action saves stress.

Authorities Handling Passport Renewal in Mauritius

In Mauritius, there is one official authority for Indian passport services: the High Commission of India in Port Louis.

There are no outsourced agencies like VFS Global here. No third-party centres. It is a direct, government-to-citizen process. You will complete your application online and then visit the High Commission in person for document submission and biometrics.

The High Commission’s Consular Wing handles all passport reissue requests. They are professional and efficient. But they require you to follow the rules precisely.

Step-by-Step Passport Renewal Process

Let us break the journey into seven clear steps. Take them one at a time.

Step 1 Online Application on Passport Seva

This is where your renewal begins. Open your browser and go to the Passport Seva Online Portal for Indians Abroad. This is the only official website.

Create a new user account. Use an email address you check daily. Save your password securely.

Log in and click ‘Apply for Fresh Passport/Re-issue’. The system will ask you to select your country. Choose Mauritius. Then select ‘Re-issue of Passport’ as your service type.

Step 2 Fill the Application Form Carefully

This is the most critical step. You must type every single detail exactly as it appears in your current passport.

• Your full name
• Your father’s name
• Your mother’s name
• Your date and place of birth
• Your passport number

A single spelling mistake can delay your application by weeks. Go slowly. Double-check each field before moving forward.

You will also enter your address in Mauritius. Use the address from your official residence permit or utility bill. Be precise.

Step 3 Upload Documents (If Required)

The portal may ask you to upload a digital photograph and your signature. The photo specifications are strict. We will cover them in detail shortly. If you are unsure about the digital upload, you can skip it. You will bring physical photos to your appointment.

Step 4 Submit and Print

Once you have reviewed every field, submit the form. You will instantly receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) .

Write this number down. You will use it to track your application. It is also required for your appointment.

The system will generate a PDF of your completed application form. Print two copies. Sign them in the designated boxes. Do not staple anything yet.

Step 5 Book Your Appointment

Unlike some countries, Mauritius does not use a separate appointment portal. You will need to check the High Commission of India Port Louis website for their specific submission hours. Generally, passport applications are accepted on weekday mornings.

Some services may require a prior appointment. Confirm this on the official website before travelling.

Step 6 Visit the High Commission

On the appointed day, go to the High Commission in Port Louis. Carry your complete document folder. We will discuss the exact contents next.

At the counter, the consular officer will verify your documents. They will compare your originals with your copies. They will check your application form for errors.

If everything is perfect, they will:

• Capture your biometrics (fingerprints and digital photograph)
• Collect the prescribed fee
• Issue a payment receipt with a file number

Keep this receipt safe. It is your proof of submission and your key to tracking the application.

Step 7 Passport Printing and Dispatch

Your application is now with the High Commission. They verify it and send the data to India for printing. The new passport is printed at a secure facility and dispatched back to Port Louis.

Once the High Commission receives it, they will notify you to collect it.

Documents Required for Indian Passport Renewal in Mauritius

Gathering documents is the most important task. Missing one item means a wasted trip to Port Louis. Here is your complete checklist.

Mandatory Documents for Everyone

• Original passport (the one you are renewing)
• Photocopies of the first two pages and the last page of your passport
• Photocopies of every page that has a Mauritius immigration stamp or visa
• Original Mauritius residence permit or work permit + a clear photocopy
• Proof of address in Mauritius – utility bill, rental agreement, or bank statement
• Two printed and signed application forms from Passport Seva
• Two recent passport photographs (white background, 2×2 inches)

Additional Documents for Specific Cases

For name change after marriage:

• Original marriage certificate + photocopy

For minors (children under 18):

• Child’s original birth certificate + photocopy
• Copies of both parents’ passports
• Signed consent form from both parents

For lost passports:

• Original police report (from Mauritius Police)
• Written statement explaining the loss

For long-expired passports:

• Affidavit explaining the delay in renewal

Organize these documents in a clear plastic folder. Place each original next to its photocopy. Neatness and order are noticed and appreciated.

Photo Specifications

The photograph is a small thing that causes big problems. The Indian government has strict, non-negotiable rules.

• Size: Exactly 2 inches x 2 inches (51 mm x 51 mm)
• Background: Plain white. Not off-white. Not cream. Pure white.
• Expression: Neutral. No smiling. Both eyes open and visible.
• Face coverage: Your face should cover 70–80% of the frame.
• Glasses: Allowed only if there is no glare. No tinted lenses.
• Headgear: Only for religious reasons. Face must be fully visible.

My strong advice: Go to a professional photo studio in Port Louis, Ebene, or Curepipe. Tell them you need an Indian passport photo with a white background. They know the rules. It costs a little extra but saves you from rejection.

Indian Passport Renewal Fees in Mauritius

You will pay the fee at the High Commission. Fees are set by the Government of India and converted to Mauritian Rupees.

Always check the latest fee schedule on the High Commission website before your visit. Fees change periodically.

Payment is usually accepted in Mauritian Rupees. Confirm the accepted payment methods (cash/card) on the official website.

Processing Time

Now you wait. Patience is essential.

Normal processing time: 2 to 4 weeks from the date of submission at the High Commission.

This includes verification, printing in India, and dispatch back to Mauritius.

There is no guaranteed ‘Tatkal’ or emergency service in Mauritius for standard renewals. In genuine emergencies, the High Commission may consider issuing a short-validity passport to allow immediate travel. This is decided on a case-by-case basis.

Do not book travel until your new passport is in your hands.

Renewal for Expired Passport

Yes, you can renew an expired passport. The process is identical.

However, if your passport has been expired for more than six months, the High Commission may request a simple affidavit. This is a one-page letter where you explain the reason for the delay. You can write:

“I, [your name], holder of passport number [old number], certify that my passport expired on February 12, 2026. I was unable to renew it earlier due to [reason – work commitments, no travel plans, etc.]. I hereby apply for reissue.”

Sign it. No lawyer or notary is required unless specified.

Lost or Damaged Passport Renewal

Losing your passport is stressful. But you can replace it.

Step 1: File a police report. Go to the nearest Mauritius police station. Report the loss and obtain an official Police Report (FIR) .

Step 2: Complete the online application. On the Passport Seva portal, select ‘Lost Passport’ as the reason for reissue.

Step 3: Visit the High Commission. Bring:

• The original police report
• A written statement detailing the loss
• Any available copy of the lost passport
• Identity proof (driver’s licence, Aadhaar, etc.)

For a damaged passport, bring all the pieces. The officer will assess the damage.

Passport Renewal for Minors in Mauritius

Renewing a child’s passport requires an extra step: consent from both parents.

The ideal scenario is for both parents to visit the High Commission together. They must bring:

• Their own passports and residence permits
• The child’s original birth certificate
• A signed consent form (available on the Passport Seva portal)

If one parent cannot attend, they must provide a notarized consent letter. This letter must be signed in front of a notary public. Bring this letter to the appointment.

For a newborn’s first passport, the birth certificate and parents’ documents are required. A ‘No Objection Certificate’ from the other parent is also needed if only one parent is applying.

Change of Details During Renewal

Renewal is the perfect time to update your information.

Change of Name After Marriage

• Submit your original marriage certificate
• The new passport will be issued in your married name

Change of Address

• Submit proof of your new address in Mauritius
• A utility bill or rental agreement works

Adding Spouse’s Name

• Submit marriage certificate
• Your spouse’s name will be printed in the ‘Spouse’ field

Major Change in Appearance

• If you look significantly different from your old photo, attach a brief explanation
• No formal affidavit is usually required

How to Track Passport Renewal Status

You can track your application from anywhere. Use the Passport Seva portal.

• Go to the ‘Track Application Status’ page
• Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN)
• Enter your date of birth

The status will show stages like:

• Under Process
• Passport Printed
• Dispatched to Mission
• Ready for Collection

Status updates are not daily. Do not panic if it stays on ‘Under Process’ for two weeks. This is normal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let us learn from others’ errors.

1. Wrong form selection: You selected ‘Fresh Passport’ instead of ‘Re-issue’. This causes confusion.

2. Photo mismatch: Your physical photos do not match the uploaded digital photo. Or the background is not white.

3. Missing visa copies: You forgot to photocopy the pages with Mauritius immigration stamps.

4. Expired residence permit: Your Mauritius work permit expired last month. Your application will be rejected.

5. Unsigned forms: You printed the application but forgot to sign it.

6. Incorrect personal details: A typo in your father’s name. A wrong date of birth. These require starting over.

7. Late renewal: You waited until your passport was expired for two years. Now you need an affidavit.

Avoid these. They are all preventable.

Tips for Smooth Passport Renewal

• Start early: Begin the process 6–8 months before expiry.
• Use a checklist: Tick off each document before leaving home.
• Visit a professional photographer: Pay the extra rupees for a compliant photo.
• Check your spelling: Review the online form twice before submitting.
• Keep copies: Photocopy everything before you go.
• Arrive early: Reach the High Commission at least 30 minutes before submission hours.

Conclusion

Renewing your Indian passport from Mauritius is a straightforward process. It feels overwhelming only when you look at all the steps together. When you take them one by one, it is simple.

Start early. Fill the form with care. Gather your documents using a checklist. Visit the High Commission with confidence. Then wait patiently.

Your passport is more than a travel document. It is your identity, your connection to home, and your key to the world. Renewing it on time is one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

You have the guide. Follow it. Your new passport is waiting.