Applying for a Mauritania visa is now done entirely online through the official e-Visa system managed by ANRPTS (the National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles). Since January 5, 2025, visa on arrival is no longer available, and Mauritanian embassies worldwide no longer issue visas directly. This guide walks you through every step of the Mauritania e-Visa application, from document preparation to arrival in Nouakchott.
What Is the Mauritania e-Visa and Who Needs It
The Mauritania e-Visa is an electronic travel authorization that replaced the former visa-on-arrival system in January 2025. All foreign nationals who are not from one of the 10 visa-exempt countries must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Mauritania. The e-Visa is applied for online at anrpts.gov.mr, processed digitally, and presented as a printed document at the airport or border crossing.
The e-Visa system is managed by the Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Securises (ANRPTS), which operates under the Ministry of the Interior. As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies no longer process visa applications and instead direct all applicants to the online portal.
Countries That Do Not Need a Visa for Mauritania
Citizens of 10 countries can enter Mauritania without a visa for stays up to 90 days:
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Gambia
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Senegal
- Tunisia
Additionally, holders of diplomatic and service passports from Brazil, China, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, India, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Spain, Syria, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen are exempt from visa requirements.
If your nationality is not listed above, you need to apply for an e-Visa before departure.
How to Apply for a Mauritania e-Visa: Step-by-Step
The application process has four main stages:
Step 1: Visit the Official ANRPTS Portal
Go to the official e-Visa application page at anrpts.gov.mr/en/visa/requestvisa. The portal is available in English and French. Make sure you are on the official government website to avoid third-party scams.
Step 2: Complete the Online Application Form
Fill in the application form with your personal information, passport details, travel dates, and purpose of visit. You will need to upload supporting documents, including:
- A clear scan of your passport bio-data page
- A recent passport-sized photograph
- Proof of accommodation or invitation letter (if applicable)
- Travel itinerary or flight booking confirmation
Double-check all entries before submitting. Errors in passport numbers or dates of birth are the most common reasons for processing delays.
Step 3: Wait for Processing and Receive Your e-Visa
After submission, your application is reviewed by ANRPTS. Processing times vary, but most applications are approved within a few business days. You will receive your e-Visa electronically, linked to your application reference number.
Important: Apply well in advance of your travel date. The UK Foreign Office recommends applying early to ensure the e-Visa is issued on time by the Mauritanian authorities.
Step 4: Print Your e-Visa and Travel
Print a physical copy of your approved e-Visa. You must present this printed document when boarding your flight and again upon arrival in Mauritania. Digital copies on a phone may not be accepted at all checkpoints.
Mauritania e-Visa Fees: What You Will Pay
E-Visa fees are paid on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash, in Euros or US dollars. Change and receipts are not provided. Fees vary by your geographic region and the duration of stay.
Fees for Arab World and Africa
| Duration | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 40 | 45 |
| 90 days | 70 | 75 |
| 3 months to 1 year | 135 | 145 |
| 1 to 2 years | 190 | 200 |
| 2 to 3 years | 270 | 285 |
| 3 years and above | 540 | 656 |
Fees for Rest of the World
| Duration | EUR | USD |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | 55 | 60 |
| 90 days | 95 | 100 |
| 3 months to 1 year | 190 | 200 |
| 1 to 2 years | 270 | 285 |
| 2 to 3 years | 405 | 425 |
| 3 years and above | 810 | 845 |
Prepare the exact amount in EUR or USD before arriving. Airport ATMs may not be available or reliable, and card payments are not accepted for visa fees.
Documents You Need for the Mauritania e-Visa Application
Before starting your application, gather the following documents:
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival in Mauritania
- Recent passport-sized photograph meeting standard biometric requirements
- Travel itinerary including flight bookings or travel plans
- Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation or an invitation letter from a host in Mauritania
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission
Passports that have been reported lost or stolen will result in denied entry. Ensure your passport is in good condition with no damage or missing pages.
What Happens When You Arrive in Mauritania
Upon arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport or any land border crossing, you will go through the following process:
- Present your printed e-Visa at the immigration checkpoint
- Pay the visa fee in exact cash (EUR or USD)
- Biometric data capture including fingerprints and a photograph
- Passport stamped and entry granted
The biometric capture process is typically quick. The entire immigration process at Nouakchott airport usually takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on queue length.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirements
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers arriving from countries classified as yellow fever transmission risk zones. This includes many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America.
Even if you are not arriving directly from a risk country, carrying a valid yellow fever certificate is recommended. Check the latest list of risk countries on the TravelHealthPro website before traveling.
Common Mistakes That Delay Mauritania e-Visa Approval
Avoid these frequent errors that cause processing delays or rejections:
- Incorrect passport number or expiry date in the application
- Poor quality passport scan that is blurry or cut off
- Insufficient passport validity (less than 6 months from arrival date)
- Wrong travel dates that do not match flight bookings
- Missing documents such as accommodation proof or invitation letter
- Applying too late without allowing enough processing time
If your application faces technical difficulties, contact ANRPTS directly at [email protected].
Mauritania e-Visa vs. Former Visa on Arrival
The switch from visa on arrival to mandatory e-Visa in January 2025 was a significant change for travelers to Mauritania. Here is how the two systems compare:
| Feature | e-Visa (current) | Visa on Arrival (former) |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online before travel | At airport/border on arrival |
| Pre-approval required | Yes | No |
| Processing time | Days before travel | Minutes at arrival |
| Risk of denial at border | Lower (pre-screened) | Higher (no pre-screening) |
| Embassy visa option | No longer available | Was available before 2025 |
| Available since | January 5, 2025 | Ended January 5, 2025 |
The e-Visa system provides more certainty before travel, as you know your visa status before boarding your flight.
Tips for a Smooth Mauritania Visa Application
- Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow buffer time for processing
- Use the official portal at anrpts.gov.mr only, not third-party websites
- Print multiple copies of your approved e-Visa
- Carry exact cash in EUR or USD for the arrival fee
- Keep your ANRPTS application reference number saved for tracking
- Check passport validity well in advance; renew if less than 8 months remaining
- Get yellow fever vaccination at least 10 days before travel if required
FAQs About How to Apply for a Mauritania Visa
Can I still get a visa on arrival in Mauritania?
No. As of January 5, 2025, visa on arrival is no longer available in Mauritania. All visa-required nationals must apply for an e-Visa online through the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr before traveling.
How long does the Mauritania e-Visa take to process?
Processing times vary, but most e-Visa applications are approved within a few business days. The UK Foreign Office recommends applying well in advance to ensure timely issuance. During peak travel periods, processing may take longer.
How much does a Mauritania visa cost?
For travelers from outside Africa and the Arab World, a 30-day e-Visa costs 55 EUR or 60 USD, and a 90-day e-Visa costs 95 EUR or 100 USD. Travelers from Africa and the Arab World pay reduced rates starting at 40 EUR or 45 USD for 30 days. Fees are paid in exact cash on arrival.
Do I need to print my Mauritania e-Visa?
Yes. You must print a physical copy of your approved e-Visa. Digital copies on a phone may not be accepted at immigration checkpoints or by airline check-in staff. Print at least two copies as a backup.
What passport validity do I need for Mauritania?
Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of arrival in Mauritania. Passports with less than 6 months validity will result in denied entry.
Can the Mauritanian embassy issue me a visa?
No. As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies worldwide no longer issue visas. They direct all applicants to apply through the online e-Visa portal at anrpts.gov.mr.
Do US citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. US citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania and must apply for an e-Visa online before travel. A 30-day e-Visa costs 55 EUR or 60 USD, paid in exact cash on arrival.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. UK citizens need a visa and must apply for an e-Visa online at anrpts.gov.mr. The Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas. A 30-day e-Visa costs 55 EUR or 60 USD, paid on arrival.
What happens if I arrive in Mauritania without an e-Visa?
You will be denied boarding by your airline or denied entry at the border. Since January 2025, airlines verify e-Visa approval before allowing passengers to board flights to Mauritania. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
Is the Mauritania e-Visa a single-entry or multiple-entry visa?
The e-Visa can be issued for various durations from 30 days up to 3 years. Longer-duration visas may allow multiple entries. Check the specific terms issued with your e-Visa approval.
