Mauritania eVisa applicants must upload a passport-style photo measuring 35×45 mm (print) or 640×480 pixels (digital) with a plain grey background, taken within the last six months. This guide covers every specification you need to get your Mauritania visa photo accepted on the first attempt.
Mauritania Visa Photo Size and Dimensions
The Mauritania visa photo must be 35×45 mm in print or 640×480 pixels for digital upload to the ANRPTS portal. Understanding both formats matters because the official online application requires a digital file, while some embassies or consulates may still request a printed version.
Physical Size (Print)
For printed photos, the standard dimension is 35 mm wide by 45 mm tall (3.5 x 4.5 cm). This follows the international passport photo standard used across most countries. The photo should show your full head from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin, with adequate space above and below.
When printing, use matte or glossy photo paper at a minimum resolution of 300 DPI. Avoid inkjet prints on regular paper, as these lack the clarity required by immigration officials.
Digital Size (Online Upload)
For the ANRPTS online portal (anrpts.gov.mr), the digital equivalent is 640 pixels wide by 480 pixels tall. This translates to approximately 54 mm x 40 mm at 300 DPI, though the portal accepts the image based on pixel dimensions rather than physical measurements.
The digital file must be in JPG or JPEG format with a maximum file size of approximately 400 KB. Most smartphone cameras produce images much larger than this, so you will need to resize and compress your photo before uploading.
For complete details on the application process, see our how to apply for a Mauritania visa guide.
Background and Lighting Requirements
A plain grey background with no shadows is mandatory for all Mauritania visa photos submitted through the eVisa system. The background requirement exists to ensure your face is clearly distinguishable from the surroundings.
Background Color Specifications
The official requirement calls for a plain grey background. Light grey or off-white backgrounds are also acceptable in practice, provided they create sufficient contrast with your skin tone and hair color.
Avoid the following backgrounds:
– White backgrounds – can cause overexposure and reduce facial detail
– Colored or patterned backgrounds – will result in rejection
– Outdoor backgrounds – trees, walls with texture, or scenery are not permitted
– Dark backgrounds – may cause your face to appear washed out
If you do not have a grey wall available, hang a light grey bedsheet or poster board behind you. Ensure it is smooth and free of wrinkles or folds.
Shadow and Lighting Rules
No shadows should appear on the background or on your face. To achieve even lighting:
- Position yourself facing a natural light source such as a window
- Use two light sources if possible, placed at 45-degree angles on each side
- Avoid direct flash, which creates harsh shadows behind the head
- Ensure even illumination across the entire face, with no bright spots or dark areas
Head Positioning and Framing
Your face must occupy approximately 70-80% of the Mauritania visa photo, with eyes positioned at the vertical center line. Proper head positioning is one of the most common reasons for photo rejection.
Face Size Ratio
The head height (from the top of your hair to the bottom of your chin) should occupy approximately 75% of the total photo height. This means:
- Top margin: approximately 6% of the photo height above your hair
- Bottom margin: approximately 19% of the photo height below your chin
- Side margins: your face should be centered horizontally with equal space on both sides
For a 35×45 mm photo, your head should measure approximately 32-34 mm from top to bottom.
Eye Line and Head Placement
Your eyes should be positioned at approximately 50-60% of the photo height, measured from the bottom. This places your eyes slightly below the vertical center.
Additional positioning rules:
– Look directly at the camera – no tilted head or turned face
– Keep your head straight – not tilted to either side
– Maintain a neutral expression – mouth closed, no smiling or frowning
– Both eyes must be visible – hair should not cover either eye
Digital Upload Specifications for the ANRPTS Portal
The ANRPTS portal accepts JPG/JPEG files up to 400 KB at 300 DPI resolution for Mauritania visa photo uploads. These specifications are critical for a successful online application.
Accepted File Formats
The portal accepts the following formats:
– JPG/JPEG – the preferred and most widely accepted format
– PNG – may be accepted but JPG is recommended for smaller file sizes
Formats that will be rejected:
– PDF – not accepted as a photo format
– BMP – too large and not web-optimized
– GIF – not suitable for photographs
– HEIC – Apple’s default format, must be converted to JPG first
File Size and Resolution
The technical requirements for digital upload:
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPG/JPEG |
| Pixel dimensions | 640 x 480 px (or proportional) |
| Resolution | 300 DPI |
| Maximum file size | ~400 KB |
| Color mode | RGB (full color) |
To resize your photo, use free online tools or smartphone apps that allow you to:
1. Set exact pixel dimensions (640×480)
2. Set DPI to 300
3. Compress to under 400 KB without visible quality loss
Photo Quality and Recency Rules
Your Mauritania visa photo must be taken within the last six months and show your current appearance clearly. The photo must accurately represent how you look at the time of application.
How Recent Must the Photo Be
The six-month rule is strictly enforced. Photos taken more than six months ago will be rejected, even if your appearance has not changed significantly. This requirement exists because:
- Your appearance may change gradually without noticing
- Hair style, weight, and facial features can shift over time
- Immigration officials compare the photo to your actual appearance at arrival
Prohibited Edits and Alterations
The following edits are not permitted on Mauritania visa photos:
– Digital retouching of skin, blemishes, or facial features
– Removing or altering the background (must be naturally grey)
– Changing contrast or brightness to the point of altering appearance
– Adding or removing glasses, head coverings, or other items
– Cropping from a larger photo where the original resolution is insufficient
Minor adjustments such as cropping to correct dimensions and slight brightness correction for even lighting are acceptable.
Special Cases: Children, Glasses and Head Coverings
Children follow the same Mauritania visa photo specifications as adults, while religious head coverings are permitted with the face fully visible. Understanding these special rules prevents unnecessary delays.
Children and Baby Photos
Children of all ages, including newborns and infants, require their own visa photo for the Mauritania eVisa application. The requirements are:
- Same dimensions as adult photos (35×45 mm or 640×480 px)
- Same background (plain grey)
- Face must be visible and occupy the required proportion of the frame
- No other person should be visible in the photo (no parent holding the baby)
- Eyes should be open when possible (relaxed for newborns)
For babies, you can lay them on a grey blanket and photograph from above, ensuring the camera is directly over the face with even lighting.
Glasses and Head Covering Policy
Glasses:
– Remove glasses if possible for the clearest photo
– If you must wear glasses for medical reasons, ensure:
– No glare on the lenses
– The frame does not cover any part of the eyes
– The lenses are not tinted or photochromic
Head Coverings:
– Religious head coverings (hijab, turban, kippah) are permitted
– The full face must be visible from the bottom of the chin to the forehead
– The covering must not cast shadows on the face
– Sunglasses and hats that obscure the face are not permitted
Common Photo Rejection Reasons
Blurry images, incorrect dimensions, and non-compliant backgrounds are the top reasons Mauritania visa photos get rejected. Understanding these issues helps you submit a photo that passes on the first attempt.
The most frequent rejection causes include:
- Blurry or out-of-focus image – Use a camera with autofocus and hold steady
- Wrong dimensions – Verify 35×45 mm (print) or 640×480 px (digital) before submitting
- Non-compliant background – Must be plain grey with no patterns or textures
- Shadows on face or background – Adjust lighting to eliminate all shadows
- Face too small or too large – Must occupy 70-80% of the frame
- Photo too old – Must be taken within the last 6 months
- File too large – Compress to under 400 KB for the ANRPTS portal
- Wrong file format – Use JPG/JPEG only
- Wearing prohibited items – Remove sunglasses, hats, or tinted glasses
- Poor image quality – Use a camera with at least 5 megapixels
If your photo is rejected, the ANRPTS portal will typically indicate the reason. You can then correct the issue and resubmit without restarting the entire application.
For more information about application rejections, see our guide on why Mauritania visa applications get rejected.
Tips for Taking Your Own Mauritania Visa Photo
Use natural lighting, a plain wall, and a smartphone camera to create a compliant Mauritania visa photo at home. Taking your own photo saves time and money compared to visiting a photo studio.
Step-by-step DIY guide:
- Find a grey wall or hang a grey sheet/poster board
- Stand 1-2 meters from the background to avoid shadows
- Face a window for natural, even lighting (avoid direct sunlight)
- Hold the camera at eye level, approximately 1.5 meters away
- Frame the shot with your head centered and shoulders visible
- Take several photos and choose the sharpest one
- Crop to 640×480 pixels using a free photo editor
- Compress to under 400 KB while maintaining quality
- Save as JPG and upload to the ANRPTS portal
Smartphone tips:
– Use the rear camera for higher resolution (have someone else take the photo)
– Enable grid lines to help center your face
– Avoid the front-facing camera if possible (lower resolution)
– Use a tripod or stable surface to prevent blur
How to Upload Your Photo on the ANRPTS Portal
Log into anrpts.gov.mr, navigate to the photo upload section, and submit a JPG file under 400 KB for your Mauritania eVisa application. The upload process is straightforward once your photo meets all specifications.
Upload steps:
- Visit anrpts.gov.mr and log into your account (or create one if needed)
- Start a new visa application or continue an existing one
- Navigate to the documents section of the application form
- Click “Upload Photo” or the photo field
- Select your JPG file (640×480 px, under 400 KB)
- Wait for the upload confirmation – the system will verify the file
- If the photo is accepted, you will see a preview in the application
- If rejected, the portal will indicate the issue – correct and re-upload
Common upload errors and solutions:
| Error Message | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| File too large | Over 400 KB | Compress the image further |
| Invalid format | Not JPG | Convert from PNG/HEIC to JPG |
| Dimensions incorrect | Wrong pixel size | Resize to 640×480 px |
| Upload failed | Network issue | Check internet connection and retry |
For the complete step-by-step application process, see our Mauritania eVisa guide.
FAQ
What is the size of passport photo in Mauritania?
The Mauritania passport photo size is **35×45 mm** (3.5×4.5 cm) for printed photos. For digital upload to the ANRPTS portal, the equivalent is **640×480 pixels** at 300 DPI resolution.
What are the requirements for a Mauritania visa picture?
The main requirements are: **35×45 mm** size (or 640×480 px for digital), **plain grey background**, no shadows, face occupying **70-80%** of the frame, taken within the **last 6 months**, in **JPG format** under **400 KB**.
What background color do I need for a Mauritania visa photo?
A **plain grey background** is required. Light grey or off-white are also acceptable. Avoid white, colored, patterned, or outdoor backgrounds, as these will result in rejection.
Can I get a Mauritania visa online?
Yes, Mauritania offers an **electronic visa (eVisa)** through the official portal at **anrpts.gov.mr**. The eVisa system was launched in January 2025 and replaced the previous visa-on-arrival system.
How recent must my Mauritania visa photo be?
Your photo must be taken within the **last 6 months**. Photos older than 6 months will be rejected, even if your appearance has not changed.
What file format should my Mauritania visa photo be in?
The ANRPTS portal accepts **JPG/JPEG** format. PNG may work but JPG is recommended. PDF, BMP, GIF, and HEIC formats are not accepted.
Can I wear glasses in my Mauritania visa photo?
It is recommended to **remove glasses** if possible. If you must wear them for medical reasons, ensure there is no glare on the lenses and the frame does not cover your eyes.
Can I take my own Mauritania visa photo with a smartphone?
Yes, you can take your own photo using a **smartphone camera**. Use natural lighting, a plain grey background, and ensure the photo meets the **640×480 pixel** and **under 400 KB** requirements for digital upload.
Why was my Mauritania visa photo rejected?
Common reasons include **blurry image**, **wrong dimensions**, **non-grey background**, **shadows**, **face too small or large**, **photo older than 6 months**, or **file too large**. Correct the issue and re-upload to the ANRPTS portal.
What is the resolution required for a Mauritania visa photo?
The recommended resolution is **300 DPI** (dots per inch). For digital upload, the pixel dimensions should be **640×480 pixels**, which at 300 DPI produces a clear, high-quality image suitable for both screen display and printing.
Last updated: July 2026. Information sourced from the ANRPTS official portal and verified against current Mauritania eVisa application requirements.
For complete information about the Mauritania eVisa, including fees and processing times, visit our Mauritania visa fees guide.
