Mauritania visa fees depend on two factors: your nationality and the duration of stay. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes two fee tiers – one for Arab and African countries and one for the rest of the world. Fees range from €40 / $45 for a 30-day Arab/African visa to €810 / $845 for a 3-year Rest of World visa. All fees are paid on arrival in cash (EUR or USD only).
How Much Does a Mauritania Visa Cost?
The official fee schedule from diplomatie.gov.mr (Mauritania Ministry of Foreign Affairs) sets visa prices based on two geographic zones. Every e-visa applicant pays these fees at the port of entry upon arrival – not online during the application process.
Arab Countries and Africa
Nationals of Arab League states and African countries benefit from lower rates:
| Duration | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | €40 | $45 |
| 90 days | €70 | $75 |
| 3 months to 1 year | €135 | $145 |
| 1 year to 2 years | €190 | $200 |
| 2 years to 3 years | €270 | $285 |
| 3 years and above | €540 | $656 |
Rest of the World
Nationals from all other countries pay higher fees for each duration tier:
| Duration | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | €55 | $60 |
| 90 days | €95 | $100 |
| 3 months to 1 year | €190 | $200 |
| 1 year to 2 years | €270 | $285 |
| 2 years to 3 years | €405 | $425 |
| 3 years and above | €810 | $845 |
For most tourists applying through the ANRPTS e-visa portal, the relevant options are the 30-day, 90-day, and 360-day entries. US, UK, EU, Canadian, and Australian citizens fall under the “Rest of the World” tier and pay €55-€95 for the most common tourist durations.
How to Pay the Mauritania Visa Fee
Since January 5, 2025, Mauritania no longer offers visa on arrival as a standalone option. The application is completed online through the ANRPTS portal, but the fee itself is collected at the airport when you land.
Payment Rules
- Pay in exact cash only – in Euros or US Dollars
- The immigration officer will not give change or receipts
- The exact amount must match the duration you selected on your e-visa application
- Credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments are not accepted
- ATMs are available in Nouakchott airport but may not work reliably
Payment Tips
Bring the exact amount in clean, unmarked bills from recent years. Older, damaged, or defaced notes may be refused. Many travelers choose EUR because the official rates are published in Euros first. If paying in USD, use the amounts listed in the official fee table – the Mauritani government sets both EUR and USD prices so you do not need to calculate an exchange rate.
ANRPTS e-Visa Processing Fees
The ANRPTS e-visa itself does not have a separate online processing fee – the government does not charge an additional amount for the digital application. The total cost is strictly the visa fee paid at arrival. However, your nationality determines available durations on the ANRPTS portal.
Options available on anrpts.gov.mr:
| option | Typical Use |
|---|---|
| 30 days | Tourism, short business trips |
| 90 days | Extended tourism, multi-city trips |
| 360 days | Long-term business, multiple entries |
Some nationalities may see only the 30-day and 90-day options. The 360-day and longer durations are not available for all passport holders through the e-visa system.
What the E-Visa Fee Covers
The Mauritania e-visa is a single document that covers your entry approval and stay duration. Unlike some countries, there are no separate fees for:
- Immigration processing
- Biometric data capture at the airport
- Security screening or insurance requirements
The fee shown in the official table is the total amount you pay. Biometric fingerprints and photography are taken at the arrival port and are included in the visa process at no additional cost.
Extra Costs to Budget for Beyond the Visa Fee
While the e-visa fee is straightforward, several other costs may arise on arrival or before departure:
Travel Insurance
Most nationalities are not legally required to carry travel insurance, but comprehensive medical coverage is strongly recommended for Mauritania. There is limited medical infrastructure outside Nouakchott, and evacuation can cost thousands of dollars.
Yellow Fever Certificate
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you must hold a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. The vaccination itself costs approximately $30-$80 depending on your country. This is a one-time lifetime vaccination – the certificate is valid for life.
Passport Validity Requirement
Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity remaining from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you will need to renew it before applying for the e-visa. Passport renewal costs vary by country.
Mauritania Visa-Free Countries – No Fee Required
Mauritania has bilateral visa-waiver agreements with several countries. Citizens of these nations do not need an e-visa and pay no visa fee:
Africa
- Senegal
- Mali
- Niger
- Cote d’Ivoire
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Gambia
- Guinea-Bissau
North Africa and Middle East
- Algeria
- Morocco (diplomatic and service passports only)
- Tunisia
- Libya (diplomatic and service passports only)
Other Regions
- Turkey (diplomatic and service passports only)
- Syria (diplomatic and service passports only)
- Iran (diplomatic and service passports only)
- India (diplomatic and service passports only)
- China (diplomatic and service passports only)
- Brazil (diplomatic, service, and official passports only)
- Romania (diplomatic and service passports only)
- Spain (diplomatic passports only)
- United Arab Emirates (diplomatic and service passports only)
Most of these waivers apply only to diplomatic and official passport holders. General passport holders from most countries outside West Africa must apply for an e-visa and pay the applicable fee.
Mauritania E-Visa Cost vs Embassy Visa
Before the e-visa system launched, travelers applied through Mauritanian embassies abroad. The embassy system had different processing:
| Factor | E-Visa (current) | Embassy Visa (legacy) |
|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online at anrpts.gov.mr | In-person at embassy |
| Processing time | Typically 3-5 business days | 5-10 business days |
| Fee payment | Cash on arrival in Mauritania | At the embassy |
| Documentation | Digital passport scan, photo | Physical passport submission |
The e-visa system replaced the embassy visa process for most tourist and business travelers. The Mauritanian Embassy in London, for example, no longer issues visas – travelers are directed to the ANRPTS portal instead.
Tips for Saving Money on Mauritania Visa Fees
There is no way to reduce the government visa fee itself – the prices are fixed and published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, you can avoid unnecessary costs:
- Apply early to avoid emergency travel costs if the e-visa takes longer than expected
- Choose the shortest duration you need – a 30-day visa costs significantly less than a 90-day or 360-day option
- Bring the exact cash amount to avoid being short-changed at the airport
- If traveling from West Africa, check if your nationality qualifies for visa-free entry
- Do not pay third-party sites inflated “processing fees” – the government ANRPTS portal has no application fee
What to Do If You Are Overcharged at the Airport
Instances of unofficial overcharging at Nouakchott airport have been reported. If asked to pay more than the official fee:
- Politely refer to the official fee table published on diplomatie.gov.mr
- Show a printed copy of the fee schedule or a screenshot on your phone
- Request a receipt if asked to pay more than the listed amount
- Contact the ANRPTS agency at [email protected] if you face issues
The official fee table is your reference – prices are set by national decree and airport officers should not deviate from them.
FAQs About Mauritania Visa Fees
Do I pay the Mauritania visa fee online or on arrival?
The e-visa application itself is free. You pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD) at the immigration counter on arrival in Mauritania. No online payment is required.
Can I pay the Mauritania visa fee with a credit card?
No. The immigration officers at the port of entry accept only cash payments in Euros or US Dollars. Cards, checks, and mobile payments are not available.
How much is a 30-day Mauritania visa for US citizens?
US citizens pay 55 EUR or 60 USD for a 30-day tourist e-visa (Rest of the World rate). The fee is paid on arrival in exact cash.
Is the Mauritania visa fee refundable?
No. The visa fee is non-refundable once collected at the port of entry. If your e-visa application is denied before travel, no fee has been collected yet.
What currencies does Mauritania accept for visa fees?
Only Euros and US Dollars in exact cash. There are no currency exchange facilities or change-giving at the immigration counter. MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiya) is not accepted for visa payment.
Is there a service charge or processing fee for the Mauritania e-visa?
The ANRPTS government portal does not charge a processing fee. If a website asks you to pay a fee online for a “Mauritania e-visa,” it is likely a third-party agent and not the official portal.
How much does a 90-day Mauritania visa cost?
For Arab/African nationals, a 90-day visa costs 70 EUR or 75 USD. For all other nationalities, it costs 95 EUR or 100 USD.
Do children have to pay the same visa fee?
Yes. Mauritania applies the same visa fee regardless of age. Every traveler, including children and infants, must have their own e-visa and pay the applicable fee.
Can I extend my Mauritania e-visa to avoid paying a new fee?
E-visa extensions are generally not offered through the ANRPTS system. If you need a longer stay, apply for a longer duration from the start or obtain a new e-visa before the current one expires.
Is the Mauritania visa fee the same for every nationality?
No. Mauritania has two fee tiers. Arab countries and African countries pay lower fees starting at 40 EUR for 30 days. All other nationalities (the “Rest of the World” tier) pay higher fees starting at 55 EUR for 30 days.
