Indian citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania. Since January 2025, all Indian passport holders must obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) through the ANRPTS portal before traveling. Visa on arrival is no longer available. The one exception: holders of Indian diplomatic or official passports are exempt from visa requirements. For everyone else, the e-Visa application is fully online and can be completed from India.
Do Indian Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania?
Yes. A visa is mandatory for all Indian ordinary passport holders visiting Mauritania, whether for tourism, business, or transit. India is not on the list of countries with visa-free access to Mauritania.
However, there is an important distinction. India is one of 14 countries whose diplomatic and official passport holders enjoy visa-free entry to Mauritania. If you hold an Indian diplomatic or service passport, you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Regular Indian passport holders (tourist, business, or personal) must apply for an e-Visa.
As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies no longer issue traditional visa stamps. All applicants are directed to the e-Visa system operated by ANRPTS (Agence Nationale du Registre de la Population et des Titres Securises). For the full list of requirements, see our Mauritania visa requirements guide.
Mauritania e-Visa Types for Indian Citizens
Indian citizens can apply for several e-Visa categories depending on the purpose and length of their stay:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay tourist | 30 days | Single entry | Tourism, sightseeing |
| Standard tourist | 90 days | Single or multiple entry | Tourism, family visits |
| Long-stay tourist | 360 days | Multiple entry | Extended tourism |
| Business | 90 days | Single or multiple entry | Meetings, conferences |
| Long-term business | 360 days | Multiple entry | Ongoing business activities |
| Extended stay | 720 days | Multiple entry | Long-term residence |
For most Indian tourists visiting Mauritania for the first time, the 30-day or 90-day single-entry visa is the practical choice. Business travelers making repeated trips should consider the 360-day multiple-entry option.
How to Apply for a Mauritania e-Visa from India
The application is fully online through the official ANRPTS portal. Here is the step-by-step process:
Step 1. Visit the official portal at anrpts.gov.mr
Step 2. Create an account with your email address
Step 3. Select your visa type (tourist or business) and duration
Step 4. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your Indian passport
Step 5. Upload the required documents (see checklist below)
Step 6. Submit the application and wait for processing
Step 7. Download and print your approved e-Visa
Step 8. Pay the visa fee in exact cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival in Mauritania
Note that unlike many other e-Visa systems, Mauritania requires fee payment on arrival, not online. You must bring exact cash in Euros or US dollars. No change is given and no receipts are issued.
For a detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide on how to apply for a Mauritania visa.
Required Documents for Indian Citizens
Before starting your application, gather these documents:
- Valid Indian passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your entry date and at least 2 blank visa pages
- Recent passport-size digital photograph (taken within the last 6 months)
- International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination
- Confirmed hotel reservation or accommodation booking in Mauritania
- Round-trip flight itinerary or confirmed booking
- For business visas: a letter from your Indian employer and an invitation from the Mauritanian company
The passport scan and photo must be clear, high-resolution digital files. Blurry or cropped images are the most common reason for application delays. Ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages – immigration officers in Mauritania require this for entry stamps.
Mauritania Visa Fee for Indian Citizens
The e-Visa fee is the same for all nationalities. Fees are paid on arrival at Nouakchott airport in exact cash:
| Visa Type | Fee (USD) | Fee (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day single entry | $60 – $100 | 55 – 90 EUR |
| 90-day single entry | $100 – $150 | 90 – 140 EUR |
| 90-day multiple entry | $150 – $200 | 140 – 185 EUR |
| 360-day multiple entry | $200 – $300 | 185 – 280 EUR |
| 720-day multiple entry | $300+ | 280+ EUR |
Critical payment rules for Indian travelers:
- Bring EXACT cash in USD or EUR – no change is provided
- Indian Rupees are NOT accepted
- Credit cards and digital payments are NOT accepted at the airport
- No receipts are issued for the fee payment
- Fees are non-refundable even if your application is denied
For a full cost breakdown, see our Mauritania visa fees guide.
Mauritania e-Visa Processing Time
Most e-Visa applications from Indian citizens are processed within 3 to 7 business days. However, processing can take up to 14 days during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is requested.
Tips to avoid delays:
- Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your departure date
- Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and legible
- Double-check that passport details match your application exactly
- Respond promptly to any requests for additional information
- Apply well in advance if traveling during Hajj season or Indian holidays
You can check the status of your application through the ANRPTS portal. For more details, read our Mauritania visa processing time guide.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Indian citizens traveling to Mauritania must present a valid International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. This is enforced at all ports of entry.
- Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel at an authorized travel clinic in India
- The certificate is valid for life (WHO updated this in 2016)
- Without it, you may be denied boarding or entry at Nouakchott airport
- Yellow fever vaccination is available at designated centers in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and other major Indian cities
Keep the yellow card with your passport at all times during travel. Airlines may check the certificate before allowing you to board flights to Mauritania.
Indian Embassy and Consular Services in Mauritania
India does not currently have an embassy in Nouakchott. The Embassy of India in Dakar, Senegal is accredited to Mauritania and handles consular services for Indian nationals:
- Address: Rue Amadou Assane Ndoye, Dakar, Senegal
- Phone: +221 33 849 5858
- Emergency consular assistance: Contact the Embassy in Dakar or the MEA 24/7 helpline
Indian nationals in distress can also reach the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) 24-hour helpline at +91 11 2301 5300 or the MADAD portal at madad.gov.in.
Before traveling, register your trip on the Indian government’s MADAD portal. This allows the Embassy to contact you in case of emergency and facilitates consular assistance if needed.
Travel Tips for Indian Citizens Visiting Mauritania
Mauritania is a unique destination that requires some preparation for Indian travelers:
Currency and payments: The Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) is the local currency. ATMs are limited in Nouakchott and virtually nonexistent outside the capital. Carry sufficient USD or EUR cash for your entire trip. Indian Rupees cannot be exchanged in Mauritania.
Language: Arabic (Hassaniya dialect) and French are the main languages. English is rarely spoken outside of international hotels. Learn basic French phrases before your trip.
Connectivity: Mobile internet coverage is limited outside Nouakchott. Purchase a local SIM card from Mauritel or Chinguitel at the airport for better connectivity.
Food: Halal food is widely available as Mauritania is an Islamic republic. Indian restaurants are scarce, but Middle Eastern and local cuisine offer familiar flavors for Indian palates.
Climate: Mauritania has a desert climate with extreme heat from May to October (up to 45 degrees Celsius). The best time to visit is November to February when temperatures are milder.
Is Mauritania Safe for Indian Travelers?
Mauritania is generally safe for Indian tourists in major cities, but certain areas require caution:
- Avoid travel to border regions with Mali and Burkina Faso due to terrorism risks
- Stay alert in Nouakchott, especially after dark
- Use registered taxis or hotel-arranged transportation
- Keep valuables secure and avoid displaying wealth or expensive electronics
- The eastern desert regions near the Algerian border are advised against by most governments
The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to parts of Mauritania near the Mali and Algerian borders. Most visits to Nouakchott and Nouadhibou are uneventful when basic precautions are followed.
For a comprehensive safety assessment, see our Is Mauritania safe to visit? guide.
FAQs About Mauritania Visa for Indian Citizens
Can Indian citizens get a visa on arrival in Mauritania?
No. As of January 2025, Mauritania eliminated the visa on arrival option for all nationalities. Indian citizens must apply for an e-Visa online through the ANRPTS portal before traveling. The only exception is for holders of Indian diplomatic or official passports, who are visa-exempt.
Do Indian diplomatic passport holders need a visa for Mauritania?
No. India is one of 14 countries whose diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for Mauritania. This exemption covers stays of up to 90 days. Ordinary Indian passport holders still need an e-Visa.
How long can Indian citizens stay in Mauritania?
The maximum stay depends on your visa type: 30 days for short-stay tourist visas, 90 days for standard tourist visas, and up to 360 or 720 days for long-term visas. Overstaying your visa results in fines and potential detention.
How much does a Mauritania visa cost for Indian citizens?
Fees range from $60 to $300+ depending on the visa type and duration. The fee is paid on arrival at Nouakchott airport in exact cash (USD or EUR). Indian Rupees are not accepted. Fees are non-refundable.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine for Mauritania?
Yes. A valid International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory for all travelers entering Mauritania. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before your trip at an authorized travel clinic in India.
What is the official Mauritania e-Visa website?
The official portal is anrpts.gov.mr, operated by ANRPTS (Agence Nationale du Registre de la Population et des Titres Securises). Avoid unofficial websites that charge extra service fees.
Can Indian citizens apply for a Mauritania business visa online?
Yes. Business e-Visas are available through the same ANRPTS portal. You will need a business letter from your Indian employer and an invitation letter from the Mauritanian company you will be visiting.
Is there an Indian Embassy in Mauritania?
No. India does not have an embassy in Mauritania. Consular services for Indian nationals are handled by the Embassy of India in Dakar, Senegal. For emergencies, contact the MEA 24/7 helpline at +91 11 2301 5300.
