Pakistani citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania. Since January 2025, Mauritania requires all foreign nationals, including Pakistani passport holders, to apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) before traveling. Visa on arrival is no longer available, and embassy visas are no longer issued. The good news is that the entire process is online through the ANRPTS portal, and Pakistanis do not need to visit any embassy.
Do Pakistani Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania?
Yes. A visa is mandatory for all Pakistani passport holders visiting Mauritania, whether for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. There are no visa-free arrangements between Pakistan and Mauritania, and Pakistan is not on the list of 10 visa-exempt countries (which includes Algeria, Senegal, Mali, Niger, and other West African neighbors).
As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies and consulates no longer issue traditional visa stamps. Instead, all applicants are directed to the e-Visa system operated by ANRPTS (Agence Nationale du Registre de la Population et des Titres Securises). The e-Visa is sent electronically to your email – no sticker or stamp is placed in your passport.
Mauritania e-Visa Types Available to Pakistani Citizens
Pakistani 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, repeated visits |
| 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 Pakistani tourists, the 30-day or 90-day single-entry visa is sufficient. If you plan multiple trips within a year, the 360-day multiple-entry option offers better value.
How to Apply for a Mauritania e-Visa from Pakistan
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 desired duration
Step 4. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your Pakistani 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 once you receive the email confirmation
Step 8. Present the printed e-Visa at immigration upon arrival in Mauritania, where your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) will be captured
For a detailed walkthrough, see our complete guide on how to apply for a Mauritania visa.
Required Documents for Pakistani Applicants
Before starting your application, prepare these documents:
- Valid Pakistani passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your entry date and at least one blank visa page
- Recent passport-size digital photograph (white background, taken within the last 6 months)
- Confirmed hotel reservation or accommodation booking in Mauritania
- Round-trip flight itinerary or booking confirmation
- For business visas: a letter from your Pakistani employer and an invitation from the Mauritanian company you will visit
The passport scan and photo must be clear, high-resolution digital files. Blurry or cropped images are the most common reason for application delays or rejections.
Mauritania Visa Fee for Pakistani Citizens (Rest of World Category)
Pakistan falls under the “Rest of World” fee category, which has higher fees than the Arab World and Africa category. Here is the official fee structure:
| Visa Duration | Fee (EUR) | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | EUR 55 | USD 60 |
| 90 days | EUR 95 | USD 100 |
| 3 months to 1 year | EUR 190 | USD 200 |
| 1 to 2 years | EUR 270 | USD 285 |
| 2 to 3 years | EUR 405 | USD 425 |
| 3 years and above | EUR 810 | USD 845 |
Important: Visa fees are paid ON ARRIVAL in Mauritania, not during the online application. You must bring exact cash in EUR or USD. No change is given and no receipt is issued at the payment counter. Bring the exact amount in clean, undamaged bills.
The e-Visa application itself is free on the ANRPTS portal. You only pay when you arrive and pass through immigration.
For a full breakdown of costs, see our Mauritania visa fees guide.
How to Get from Pakistan to Mauritania
There are no direct flights from Pakistan to Mauritania. Pakistanis traveling to Nouakchott (NKC) typically fly through one of these connecting hubs:
| Route | Airline(s) | Approx Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lahore/Istanbul/Nouakchott | Turkish Airlines | 14-16 hours |
| Karachi/Casablanca/Nouakchott | Royal Air Maroc | 16-18 hours |
| Islamabad/Dubai/Nouakchott | Emirates + partner | 15-17 hours |
| Lahore/Paris/Nouakchott | Air France | 16-20 hours |
Turkish Airlines via Istanbul is the most popular route for Pakistani travelers due to frequent flights and competitive pricing. Royal Air Maroc via Casablanca is the only option with a direct Africa-to-Africa connection to Nouakchott.
Book flights well in advance, especially during peak travel seasons (December-February and June-August).
Mauritania e-Visa Processing Time from Pakistan
Most e-Visa applications from Pakistani citizens are processed within 3 to 7 business days through the ANRPTS portal. However, processing can take up to 14 days during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is requested.
| Processing Stage | Estimated Duration |
|---|---|
| Online application review | 3-7 business days |
| Additional document requests | +3-5 days if needed |
| Peak season delay | Up to 10-14 days total |
| Biometric processing | Done on arrival (same day) |
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
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 for Pakistani Travelers
Pakistan is not classified as a yellow fever risk country by the WHO. If you are traveling directly from Pakistan to Mauritania with no layover in a yellow fever risk country, you do not need a yellow fever vaccination.
However, if your flight route includes a layover in a yellow fever risk country (common for transit through West or Central African airports), you must present a valid International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination. Countries in this region include Senegal, Mali, Guinea, and others.
Recommendations for Pakistani travelers:
- Check your transit route – if you transit through a yellow fever country, get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel
- The vaccine is available at government hospitals and designated vaccination centers in major Pakistani cities (Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad)
- The certificate is valid for life since the WHO updated its policy in 2016
- Keep the yellow card with your passport at all times during travel
Even if not mandatory for your route, getting vaccinated is a sensible precaution for travel to West Africa.
Nearest Mauritania Embassy or Consulate for Pakistani Citizens
Mauritania does not have an embassy or consulate in Pakistan. The nearest Mauritanian diplomatic mission for Pakistani citizens is:
| Mission | Location | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy of Mauritania in Saudi Arabia | Riyadh | Visa services, consular assistance |
| Consulate of Mauritania | Nouakchott, Mauritania | In-country services |
You do NOT need to visit any embassy to get a Mauritania visa. The e-Visa system is fully online, and Pakistani citizens complete the entire process through anrpts.gov.mr from Pakistan. The embassy information is relevant only if you need consular assistance while in Mauritania.
For consular emergencies while in Mauritania, the Pakistan Embassy in Tunisia or the Pakistani consulate in Dakar, Senegal may also provide assistance to Pakistani nationals.
Common Reasons for Mauritania Visa Rejection for Pakistani Citizens
While Mauritania has a relatively straightforward e-Visa process, applications from Pakistani citizens can be rejected for several reasons:
- Invalid passport: Passport expiring within 6 months of the entry date, or no blank visa pages
- Blurry documents: Poor quality passport scan or photograph that makes identification difficult
- Incomplete application: Missing fields, inconsistent information, or mismatched passport details
- Accommodation proof: No hotel booking or invitation letter provided
- Purpose unclear: Vague or missing explanation of visit purpose
If your application is rejected, you can reapply after correcting the issue. There is no official appeal process, but the ANRPTS portal contact email ([email protected]) can be used for inquiries.
For detailed guidance on handling rejections, see our Mauritania visa rejected guide.
FAQs About Mauritania Visa for Pakistani Citizens
Can Pakistani citizens get a visa on arrival in Mauritania?
No. As of January 2025, Mauritania eliminated visa on arrival for all nationalities, including Pakistan. Pakistani citizens must apply for an e-Visa online through the ANRPTS portal before traveling.
How much does a Mauritania visa cost for Pakistani citizens?
Pakistan falls under the “Rest of World” fee category. A 30-day visa costs EUR 55 (USD 60) and a 90-day visa costs EUR 95 (USD 100). Fees must be paid on arrival in exact cash (EUR or USD). No change is given. The online application itself is free.
Is Pakistan on the visa-exempt list for Mauritania?
No. Pakistan is not on the list of 10 visa-exempt countries. The visa-exempt countries are Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia. Pakistani citizens must obtain an e-Visa regardless of visit purpose.
How long does it take to get a Mauritania e-Visa from Pakistan?
Standard processing takes 3-7 business days. During peak travel seasons it can take up to 14 days. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended departure date to avoid any issues.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccine to travel from Pakistan to Mauritania?
Pakistan is not a yellow fever risk country, so vaccination is not mandatory for direct travel. However, if your route includes a layover in a yellow fever risk country (such as Senegal or Mali), you must present a valid yellow fever certificate.
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.
Are there direct flights from Pakistan to Mauritania?
No. There are no direct flights from Pakistan to Mauritania. Most travelers fly through Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), or Dubai (Emirates with a connecting airline). The total travel time is usually 14-18 hours.
Can Pakistani citizens apply for a Mauritania business visa?
Yes. Business e-Visas are available through the same ANRPTS portal. You will need a business letter from your Pakistani employer and an invitation letter from the Mauritanian company you will be visiting.
Can I extend my Mauritania visa while in the country?
Visa extensions may be possible through the immigration office in Nouakchott. You must apply before your current visa expires. Overstaying without an extension results in fines and may affect future visa applications.
Where do I pay the Mauritania visa fee as a Pakistani citizen?
The fee is paid at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival in Mauritania. You must bring exact cash in EUR or USD. The online e-Visa application through the ANRPTS portal does not charge any fee.
