Mauritania Visa for UK Citizens: Complete 2026 Guide

British citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania. Since January 2025, the only way to obtain one is through the e-Visa system operated by ANRPTS – Mauritania’s National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles. Visa on arrival is no longer available, and the Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas. This guide covers everything UK passport holders need to know about fees, documents, the online application process, and arrival procedures.

Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania?

Yes. UK passport holders are not on Mauritania’s visa-exempt list. Only citizens of 10 countries – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia – can enter Mauritania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. British citizens must apply for an e-Visa before travelling.

The UK falls into the “Rest of the World” fee category, which applies higher rates than the Arab and African zone. There is no visa-free arrangement between the UK and Mauritania.

Holders of diplomatic or service passports from certain countries (including Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Russia, Spain, and Turkey) are exempt from visa requirements under bilateral agreements. This exemption does not apply to standard UK passports.

Mauritania e-Visa Fees for UK Citizens (2026)

UK citizens pay the “Rest of the World” rate. All fees are payable on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash – either Euros or US dollars. No change is given and no receipts are issued.

The most common option for UK tourists is the 30-day single-entry e-Visa at EUR 55 (USD 60). Business travellers or those with extended itineraries may prefer the 90-day option at EUR 95 (USD 100).

For comparison, citizens of Arab and African countries pay lower rates – EUR 40 (USD 45) for 30 days and EUR 70 (USD 75) for 90 days.

How to Apply for a Mauritania e-Visa from the UK

The application is made entirely online through the official ANRPTS portal. There is no paper application and no embassy visit required.

Step-by-step process:

1. Visit the official e-Visa portal at anrpts.gov.mr/visa/requestvisa
2. Select the English language option
3. Complete the online application form with personal details, passport information, and travel dates
4. Upload the required documents (passport scan, photo)
5. Submit the application
6. Wait for processing – you will receive your e-Visa confirmation with an application number
7. Print the e-Visa and carry it with you when travelling

The Mauritanian government advises applying well in advance of your travel date to ensure the e-Visa is issued on time. Processing times can vary, and late applications risk boarding being denied by airlines.

If you experience technical difficulties with the ANRPTS portal, contact them by email at [email protected].

Documents Required for the Mauritania e-Visa

UK citizens applying for a Mauritania e-Visa need the following documents:

• Valid UK passport – must have at least 6 months validity from your date of arrival in Mauritania
• Passport-style photograph – digital format for online upload
• Passport scan – clear scan of the biographical page
• Travel details – intended dates of arrival and departure, accommodation information
• Return or onward flight booking – proof you plan to leave Mauritania within the visa validity

Your passport must not be reported lost or stolen. If it is, you will be denied entry even with a valid e-Visa.

Mauritania Visa on Arrival for UK Citizens

No longer available. As of 5 January 2025, Mauritania discontinued visa on arrival for all nationalities. Previously, any passport holder could obtain a visa on arrival at international airports such as Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport and at land border crossings.

This change was part of Mauritania’s transition to the mandatory e-Visa system. Airlines now require proof of a valid e-Visa before allowing boarding. Arriving at a Mauritanian port of entry without a pre-approved e-Visa will result in denial of entry.

Do not rely on obtaining a visa at the airport – this option has been permanently replaced by the online e-Visa system.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

UK citizens travelling to Mauritania must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This is a standard international health requirement enforced at Mauritanian borders.

Even if you are not arriving from a risk country, the UK’s TravelHealthPro recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travellers to Mauritania due to ongoing transmission risk within the country. Other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, rabies, and meningitis.

Consult your GP or a travel health clinic at least 6 to 8 weeks before departure. The yellow fever vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be valid for certificate purposes.

Passport Validity Rules for Mauritania

Your British passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after your planned arrival date in Mauritania. This is strictly enforced – you will be denied entry if your passport does not meet this requirement.

Additional passport rules:

• Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry stamps
• Passports reported as lost or stolen are flagged in international databases and will be refused
• Dual nationals returning to the UK must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitled

Renew your passport through the UK Passport Office if it is due to expire within 7 months of your travel dates. Standard renewal takes up to 10 weeks; the online service is faster.

What Happens When You Arrive in Mauritania

After landing at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport or arriving at a land border crossing, UK citizens go through the following arrival process:

1. Immigration checkpoint – present your printed e-Visa and passport
2. Biometric data capture – fingerprints and photograph taken at the border
3. Visa fee payment – pay the applicable fee in exact Euros or US dollars (cash only)
4. Entry stamp – your passport is stamped with the authorised duration of stay

There are no card payment facilities for visa fees at the border. Bring the exact amount in clean, undamaged bills. Torn or heavily marked notes may be refused.

Customs declaration is required for cash amounts exceeding standard thresholds. Mauritania has strict rules on prohibited goods – declare anything that may be subject to tax or duty.

Mauritania Embassy in the UK

The Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas. As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies worldwide have been directed to refer all visa applicants to the online e-Visa system.

For consular assistance or non-visa enquiries, the embassy contact details are:

• Website: mauritania-embassy.uk
• Address: London, United Kingdom

For e-Visa technical issues, contact ANRPTS directly:
– Email: [email protected]
– Portal: anrpts.gov.mr

FAQs About Mauritania Visa for UK Citizens