Mauritania sits at the crossroads of North and West Africa. If you are planning a trip there, the first question is simple: does your passport let you in without a visa, or do you need to apply for one before you fly?
This guide lists every country whose citizens can enter Mauritania visa-free, explains diplomatic passport exemptions, covers what happened to the old visa-on-arrival system, and walks you through the eVisa process for everyone else.
Countries That Can Visit Mauritania Without a Visa (2026)
As of 2026, Mauritania grants visa-free entry to citizens of 10 countries under bilateral and regional agreements. Holders of regular passports from these nations can stay up to 90 days without any pre-arranged visa.
Full List of Visa-Exempt Countries
| Country | Region | Maximum Stay | Passport Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | North Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Burkina Faso | West Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Chad | Central Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Côte d’Ivoire | West Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Gambia | West Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Libya | North Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Mali | West Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Niger | West Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Senegal | West Africa | 90 days | Regular |
| Tunisia | North Africa | 90 days | Regular |
All 10 visa-exempt countries are African nations. Five are West African neighbors (Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Senegal), two are in North Africa (Algeria, Tunisia), and Chad is in Central Africa. Libya completes the list.
These exemptions are based on bilateral agreements and regional protocols. Citizens of these countries simply present a valid passport at the border checkpoint – no eVisa, no embassy visit, no fees on arrival.
Diplomatic and Service Passport Exemptions
Beyond the 10 regular passport exemptions, Mauritania has bilateral visa-waiver agreements with 14 additional countries for holders of diplomatic or official/service passports only. These do not apply to regular tourist passports.
| Country | Passport Types Exempt |
|---|---|
| Brazil | Diplomatic, Service |
| China | Diplomatic, Service |
| Egypt | Diplomatic, Service |
| Guinea-Bissau | Diplomatic, Service |
| India | Diplomatic, Service |
| Iran | Diplomatic, Service |
| Indonesia | Diplomatic, Service |
| Morocco | Diplomatic, Service |
| Romania | Diplomatic, Service |
| Russia | Diplomatic, Service |
| Spain | Diplomatic, Service |
| Syria | Diplomatic, Service |
| Turkey | Diplomatic, Service |
| United Arab Emirates | Diplomatic, Service |
| Yemen | Diplomatic, Service |
If you hold a regular passport from any of these countries – Brazil, China, India, Russia, Turkey, UAE, and so on – you still need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. Only diplomatic and service passport holders qualify for the exemption.
How Long Can Visa-Free Visitors Stay in Mauritania?
Citizens of the 10 visa-exempt countries can stay in Mauritania for up to 90 days per visit. The 90-day limit is standard across all exempt nationalities – there are no shorter or longer allowances depending on which of the 10 countries you come from.
If you need to stay longer than 90 days, you will need to apply for a visa extension or a longer-validity eVisa. The eVisa system offers durations from 30 days all the way up to 3 years and beyond, which we cover below.
What Happened to Visa on Arrival in Mauritania?
Before January 2025, tourists from almost any country could land at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport and get a visa on arrival. That option is no longer available.
Here is the timeline:
- Before January 5, 2025: Visa on arrival was available at all international airports and land border crossings for most nationalities.
- January 5, 2025: Mauritania launched the eVisa system. Nationals of countries that require a visa must now apply for an eVisa before boarding their flight.
- June 2025: Mauritanian embassies worldwide stopped issuing visas altogether. They now redirect applicants to the online eVisa portal.
If you search for information about “Mauritania visa on arrival” online, be careful – most of those articles are outdated. There is no visa on arrival anymore.
The Mauritania eVisa: What Everyone Else Needs
If your country is not on the visa-exempt list above, you need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. The application is online through the official portal run by ANRPTS (National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles).
How to Apply for the Mauritania eVisa
- Go to the official portal at anrpts.gov.mr
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill in the application form with personal details, travel dates, and purpose of visit
- Upload a scanned copy of your passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Upload a passport-style photo
- Submit the application and wait for processing
- Receive your eVisa approval by email
- Print the eVisa or keep a digital copy on your phone for presentation at immigration
Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days, but can stretch to 10-14 days during peak travel season. Apply at least two weeks before your trip to be safe.
For a step-by-step walkthrough with screenshots, see our How to Apply for a Mauritania Visa guide.
eVisa Processing Time and Fees
The eVisa itself is free to apply for online. However, the actual visa fee is paid in cash upon arrival at the immigration checkpoint in Mauritania. This is an unusual system – the fee is not collected online.
You must pay in exact cash in euros (EUR) or US dollars (USD). No change is given, and no card payments or receipts are available.
For a complete breakdown of fees by nationality and duration, see our Mauritania Visa Fees page.
Do US, UK, and EU Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania?
Yes – citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and all European Union countries need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. None of these countries are on the visa-exempt list.
| Nationality | Visa Required? | How to Get It |
|---|---|---|
| United States | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| United Kingdom | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| Canada | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| Australia | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| Germany | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| France | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| India | eVisa required (regular passport) | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| China | eVisa required (regular passport) | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| Nigeria | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| South Africa | eVisa required | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| Brazil | eVisa required (regular passport) | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
| Russia | eVisa required (regular passport) | Apply at anrpts.gov.mr |
Note: Citizens of India, China, Brazil, and Russia with diplomatic or service passports are exempt – see the table in the diplomatic passport section above.
Regional Breakdown: Which Regions Need a Visa?
Here is how Mauritania’s visa policy breaks down by world region:
| Region | Visa-Free Countries | Need eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| West Africa | Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Mali, Niger, Senegal | All others |
| North Africa | Algeria, Libya, Tunisia | Egypt, Morocco |
| Central Africa | Chad | All others |
| East Africa | None | All |
| Southern Africa | None | All |
| Middle East | None (diplomatic for some) | All |
| Europe | None (diplomatic for Romania, Spain) | All EU/UK/Schengen |
| Americas | None (diplomatic for Brazil) | US, Canada, all others |
| Asia | None (diplomatic for China, India, Iran, Turkey, Syria) | All |
| Oceania | None | Australia, New Zealand, all others |
The vast majority of travelers to Mauritania – regardless of where they come from – will need to apply for the eVisa online before departure.
Mauritania Entry Requirements for All Visitors
Whether you enter visa-free or with an eVisa, every traveler must meet these conditions at the border:
- Valid passport – must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry
- Yellow fever vaccination – required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Carry your yellow card (International Certificate of Vaccination).
- Biometric capture – fingerprints and a photograph are taken at the immigration checkpoint upon arrival. This is a quick process.
- Return/onward ticket – immigration officers may ask for proof of onward travel
- Proof of accommodation – hotel booking or host address may be requested
The primary international airport is Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) in the capital, Nouakchott.
For a complete overview of everything you need to know before your trip, visit our Mauritania eVisa Complete Guide.
FAQ – Mauritania Visa Free Countries
Which countries can enter Mauritania without a visa?
Citizens of 10 countries can visit Mauritania visa-free: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia. All are African nations. Maximum stay is 90 days.
How many countries are visa-exempt for Mauritania?
10 countries have visa-free access to Mauritania with regular passports. An additional 14 countries have visa exemptions for diplomatic and service passport holders only (Brazil, China, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, India, Iran, Indonesia, Morocco, Romania, Russia, Spain, Syria, Turkey, UAE, and Yemen).
Do US citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. US citizens must apply for a Mauritania eVisa online at anrpts.gov.mr before traveling. There is no visa on arrival and no visa-free entry for US passport holders. Processing takes 3-7 business days.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. UK citizens need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. Apply online at the official ANRPTS portal. The visa fee is paid in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival in Mauritania.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Mauritania?
No. Visa on arrival was discontinued in January 2025 when Mauritania launched the eVisa system. All travelers who need a visa must apply online at anrpts.gov.mr before their trip.
Do Indian citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes, Indian citizens with regular passports need an eVisa. However, holders of Indian diplomatic or service passports can enter Mauritania without a visa under a bilateral exemption agreement.
Do Chinese citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes, Chinese citizens with ordinary passports need an eVisa. Holders of Chinese diplomatic or official passports are exempt and do not need a visa to enter Mauritania.
How long can I stay in Mauritania without a visa?
If you are from one of the 10 visa-exempt countries (Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, or Tunisia), you can stay up to 90 days without a visa.
Is there a list of African countries that don’t need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. The following African countries have visa-free access to Mauritania: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia. All other African nationals need an eVisa.
What is the official Mauritania eVisa website?
The official eVisa portal is anrpts.gov.mr, operated by ANRPTS (National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles). For help, contact support at [email protected].
