French citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania. Since January 2025, Mauritania requires all foreign nationals, including French passport holders, to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before traveling. Visa on arrival is no longer available. The online application through the ANRPTS portal is straightforward and can be completed from home in just a few steps.
Do French Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania?
Yes. A visa is mandatory for all French passport holders visiting Mauritania, whether for tourism, business, family visits, or transit. France is not on the list of visa-exempt countries — only 10 nations (mostly West African) enjoy visa-free entry to Mauritania for up to 90 days.
The Mauritanian Consulate in Paris no longer issues traditional visa stamps. Since June 2025, all French nationals must apply for an e-Visa online through the ANRPTS portal before departure. This applies to both regular and diplomatic passport holders from France.
Mauritania and France share deep historical ties — French is widely spoken, and over 1,600 French nationals are registered as living in Mauritania. Despite these close relations, a visa remains mandatory for entry. For a complete overview of the general requirements, see our Mauritania visa requirements guide.
How to Apply for a Mauritania e-Visa from France
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps to get your Mauritania e-Visa:
- Visit the official portal at anrpts.gov.mr
- Create an account with your email address
- Fill out the application form with personal and travel details
- Upload the required documents (passport scan, photo, flight booking)
- Submit the application and wait for approval by email
- Print the approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport
For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, follow our complete application guide.
If you experience technical issues with the portal, contact the ANRPTS directly at [email protected].
Required Documents for French Applicants
To apply for a Mauritania e-Visa as a French citizen, you will need:
- Valid French passport with at least 6 months validity beyond your arrival date
- At least 2 blank pages in your passport
- Recent passport-size photo (colour, white background, high quality)
- Scanned copy of your passport data page
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation for tourism, or invitation letter for business)
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from a risk country)
For the full list of document specifications, see our visa requirements page.
Mauritania e-Visa Fees for French Citizens
The e-Visa fee structure for French nationals is as follows:
| Visa Type | Duration | Entry Type | Consular Fee (paid on arrival) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tourism | 30 days | Single entry | EUR 55 |
| Tourism | 90 days | Single/double entry | EUR 55-95 |
| Business | 90 days | Single/double entry | EUR 55-95 |
| Long-stay | 360 days | Multiple entry | EUR 100-150 |
| Long-stay | 720 days | Multiple entry | EUR 150-200 |
Important payment rules:
- Fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania, not during the online application
- Payment is accepted in exact cash only: Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD)
- No change is given and no receipts are provided
- Bring the exact amount in crisp, undamaged bills
For the latest fee breakdown and payment details, check our Mauritania visa fees guide.
e-Visa Processing Time
Most applications from French citizens are processed within 3 to 7 business days. Processing can take up to 14 days during peak travel seasons or if additional documentation is requested.
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your intended travel date to allow sufficient processing time. You will receive the approved e-Visa by email as a PDF document. Print it and keep it with your travel documents.
For more details on processing timelines, see our Mauritania visa processing time guide.
Can French Citizens Get a Visa on Arrival in Mauritania?
No. Since 5 January 2025, visa on arrival is no longer available for any nationality at Mauritania airports or land borders. All French citizens must obtain an e-Visa before boarding their flight.
Before the e-Visa system launched, travelers could get a visa stamp at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport. This option has been fully replaced by the mandatory online pre-approval system.
If you arrive without a valid e-Visa, you will be denied entry and may be placed on a return flight at your own expense.
France-Mauritania Travel: What to Know
Mauritania is a conservative Muslim country in Northwest Africa. French citizens should be aware of the following:
- French is widely spoken alongside Arabic, especially in Nouakchott and business settings
- The local currency is the Ouguiya (MRU); Euros are sometimes accepted in tourist areas
- Alcohol is not widely available; respect local customs regarding dress and behaviour
- Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled water
- A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if arriving from a transmission-risk country
- Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended
For a complete overview of all visa types and general entry rules, visit our Mauritania e-Visa guide.
FAQs About Mauritania Visa for French Citizens
Do French citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. All French passport holders must obtain an e-Visa before traveling to Mauritania. Visa on arrival is no longer available since January 2025.
How much does a Mauritania visa cost for French citizens?
The consular fee for a 30-day tourist e-Visa is approximately EUR 55, paid in exact cash on arrival in Mauritania. Longer-duration visas cost more. Fees are payable in EUR or USD only.
How long does it take to get a Mauritania e-Visa?
Processing typically takes 3 to 7 business days. It can take up to 14 days during busy periods. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip.
Can I get a Mauritania visa on arrival with a French passport?
No. Since 5 January 2025, visa on arrival has been abolished. You must apply for an e-Visa online at anrpts.gov.mr before departure.
What documents do French citizens need for a Mauritania e-Visa?
You need a valid French passport (6 months validity, 2 blank pages), a passport photo, flight booking, proof of accommodation, and a yellow fever certificate if applicable.
Is Mauritania safe for French tourists?
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists in major cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Some border regions and desert areas carry travel advisories. Check the French government travel advice before your trip.
Can I extend my Mauritania visa while in the country?
Visa extensions may be possible through the immigration office in Nouakchott. It is recommended to apply for a longer-duration visa upfront if you plan to stay beyond 30 days.
Do I need to print my Mauritania e-Visa?
Yes. Print a copy of your approved e-Visa and carry it with your passport. Immigration officers will check it on arrival.
What if my Mauritania e-Visa application is rejected?
Applications can be rejected due to incomplete documents or errors. You can reapply with corrected information. If you face repeated rejections, contact the ANRPTS at [email protected].
Is there a Mauritanian embassy in France that issues visas?
No. The Mauritanian Consulate in Paris no longer issues visas. All visa applications must be made online through the ANRPTS portal.
