Mauritania Visa for Nigerian Citizens: Fees, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Nigerian citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania. Since January 2025, the only way to get one is through the e-Visa system run by ANRPTS – Mauritania’s National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles. Visa on arrival is no longer available, and Mauritanian embassies no longer issue traditional visas. The good news for Nigerian passport holders is that you fall into the “Arab World and Africa” fee category, which means lower rates than travelers from Europe, the Americas, or Asia.

Do Nigerian Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania?

Yes. Nigerian passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Mauritania. Nigeria is 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 without a visa for stays up to 90 days.

This is a common source of confusion. Niger (the country) is visa-exempt, but Nigeria is not. If you hold a Nigerian passport, you need to apply for an e-Visa online before your trip.

Since June 2025, Mauritanian embassies worldwide – including the Embassy of Mauritania in Abuja – no longer issue visa stamps. They direct all applicants to the online e-Visa system at anrpts.gov.mr.

Mauritania e-Visa Fees for Nigerian Citizens (2026)

Nigerian citizens pay the “Arab World and Africa” rate, which is significantly lower than 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.

For most Nigerian tourists, the 30-day single-entry e-Visa at EUR 40 (USD 45) is the best option. Business travelers or those with extended itineraries may prefer the 90-day option at EUR 70 (USD 75).

For comparison, citizens from countries outside Africa and the Arab world pay EUR 55 (USD 60) for 30 days and EUR 95 (USD 100) for 90 days – roughly 35% more.

How to Apply for a Mauritania e-Visa from Nigeria

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. Processing times can vary, and late applications risk boarding being denied by airlines at Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport or other Nigerian departure points.

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

Documents Required for the Mauritania e-Visa

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

• Valid Nigerian 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
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate – mandatory for travelers arriving from Nigeria (see below)

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

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement

This is critical for Nigerian travelers. Nigeria is classified as a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. This means a valid International Certificate of Yellow Fever Vaccination is mandatory for all Nigerian citizens entering Mauritania.

Key points:

• Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel – the certificate is not valid until 10 days after vaccination
• The certificate is valid for life (WHO updated this rule in 2016)
• Without it, you will be denied boarding by airlines or denied entry at the Mauritanian border
• Keep the yellow card with your passport at all times during travel

Yellow fever vaccination is available at designated health centres across Nigeria, including the Port Health Services at major international airports. The vaccine costs between NGN 2,000 and NGN 5,000 at government facilities.

Mauritania Visa on Arrival for Nigerian Citizens

No longer available. As of 5 January 2025, Mauritania discontinued visa on arrival for all nationalities, including Nigerian passport holders. Previously, travelers could obtain a visa at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport or 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. Some third-party websites still incorrectly list visa on arrival as available for Nigerian citizens – this information is outdated.

Passport Validity Rules for Mauritania

Your Nigerian 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 must use the same passport for entry and exit

If your passport is due to expire within 7 months of your travel dates, renew it through the Nigeria Immigration Service before applying for the e-Visa.

What Happens When You Arrive in Mauritania

After landing at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or arriving at a land border crossing, Nigerian 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.

The primary airport for international arrivals is Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (IATA: NKC). Direct flights from Lagos are limited – most routes connect through Casablanca (Royal Air Maroc), Dakar, or other West African hubs.

Nigerian Embassy and Consular Information

Embassy of Mauritania in Abuja, Nigeria

The Embassy of Mauritania in Abuja can assist with non-visa consular matters. As of June 2025, the embassy no longer issues visas – all visa applications must go through the online e-Visa system at anrpts.gov.mr.

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

Nigerian Embassy in Nouakchott

Nigeria maintains diplomatic representation in Nouakchott. Nigerian citizens travelling to Mauritania should register with the embassy upon arrival for consular assistance in case of emergency.

FAQs About Mauritania Visa for Nigerian Citizens