Mauritania Visa Requirements (2026)

Mauritania requires nearly all foreign nationals to obtain a visa before arrival. Since January 2025, the country operates a mandatory e-Visa system through the ANRPTS portal. Only citizens of 10 African countries can enter visa-free. This guide covers every document, fee, and step you need to meet Mauritania visa requirements in 2026.

Who Needs a Visa for Mauritania?

Virtually every nationality needs a visa to enter Mauritania. The only exceptions are citizens of 10 visa-exempt countries, who may stay up to 90 days without any visa at all:

All other nationalities – including citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India, Pakistan, and all EU countries – must apply for a visa through the Mauritania e-Visa system before travelling.

Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders

Holders of diplomatic or service passports from the following countries do not need a visa for Mauritania: Brazil, China, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, India, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Spain, Syria, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.

This exemption applies only to official diplomatic or service passports – regular passport holders from these countries still need an e-Visa.

The e-Visa System (Since January 2025)

Since 5 January 2025, Mauritania has required all visa-required nationals to apply for an e-Visa online before boarding their flight. This replaced the previous visa-on-arrival system.

As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies worldwide no longer issue visas. All applications must go through the official ANRPTS e-Visa portal (anrpts.gov.mr).

If you experience technical difficulties with your application, contact ANRPTS at [email protected].

Visa Duration Options

The e-Visa system offers several duration categories:

For details on each category, see our guide to Mauritania visa types.

Documents Required for a Mauritania e-Visa

To complete your e-Visa application, you will need the following documents:

1. Valid passport with at least 6 months validity remaining from your date of arrival in Mauritania
2. Recent passport-size photograph (digital upload)
3. Completed online application form on the ANRPTS portal
4. Proof of accommodation in Mauritania (hotel booking or invitation letter)
5. Return or onward flight ticket
6. Payment of the visa fee (paid in cash on arrival – see below)

Passport Requirements

Your passport must meet these conditions:

• At least 6 months validity remaining from your arrival date in Mauritania
• At least 2 blank pages for entry and exit stamps
• Not reported as lost or stolen
• A machine-readable passport (recommended)

If your passport expires within 6 months of your planned arrival, renew it before applying. Applications with insufficient passport validity will be denied.

Photo Requirements

The digital photograph for your e-Visa application must meet standard passport photo criteria:

• Taken within the last 6 months
• White or light-coloured background
• Face clearly visible, looking directly at the camera
• No sunglasses, hats, or head coverings (except for religious reasons)
• Minimum resolution: 600 x 600 pixels

For detailed specifications, see our Mauritania visa photo requirements guide.

e-Visa Fees and Payment

A key detail that catches many travellers off guard: the Mauritania e-Visa fee is paid on arrival in Mauritania, not online during the application.

The fee varies depending on visa duration and type. For current pricing, see our detailed breakdown of Mauritania visa fees.

Important: Print a copy of your approved e-Visa and carry it with you. You must present it upon arrival in Mauritania.

Health and Vaccination Requirements

Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. This includes most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America.

Even if you are not arriving from a risk country, vaccination is strongly recommended. Yellow fever is endemic in parts of the Sahel region.

Recommended Vaccinations

Consult your travel health provider at least 6-8 weeks before departure. For full health guidance, visit TravelHealthPro Mauritania.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Here is how to apply for your Mauritania e-Visa:

1. Visit the official ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr
2. Select the eVISA option from the main menu
3. Create an account with your email address
4. Fill in personal details exactly as they appear on your passport
5. Upload your passport scan and digital photograph
6. Select your visa type and duration
7. Submit the application
8. Wait for approval (processing typically takes several business days)
9. Print the approved e-Visa
10. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival in Mauritania

For a detailed walkthrough with screenshots, see our step-by-step e-Visa application guide.

Common Reasons for Rejection

Applications can be rejected for several reasons:

• Passport validity less than 6 months from arrival date
• Blurry or non-compliant photograph
• Inconsistent information between application and passport
• Incomplete supporting documents
• Previous immigration violations in Mauritania
• Security concerns flagged during background checks

If your application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected documents. For guidance, read our article on what to do if your Mauritania e-Visa is rejected.

Entry and Customs Rules

When arriving in Mauritania, be prepared for the following:

• Present your printed e-Visa to immigration officers
• Show proof of yellow fever vaccination if applicable
• Declare any items subject to customs restrictions
• Registration with local authorities may be required for stays over 30 days

What You Cannot Bring

Mauritania has strict customs rules. Prohibited items include:

• Alcohol in excessive quantities
• Pornographic material
• Drugs and narcotics (severe penalties apply)
• Certain medications without prescription documentation
• Drone equipment without prior authorisation

Frequently Asked Questions