Mauritania offers several visa types depending on the purpose of your visit and how long you plan to stay. Since the launch of the electronic visa system in January 2025, all visa-required travelers must apply online through the ANRPTS portal before boarding their flight. This guide breaks down every Mauritania visa type, duration option, and entry category so you can pick the right one for your trip.
Overview of Mauritania Visa Types
Since January 5, 2025, Mauritania has operated a fully digital e-Visa system managed by the Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés (ANRPTS) at anrpts.gov.mr. Mauritanian embassies and consulates no longer issue visas in person. Every traveler who needs a visa must apply online before departure.
When you fill out the e-Visa application, you will be asked to choose two things:
- Your purpose of travel – this determines the visa category (tourist, business, family, etc.)
- Your desired duration – this determines how many days you can stay (30, 60, or 90 days)
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your date of entry, and you will need to upload a passport-style photo and a scan of your passport information page.
Mauritania e-Visa Duration Options
The ANRPTS portal lets you select from three standard visa durations. The duration you choose affects both your allowed length of stay and the visa fee you pay upon arrival.
| Duration | Best For | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Short trips | Tourism, quick business meetings, transit |
| 60 days | Medium stays | Extended tourism, project work, family visits |
| 90 days | Longer stays | Comprehensive travel, longer business assignments |
30-Day Visa
The 30-day visa is the most common option for tourists and short-term visitors. It allows a single entry into Mauritania with a stay of up to 30 days. This is the standard choice for travelers visiting Nouakchott, exploring the Adrar region, or riding the famous Iron Ore Train.
The fee for a 30-day e-Visa is €55 (approximately $60), payable in exact cash in euros or US dollars upon arrival in Mauritania. No change is given and no receipts are issued, so bring the exact amount.
60-Day Visa
The 60-day visa gives you extra breathing room if your plans are not set in stone. Travelers who want to combine multiple regions – such as the Saharan interior, the Banc d’Arguin National Park, and the Senegal River valley – often choose this duration to avoid rushing.
Fees for the 60-day visa are higher than the 30-day option. Check the ANRPTS portal for the most current pricing, as fees may be updated periodically.
90-Day Visa
The 90-day visa is the longest standard option available through the e-Visa system. It suits travelers with extensive itineraries, researchers, journalists on assignment, or anyone who wants maximum flexibility. A 90-day visa can also be issued as a double or multiple-entry visa, which is useful if you plan to cross into Senegal, Mali, or another neighboring country during your trip.
Longer Stays: 360 & 720 Days
For travelers who need to stay in Mauritania well beyond 90 days – such as long-term business assignees, NGO workers, or individuals with family ties – longer-duration visas may be available. These are not standard options on the regular e-Visa application and typically require:
- A sponsoring organization or employer in Mauritania
- Additional documentation (work contracts, invitation letters, organizational credentials)
- Direct coordination with Mauritanian immigration authorities
If you need a visa valid for 360 days (approximately one year) or 720 days (approximately two years), contact ANRPTS directly at [email protected] or consult a visa agency experienced with Mauritanian immigration. These extended visas are generally issued for employment, long-term business, or diplomatic purposes rather than tourism.
Mauritania Visa Types by Purpose
When applying through the ANRPTS portal, you must state the purpose of your visit. This determines the category of your visa and may affect which supporting documents you need to provide.
Tourist Visa
The tourist visa is the default choice for leisure travelers. You will need to provide:
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Passport-style photo
- Travel itinerary or flight booking
- Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or host invitation)
No invitation letter is required for a standard tourist visa. This is the most straightforward visa type to obtain.
Business Visa
A business visa is required if you are traveling to Mauritania for meetings, conferences, trade events, or investment activities. In addition to the standard documents, you will need:
- An invitation letter from a Mauritanian company or organization
- Details of your business activities in Mauritania
- Proof of your company registration or employment
Business visas can often be issued as multiple-entry visas, which is helpful if you plan several trips within the visa validity period. For more details, see our guide to the Mauritania business visa.
Family Visa
If you are visiting family members living in Mauritania, you can apply under the family purpose category. You will typically need an invitation letter from your host in Mauritania and proof of the family relationship.
Medical Visa
Travelers seeking medical treatment in Mauritania can apply for a medical visa. Supporting documents may include a letter from a Mauritanian medical facility confirming your appointment or treatment plan.
Cultural & Sports Visa
This category covers participants in cultural events, sports competitions, conferences, and similar activities. An invitation or registration confirmation from the organizing body is typically required.
Transit Visa
If you are passing through Mauritania on your way to another country and do not plan to leave the international transit area, you may not need a visa at all. However, if you need to exit the airport or your transit involves an overnight stay, a transit visa is required. Transit visas are typically valid for a short period (a few days). For more information, see our Mauritania transit visa guide.
Entry Types: Single, Double & Multiple Entry
When applying for your Mauritania e-Visa, you can choose how many times you want to enter the country during your visa’s validity period.
| Entry Type | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single entry | One entry only; once you leave, the visa is void | One-way trips, direct tourism |
| Double entry | Two entries allowed within the validity period | Side trips to Senegal or Mali |
| Multiple entry | Unlimited entries within the validity period | Frequent business travelers, regional workers |
A single-entry visa is the most affordable option. If you plan to cross into Senegal to visit Saint-Louis or travel to Mali during your trip, you will need at least a double-entry visa. Multiple-entry visas are ideal for business travelers who make regular trips to Mauritania.
Visa-Exempt Countries
Not everyone needs a visa to visit Mauritania. Citizens of the following countries can enter without a visa and stay for up to 90 days:
- Algeria
- Burkina Faso
- Chad
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Gambia
- Guinea-Bissau
- Libya
- Mali
- Niger
- Senegal
- Tunisia
If you hold a passport from one of these countries, you do not need to apply for an e-Visa. Simply present your valid passport at the border. For all other nationalities, the e-Visa is mandatory before boarding your flight.
How to Choose the Right Visa Type
Follow these steps to select the correct Mauritania visa:
- Check if you are visa-exempt. If you hold a passport from one of the 11 countries listed above, you do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
- Determine your purpose. Tourism, business, family visit, medical, cultural/sports, or transit – choose the category that matches your trip.
- Pick a duration. 30 days is enough for most tourist trips. Choose 60 or 90 days if you want flexibility or have a longer itinerary.
- Decide on entry type. Single entry is fine for most travelers. Choose double or multiple entry if you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania.
- Apply online. Submit your application at anrpts.gov.mr and allow 2-3 business days for processing.
- Pay on arrival. Print your approved e-Visa and bring exact cash (euros or US dollars) to pay the fee at the airport.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the application process, see our guide on how to apply for a Mauritania e-Visa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. US citizens must apply for an e-Visa online before traveling to Mauritania. The e-Visa application is submitted through the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr. US passports must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
How long does it take to get a Mauritanian visa?
Processing typically takes 2-3 business days after submitting your online application. However, some travelers report waiting up to 7 days during busy periods. Apply well in advance of your travel date to avoid delays.
How much does a Mauritania visa cost?
The 30-day e-Visa costs €55 (approximately $60), payable in exact cash upon arrival in Mauritania. Fees for 60-day and 90-day visas are higher. No change is given at the airport, so bring the exact amount in euros or US dollars.
How long is a Mauritania visa valid?
Standard Mauritania e-Visas are available in 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day durations. The validity period begins from your date of entry into Mauritania, not from the date of approval.
Can I extend my Mauritania visa?
If you need to stay beyond your visa’s validity period, you should contact Mauritanian immigration authorities in Nouakchott before your visa expires. Overstaying without authorization can result in fines or deportation.
What is the difference between a tourist and business visa in Mauritania?
The main difference is the purpose of travel and the supporting documents required. A tourist visa requires basic travel documents (passport, photo, itinerary), while a business visa additionally requires an invitation letter from a Mauritanian company or organization. Business visas may also be issued as multiple-entry visas.
Can I get a Mauritania visa on arrival?
No. Since January 5, 2025, visa on arrival is no longer available. All visa-required travelers must obtain an e-Visa online before boarding their flight. The only exception is for citizens of visa-exempt countries.
What happens if my Mauritania e-Visa application is rejected?
If your application is rejected, you can reapply with corrected or additional documentation. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete forms, unclear passport scans, or passport validity issues. Contact ANRPTS at [email protected] for specific guidance on your case.
