The eVisa Mauritania is an electronic travel authorisation required for foreign nationals entering the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in 2026. This guide covers eligibility, requirements, fees, processing times, and the step-by-step application process via the ANRPTS portal.
What Is the Mauritania eVisa?
The Mauritania eVisa is an electronic travel authorisation issued by ANRPTS, replacing the traditional visa on arrival abolished on 5 January 2025. This digital permit allows foreign nationals to obtain travel authorisation online before departure, eliminating paper visas and physical visa-on-arrival stamps at the border.
The system is operated by the National Agency for the Population Registry and Secure Documents (ANRPTS), which operates under the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. The Mauritania eVisa functions as a pre-authorisation linked electronically to the traveller’s passport.
According to the UK government’s travel advice page, all foreign nationals must apply for an e-visa online via the ANRPTS portal before travel, as the visa on arrival is no longer available. The ANRPTS portal is in Arabic, with French consular material at diplomatie.gov.mr. The Mauritania eVisa covers tourism, business, and transit purposes for eligible travellers entering the country in 2026.
Do You Need a Mauritania eVisa in 2026?
All foreign nationals, including UK, US, and EU passport holders, require a Mauritania eVisa to enter Mauritania in 2026 for tourism, business, or transit beyond the airport transit zone. Advance online authorisation is mandatory for every traveller since the visa on arrival was abolished in January 2025.
| Nationality | eVisa Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Yes | Visa on arrival no longer available since January 2025 |
| United States / EU | Yes | Standard tourist eVisa applies |
| ECOWAS member states | Possibly exempt | Separate regional arrangements may apply; verify on the ANRPTS portal |
Mauritania eVisa for UK Citizens
British citizens must apply for a Mauritania eVisa before travel. Dual nationality holders should apply using the passport they intend to travel on. GOV.UK confirms that the visa on arrival is no longer available at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania.
Visa-Exempt Nationalities
No nationalities are confirmed as fully exempt from the Mauritania eVisa requirement in 2026. West African ECOWAS passport holders may have separate entry arrangements. Verify your specific nationality on the ANRPTS portal before booking flights.
Mauritania eVisa Requirements
The Mauritania eVisa requires applicants to hold a valid passport, a digital photograph, a travel itinerary, and proof of accommodation before submitting an application in 2026.
- ✅ Passport bio-data page scan (JPEG, PNG, or PDF; under 2 MB)
- ✅ Digital passport photograph (350 × 450 pixels, plain white background, face covering 70-80% of frame, taken within the last 6 months)
- ✅ Travel itinerary (confirmed return or onward flight)
- ✅ Accommodation proof (hotel booking or host address)
- ✅ Valid email address for eVisa delivery
- ✅ Credit or debit card for online fee payment
Passport Validity & Document Checklist
The Mauritania eVisa requires a machine-readable passport with at least 6 months’ validity from the date of entry and 1-2 blank pages for border stamps. Read our full guide on Mauritania eVisa passport validity requirements to ensure your document is compliant. All uploaded files must be in JPEG, PNG, or PDF format, kept under 2 MB per file.
Photo Specifications
- Dimensions: 350 × 450 pixels
- Background: plain white or light-coloured
- Face coverage: 70-80% of the frame
- Recency: taken within the last 6 months
Do I Need a Letter of Invitation?
A Letter of Invitation is not always mandatory but significantly speeds up Mauritania eVisa approval. It can be issued by a host in Mauritania, a hotel, or a tour operator as a signed document with the host’s ID details.
eVisa Fees & Payment Methods
The Mauritania eVisa government fee is payable online in USD or EUR via credit or debit card on the ANRPTS portal. The fee is published on the ANRPTS portal in USD/EUR and must be paid online at submission.
| Fee Type | Amount (USD) | Amount (EUR) | Amount (GBP approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government fee | As published on the ANRPTS portal (as of September 2026) | As published on the ANRPTS portal | Converted at prevailing exchange rate |
Payment for the Mauritania eVisa is processed exclusively through the online application portal using a credit or debit card. Third-party agents may charge additional service fees on top of the standard government fee. All payments are non-refundable upon submission, regardless of whether the application is approved or rejected.
eVisa Validity & Maximum Stay
The Mauritania eVisa permits a maximum tourist stay of up to 30 days per entry; overstaying risks fines, detention, or deportation. For more details on Mauritania eVisa validity and duration of stay, check our dedicated guide.
| Feature | Single-Entry eVisa | Multi-Entry eVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum stay | Up to 30 days per entry | Up to 30 days per entry |
| Number of entries | 1 | Multiple (as published on the ANRPTS portal) |
| Validity window | As published on the ANRPTS portal | As published on the ANRPTS portal |
The exact eVisa validity period after issuance should be confirmed on the ANRPTS portal before booking flights. Overstaying the Mauritania eVisa carries penalties including fines, detention, and deportation risk.
Can You Extend Your Mauritania eVisa?
Yes. The Mauritania eVisa can be extended by visiting the ANRPTS office in Nouakchott. Bring your passport, proof of sufficient funds, and a stated reason for the extension. Apply before the current visa expires to avoid overstay penalties. Learn more about the Mauritania eVisa extension rules and procedures.
Transit Through Nouakchott Airport
If you remain in the transit zone at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, no Mauritania eVisa is required. If you leave the transit zone, you must hold a valid eVisa before departure.
How to Apply for the Mauritania eVisa (Step by Step)
The Mauritania eVisa requires applicants to submit a passport scan, photograph, and travel details on the ANRPTS portal, pay the fee online, and receive the approved eVisa by email.
Visit the ANRPTS portal
Go to anrpts.gov.mr.
Select visa type
Choose tourist, business, or transit.
Complete the online form
Enter personal details, travel dates, and passport information.
Upload required documents
Passport bio-data page scan, digital photo (350×450 pixels), itinerary, and accommodation proof.
Pay the government fee
Online via credit or debit card in USD or EUR.
Submit and note your reference number
Keep it for tracking your application.
Receive the PDF eVisa by email
Print a copy for border control.
Where to Apply – The ANRPTS Portal
All Mauritania eVisa applications go through the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr. The interface is in Arabic; a Help Center is available. Beware of unofficial third-party sites charging inflated fees.
Tracking Your eVisa Application Status
Log in to the ANRPTS portal with your reference number to check your Mauritania eVisa status. Possible statuses: pending, under review, approved, or rejected. If unchanged after 7 business days, contact the ANRPTS Help Center. The Houwiyati mobile app may offer additional tracking features.
How Long Does the Mauritania eVisa Take to Process?
Standard Mauritania eVisa processing takes 3 to 5 business days; applicants should apply at least 14 days before their planned departure. You can read more about Mauritania eVisa processing times and fast-track options in our dedicated guide.
The Mauritania eVisa does not currently offer a published expedited or urgent processing option. Once all documents are submitted through the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr, the standard review timeline applies.
Several factors can extend the standard processing window. Incomplete document uploads are the most common cause of delays. Public holidays, the Ramadan period, and the peak tourist season from December to February may also slow review times.
If no response is received after 7 business days, applicants should log in to the ANRPTS portal using their reference number to check the current status. If the status remains unchanged, the ANRPTS Help Center can be contacted for further assistance.
Entry Points That Accept the Mauritania eVisa
The Mauritania eVisa is accepted at all international ports of entry in Mauritania, including Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), Nouadhibou Airport (NDB), and the land border crossings at Guerguerat and Rosso. Travellers presenting a valid eVisa at these checkpoints will be processed by Mauritanian border authorities.
| Entry Point | Type | eVisa Accepted | Practical Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) | Airport | Yes | Main international gateway; located approximately 40 km from the city centre; most eVisa-friendly entry point for first-time tourists. |
| Nouadhibou Airport (NDB) | Airport | Yes | Secondary airport serving the northern coastal region. |
| Guerguerat border crossing (PK55) | Land border (Western Sahara / Mauritania) | Yes | Long queues are common; bring water and snacks. Cash in EUR or USD required; card payments are not guaranteed. |
| Rosso border crossing | Land border (Senegal / Mauritania) | Yes | Primary crossing between Senegal and Mauritania; carry cash in EUR or USD as card payments are not guaranteed. |
Health & Vaccination Requirements for Mauritania
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is mandatory for travellers arriving from endemic countries and strongly recommended for all visitors holding a Mauritania eVisa. Check the complete Mauritania eVisa vaccination requirements before your trip. Travellers must present a valid International Certificate of Vaccination (Yellow Card) alongside their Mauritania eVisa and passport at Mauritanian border checkpoints.
- ✅ Yellow Fever certificate – mandatory for arrivals from endemic countries; obtain at a registered travel health clinic at least 10 days before departure.
- ⚠️ Recommended vaccinations – Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, meningococcal (Mauritania lies within the African Meningitis Belt), and malaria prophylaxis. Consult a GP or travel clinic before travel.
- ⚠️ Travel insurance – not mandatory for the Mauritania eVisa but strongly advised, with coverage for medical evacuation.
Common Mistakes When Applying for the Mauritania eVisa
The most common Mauritania eVisa rejection causes are incorrect photo dimensions, expired passports, illegible scans, and applying too close to the travel date.
- ❌ Wrong photo specs → ✅ Use 350×450 px, plain white background.
- ❌ Passport under 6 months validity → ✅ Renew before applying.
- ❌ Blurry passport scan → ✅ Scan bio-data page clearly in JPEG, PNG, or PDF.
- ❌ Incorrect email address → ✅ Double-check spelling; the Mauritania eVisa is delivered by email as a PDF.
- ❌ Missing Letter of Invitation → ✅ Obtain one from your host, hotel, or tour operator.
- ❌ Applying too close to travel date → ✅ Submit at least 14 days before departure.
- ❌ Using unofficial third-party agents → ✅ Apply directly via anrpts.gov.mr.
- ❌ Typos in passport number or name → ✅ Copy details exactly from the bio-data page.
- ❌ Wrong file format or oversized files → ✅ Keep each file under 2 MB.
- ❌ Using a VPN when accessing the ANRPTS portal → ✅ Use a stable, non-VPN connection to avoid security blocks.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mauritania eVisa
How do I apply for a Mauritania eVisa in 2026?
Apply at anrpts.gov.mr: choose visa type, complete the form, upload documents, pay the fee, and receive the PDF by email.
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost?
The government fee is published on the ANRPTS portal in USD or EUR. Convert to GBP at the prevailing exchange rate. The fee is non-refundable upon submission.
How long does the Mauritania eVisa take to process?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least 14 days before departure.
What documents do I need for a Mauritania eVisa?
A machine-readable passport valid for 6 months with 1-2 blank pages, a digital photo (350×450 pixels), travel itinerary, accommodation proof, and a valid email address.
Can UK citizens get a visa on arrival for Mauritania?
No. The visa on arrival was abolished on 5 January 2025. British citizens must apply for a Mauritania eVisa online before travel. See gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania.
Is the Mauritania eVisa valid at all border crossings?
Yes. The Mauritania eVisa is valid at all international ports of entry, including NKC and NDB airports and the Guerguerat and Rosso land borders.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for Mauritania?
A Yellow Fever certificate is mandatory if arriving from endemic countries and recommended for all visitors. Present it at border control with your eVisa and passport.
How long can I stay in Mauritania with an eVisa?
Up to 30 days per entry. The Mauritania eVisa is typically single-entry.
What happens if I overstay my Mauritania eVisa?
Overstaying risks fines, detention, and deportation. Apply for an extension at the ANRPTS office in Nouakchott before your eVisa expires.
Can I extend my Mauritania eVisa while in the country?
Yes. Visit the ANRPTS office in Nouakchott with your passport, proof of funds, and reason for extension.
The Mauritania eVisa is an electronic visa required for all foreign nationals entering Mauritania in 2026. To apply, submit your passport scan, photo, and travel details via the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days. The fee is payable online in USD or EUR.
Last updated: 10 September 2026. Always verify current fees and processing times on the ANRPTS portal before applying, as policies may change without notice. This website is an independent travel-information resource and is not affiliated with the ANRPTS or the Mauritanian government. We strongly recommend using only the official portal at anrpts.gov.mr for your application.
