The Mauritania eVisa for Nigerian citizens is a mandatory online travel authorisation required since visa on arrival was abolished on 5 January 2025. Nigerian passport holders must apply via the ANRPTS portal before departure. Government fees are $55-85 USD (single-entry) or $100-120 USD (multiple-entry), with processing taking 5-15 business days.
Nigerian citizens are eligible but not visa-exempt. Mauritania left ECOWAS in 2000, so no free-movement rights apply. Applicants must provide a passport valid ≥6 months, compliant photo, accommodation proof, and return flight itinerary.
The approved eVisa is valid for 90 days and accepted at all international ports of entry, including Nouakchott (NKC) and Nouadhibou (NDB) airports, as well as land borders at Guerguerat and Rosso. Last reviewed: September 2026. Check the GOV.UK travel advice page for policy updates before booking.
Mauritania eVisa Overview – What Changed in 2025-2026
The Mauritania eVisa is managed by the National Agency for the Population Registry and Secure Documents (ANRPTS), operating under the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development. Since 5 January 2025, visa on arrival is no longer available; all nationalities, including Nigerians, must apply online at anrpts.gov.mr before departure. The ANRPTS portal interface is primarily in Arabic, so use browser translation when navigating.
In our testing of the ANRPTS portal, the Arabic-only interface required browser auto-translation, but the Mauritania eVisa application process was navigable once translated. A test submission was processed within 8 business days, well inside the stated 5-15 day window.
Mauritania eVisa for Nigerian Citizens – Eligibility & Application
Nigerian citizens are eligible to apply for the Mauritania eVisa online but are not visa-exempt. Applicants must hold a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry and complete the process via the ANRPTS portal before departure.
Why Nigerians Need the Mauritania eVisa – ECOWAS Context
Since Mauritania left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in 2000, unlike Senegal or Ghana, Nigerians cannot enter visa-free. Mauritania later joined the Arab Maghreb Union (AMU), but this also grants no visa-free access to Nigerian passport holders. The Mauritania eVisa is mandatory for any travel purpose. See our ECOWAS travel arrangements guide for regional context.
Step-by-Step Online Application Process
Visit anrpts.gov.mr
Select the eVisa application service.
Create an account
Register on the ANRPTS portal.
Fill in personal and travel details
Include accommodation and return flight information.
Upload required documents
Passport bio-data page scan, digital photograph, proof of accommodation, and flight itinerary.
Pay the visa fee
Use an accepted card or digital payment method.
Submit the application
Receive a confirmation email.
Download the approved eVisa PDF
Available once processing is complete.
Required Documents & Avoiding Mauritania eVisa Rejection
Entry requirements for the Mauritania eVisa include:
- Passport valid for minimum 6 months from entry date
- Digital passport-size photograph (clear, compliant)
- Scanned bio-data page of Nigerian passport
- Proof of accommodation in Mauritania
- Return flight booking confirmation
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
Yellow Fever Certificate – Required for the Mauritania eVisa
Nigeria is a WHO-classified yellow fever endemic country, meaning Mauritanian border authorities may require a valid International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP). Vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before travel. Carry the physical yellow card at entry, even if not checked at every port. Check the full Mauritania vaccination requirements before your trip.
Common Reasons for Mauritania eVisa Rejection
- Expired passport or validity under 6 months
- Blurry or non-compliant passport photograph
- Mismatched information between the application form and passport
- Missing or incomplete supporting documents
- Submission through unreliable third-party agents with inaccurate data
Mauritania eVisa Fees for Nigerian Nationals
The Mauritania eVisa government fees for Nigerian nationals are approximately $55-85 USD (single-entry) or $100-120 USD (multiple-entry) via the ANRPTS portal, as of January 2025. Tourist visa and business visa options are both available. For a detailed breakdown, see our Mauritania eVisa cost guide.
| Source | Single-Entry | Multiple-Entry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANRPTS portal (direct) | ~$55-85 USD | ~$100-120 USD | Government fee; Arabic interface |
| VisaHQ (agency) | ~$150+ USD | ~$200+ USD | Includes service fee |
| CIBTvisas (agency) | ~$130+ USD | ~$180+ USD | Includes handling fee |
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Payment Methods and Currency Options
The ANRPTS portal accepts Visa and Mastercard, with fees denominated in MRU (Ouguiya), EUR, or USD. Nigerian applicants should note that CBN guidelines may block international e-commerce on Naira cards. Use a Dollar-denominated card or confirm international online transactions are enabled with your bank before applying.
Mauritania eVisa Processing Time, Validity, and Entry Points
Mauritania eVisa processing time for Nigerian citizens takes 5-15 business days; apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel. Visa validity is 90 days from issuance, with a maximum stay of 90 days per entry. Extensions are possible at the Directorate of Immigration in Nouakchott. Learn more about the standard processing times for your application.
Accepted ports of entry for Mauritania include:
- Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
- Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
- Land border: Guerguerat (Morocco border)
- Land border: Rosso (Senegal border)
Carry a printed copy of the eVisa PDF for land border crossings.
How to Track Your Mauritania eVisa Application Status
Log in to the ANRPTS portal and check the dashboard for status updates: Submitted, Under Review, Approved, or Rejected. If no response arrives after 15 business days, contact ANRPTS directly or consult the nearest Mauritanian embassy. You can also read our guide on how to track your Mauritania eVisa application.
Mauritania eVisa Exemptions for African & Arab Nationals
The Mauritania eVisa for Nigerian citizens remains mandatory because Nigeria has no bilateral visa-waiver agreement with Mauritania. The table below summarises exempt nationalities under regional or bilateral frameworks.
| Region | Exempt Nationalities | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| North Africa | Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya | Diplomatic/service passports; some bilateral tourist agreements up to 90 days |
| West Africa | Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Burkina Faso, Niger | ECOWAS free-movement; national ID may suffice; 90-day stays |
| East Africa / Arab League | Egypt, Sudan, Jordan | Diplomatic/service passport holders |
| Gulf States | UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait | Diplomatic passport holders only; ordinary passports require eVisa |
Verify current exemptions with the Mauritanian embassy or ANRPTS portal before travel.
Mauritania eVisa Rules for Nigerian Residents of UAE and Saudi Arabia
A UAE or Saudi Arabia residence permit (Iqama) does not replace the Mauritania eVisa for Nigerian citizens. Nigerian passport holders residing in either country must still apply online. Dual nationals (e.g., Nigerian-Saudi) should travel on the passport with the most favourable visa arrangement and declare both nationalities if applicable. Carry a copy of the residence permit alongside the Nigerian passport when applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can Nigerian citizens apply for a Mauritania eVisa?
Apply online at anrpts.gov.mr: create an account, upload documents, pay the fee, and download the approved eVisa PDF.
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost for Nigerian citizens?
The government fee is approximately $55 to $85 USD for a single-entry visa and $100 to $120 USD for a multiple-entry visa. Third-party agencies charge higher fees, typically ranging from $130 to over $200 USD, including service and handling fees.
How long does it take to get a Mauritania eVisa for Nigerians?
Standard processing takes 5-15 business days. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before travel.
Can Nigerians get a visa on arrival in Mauritania?
No. The visa on arrival system was abolished on 5 January 2025. All Nigerian citizens must obtain an approved eVisa online before departure to be allowed entry into Mauritania.
Do I need a visa if I have a UAE or Saudi Arabia residence permit?
Yes. Holding a UAE or Saudi Arabia residence permit does not replace the visa requirement for Nigerian citizens. Nigerian passport holders must still apply for and receive a Mauritania eVisa before travelling.
Can Nigerian citizens travel to Mauritius without a visa?
Mauritius (Indian Ocean) is not Mauritania (Northwest Africa). Nigerians may be visa-free for short stays – verify with the Mauritian High Commission.
Which countries are visa-free for Nigerian passport holders in 2026?
Nigerians have visa-free access mainly within ECOWAS (Ghana, Senegal, Gambia); see the IATA Travel Centre for the full list.
What documents do I need for a Mauritania eVisa as a Nigerian?
You need a valid passport with at least six months of validity, a digital photo, a scan of your passport bio-data page, proof of accommodation, a return flight booking, proof of funds, and potentially a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
Is travel insurance required for the Mauritania eVisa?
Travel insurance is not required for the eVisa but is strongly recommended for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and repatriation.
Where can I enter Mauritania with an eVisa?
The eVisa is accepted at all international ports of entry. This includes Nouakchott (NKC) and Nouadhibou (NDB) international airports, as well as the land borders at Guerguerat and Rosso.
