UK travellers can apply via ANRPTS directly (government fee only) or use a Mauritania e-visa agent (adds £30 to £80+). The ANRPTS portal is Arabic-only with no live support, so an agent adds English-language help, document pre-checks and lower rejection risk. Published: 10 September 2026. Sources: GOV.UK travel advice and ANRPTS portal data, 2025 to 2026.
How the Mauritania e-Visa System Works & Applying Directly
ANRPTS administers Mauritania’s e-visa programme; UK passport holders with 6+ months validity apply online for single or multiple-entry visas with 30 to 90 day stays.
The e-Visa issuance system launched on 5 January 2025, delivering electronic visas with no passport stamp. ANRPTS, under the Ministry of the Interior, Decentralisation and Local Development, operates the portal at anrpts.gov.mr in Arabic only. A Mauritania e-visa agent bridges this gap by completing forms and submitting through the portal on the traveller’s behalf.
Entry requirements include a UK passport with minimum 6 months validity, proof of accommodation, return flight booking, and a yellow fever certificate if transiting endemic zones. Visa types cover single-entry and multiple-entry options with stays of 30 to 90 days.
Create an ANRPTS account
Register on the ANRPTS portal to begin your application.
Complete the online application form
Fill in all required fields on the ANRPTS portal.
Upload required documents
Submit passport, proof of accommodation, return flight booking and yellow fever certificate if applicable.
Pay the government visa fee by card
Fee is paid in EUR/USD through the ANRPTS portal.
Receive e-visa approval by email
Electronic visa delivered with no passport stamp.
Processing time is 3 to 7 business days; ANRPTS publishes no fixed SLA. A Mauritania e-visa agent cannot bypass this queue but reduces delays from form errors.
Using a Mauritania e-Visa Agent: Services, Costs & What to Expect
A Mauritania e-visa agent prepares documents, completes the form, submits via the ANRPTS portal, and provides English-language support, but cannot guarantee approval.
A Mauritania e-visa agent handles form preparation, runs a visa pre-check to verify documents, and submits through the ANRPTS portal on your behalf, with real-time status updates via a client dashboard.
Leading providers include CIBTvisas (0844 800 4650, 09:00 to 17:00, 1,600+ visa professionals, Visa Pre-Check service), VisaHQ (live chat, WhatsApp, phone, same business day response, 99.6% first-time acceptance rate, 4.40/5 on, 4,207 reviews, 20+ years, 1M+ travellers served, 198 countries, 7-minute Plain English form, nearest office in Dakar), and Travcour (07939 536 951, 89 The Broadway, London, SW19 1QE, 100% claimed success rate, client portal tracking).
A Mauritania e-visa agent cannot guarantee approval or override government decisions. All providers listed are third-party visa agencies, not government-affiliated.
Cost Comparison: Agent Fees vs Direct Application in 2026
Direct application costs only the government visa fee; a Mauritania e-visa agent adds £30 to £80+ in service fees covering document pre-check and submission.
The government visa fee is paid in EUR/USD through the ANRPTS portal (exact amount displayed at time of application), separate from consular fees. Agency service fees range from £30 to £80+, varying by destination and application complexity. Watch for hidden fees or surcharge from a courier agency for shipping. Government fees are non-refundable; agency refund policies vary. A Mauritania e-visa agent may also charge for expedited handling.
| Cost Component | Direct Application | Via Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Government visa fee | Paid in EUR/USD via ANRPTS | Paid in EUR/USD (agent pays on your behalf) |
| Service / processing fee | £0 | £30 to £80+ |
| Courier / return shipping | N/A (electronic delivery) | May be included or extra |
| Document pre-check | Not included | Typically included |
| Refund if rejected | Non-refundable | Varies – check policy before paying |
Agent vs DIY: Which Option Is Right for You in 2026?
UK travellers comfortable with Arabic-language interfaces save money applying directly; those wanting error-checking and English support benefit from a vetted Mauritania e-visa agent.
| Factor | Direct (ANRPTS Portal) | Via Agent |
|---|---|---|
| Total cost | Government fee only | Government fee + £30 to £80+ |
| Processing time | 3 to 7 business days | 3 to 7 business days |
| Language | Arabic only | English support |
| Customer support | None (portal only) | Phone, chat, WhatsApp |
| Document pre-check | No | Yes (photo verification, form error-checking) |
| Tracking | Portal reference number | Client dashboard + email updates |
| Rejection risk | Higher (self-managed) | Lower (pre-check service) |
| Refund if rejected | Non-refundable | Varies – check before paying |
- Choose a Mauritania e-visa agent if: you don’t speak Arabic, want document pre-check, value live support, or are a first-time applicant.
- Choose a DIY visa application if: you’re budget-conscious, comfortable with translation tools, and have all documents ready.
No Mauritania e-visa agent can guarantee faster processing than the standard 3 to 7 business days turnaround; agents reduce delays from application errors. Biometrics (fingerprints/photo) may still be captured at Nouakchott (NKC) on arrival regardless of method.
Mauritania e-Visa Agent FAQ
Is it safe to use a Mauritania e-visa agent?
Yes, if you verify legitimacy. Look for UK-registered companies with transparent pricing, independent reviews, and clear refund policies. Avoid agents who guarantee approval or demand full upfront payment with no written terms. All providers listed above are third-party, not government-affiliated.
How much does a Mauritania e-visa agent charge in the UK?
Typical agency service fees range from £30 to £80+ on top of the government visa fee, covering form preparation, document checking, and submission. Some agencies charge extra for expedited handling or courier return.
Can an agent speed up my Mauritania e-visa processing?
No agency can guarantee faster government processing than the standard 3 to 7 business days. Agents reduce delays caused by application errors or incomplete documents. They do not have a legitimate fast-track channel for Mauritania.
What happens if my Mauritania e-visa application is rejected?
Government visa fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Agency policies vary – some offer partial refunds or re-filing at a reduced fee. Always check the refund policy before paying.
Can a UK citizen apply for a Mauritania e-visa without an agent?
Yes. The e-visa system is open to self-application via the ANRPTS portal at https://anrpts.gov.mr/. However, the portal operates in Arabic only, which can be challenging for English-speaking applicants.
Is a visa on arrival available for Mauritania instead of an e-visa?
Current GOV.UK guidance directs UK travellers to apply for an e-visa via ANRPTS before travelling; it does not describe a visa-on-arrival route.
Will I need to provide biometrics at Nouakchott airport even with an e-visa?
The e-visa is electronic with no passport stamp. However, biometric capture, including fingerprints and photo, may still occur at Nouakchott (NKC) airport on arrival, regardless of application method.
How do I verify a Mauritania e-visa agent is legitimate and avoid scams?
Check for transparent pricing, independent reviews, and clear terms. Avoid agents guaranteeing approval or demanding full upfront payment. Verify contact details and remember none are government-affiliated.
A Mauritania e-visa agent handles the entire visa application process on your behalf, preparing documents, completing the form, and submitting through the ANRPTS portal. This saves time and avoids language barriers if the portal is not available in English, but adds £30 to £80+ to the total cost. UK travellers comfortable with online forms and translation tools can apply directly and pay only the government fee. The best choice depends on your language confidence, budget, and how much hands-on support you want.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official visa advice. Always verify requirements on GOV.UK and the ANRPTS portal before travelling.
