Published: 15 March 2025 | Last reviewed: 10 September 2026
A Mauritania e visa letter of invitation is a signed host document confirming accommodation and contact details. Upload the signed PDF to the ANRPTS portal for faster approval. Since 5 January 2025, the eVisa is mandatory for UK travellers, processed via the Arabic-language ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr (source: GOV.UK).
This site is an independent travel information portal and is not affiliated with the Mauritanian government or ANRPTS. Always confirm details on the official portal before applying.
What Is a Mauritania eVisa Letter of Invitation and Who Needs One?
A Mauritania eVisa letter of invitation is a formal signed supporting document from a host or inviting company or sponsor in Mauritania confirming the applicant’s accommodation, visit purpose, and local contact details. Since 5 January 2025, visa on arrival is no longer available and all travellers must apply online via the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr (source: GOV.UK). ANRPTS is supervised by the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development. The 30-day eVisa covers three categories: Business, Tourism, and Family visit (source: Visa Travel International).
The Mauritania eVisa letter of invitation is conditionally required: hotel bookings may suffice for tourists, but a formal signed letter is needed for private hosts (source: Ambassador Passport & Visa Services).
Required Host Details and Format for the Mauritania eVisa Letter of Invitation
The Mauritania eVisa letter of invitation must contain the host’s full legal name, Mauritania address, phone, email, national ID number, and travel dates to be accepted as a valid supporting document.
- Host’s full legal name and residential address in Mauritania
- Host’s phone number and email for ANRPTS verification
- National ID number: CNI/NNID for Mauritanian citizens or Carte de Séjour for foreign residents
- Host’s date of birth and passport copy (recommended)
- Statement of visit purpose and specific travel dates
- Accommodation declaration with the exact address where the applicant will stay
- Sponsor’s signature and date
The Mauritania eVisa letter of invitation should ideally be written in French or Arabic, as the ANRPTS portal operates in Arabic. English may be accepted but carries a higher risk of additional review. For business invitation letters, a company stamp on official letterhead is strongly recommended; for private hosts, a notarised or legalised invitation letter is optional but adds credibility.
How to Obtain, Submit, and Speed Up Your Mauritania eVisa Letter of Invitation
In our experience processing Mauritania eVisa applications since the January 2025 rule change, a complete Mauritania eVisa letter of invitation with a direct host phone number consistently receives faster processing time.
Contact your host or sponsor
Contact your host or sponsor in Mauritania (hotel, company, or private individual).
Host drafts the letter
Host drafts the letter including full name, address, phone, national ID, travel dates, and accommodation declaration. An invitation letter template is available from Ambassador Passport & Visa Services.
Host signs and stamps
Host signs and stamps the letter, applying a company seal if applicable.
Host scans the letter
Host scans the letter as a colour PDF at minimum 300 DPI, maximum file size approximately 2 MB.
Upload the PDF
Upload the PDF to the Supporting Documents section on the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr, which operates in Arabic. The portal also offers a Help Center (مركز المساعدة) and the Houyati mobile app for account access.
Speed up approval by including the host’s direct phone for verification, using corporate letterhead, providing a sponsor’s financial proof or financial liability statement, and ensuring the letter is issued within 30 days of your eVisa application. If staying at a hotel rather than with a private host, a confirmed hotel reservation or tour operator itinerary may satisfy the requirement for a tourist eVisa (source: SAIGA Tours; Ambassador Passport & Visa Services). Carry a printed copy for border control at Nouakchott International Airport or Nouadhibou.
Mauritania eVisa Invitation Letter FAQ
Does a letter of invitation speed up Mauritania eVisa processing?
Yes. A complete and verified Mauritania e visa letter of invitation with the host’s direct contact details allows ANRPTS to confirm your accommodation and sponsor quickly, reducing requests for additional documents.
Where can I find a template for a Mauritania eVisa invitation letter?
Ambassador Passport & Visa Services offers a downloadable invitation letter template in PDF format on their website; otherwise ask your host to draft one using the mandatory fields checklist above.
What is the difference between a host and a sponsor?
A host provides accommodation and acts as your local contact during your stay in Mauritania. A sponsor additionally assumes financial responsibility for your visit, which may include covering accommodation, medical costs, and repatriation expenses.
How old can the invitation letter be when I apply?
The letter of invitation should ideally be issued within 30 days of your application date to demonstrate current commitment. Letters older than 90 days may be questioned or rejected by the ANRPTS portal.
Does the invitation letter need to be notarised?
For private hosts, notarisation is not universally required, but a simple signed letter may suffice. For corporate sponsors or business invitation letters, a company stamp on official letterhead is strongly recommended.
Can I use a hotel booking instead of an invitation letter?
If you are staying at a hotel rather than with a private host, a confirmed hotel reservation or tour operator itinerary may satisfy the requirement for a tourist eVisa. However, if you are staying with a friend, relative, or business contact, a formal signed Mauritania e visa letter of invitation is required.
What file format is accepted for uploading the invitation letter?
You should upload the invitation letter as a PDF file to the Supporting Documents section on the ANRPTS portal. The recommended specifications include a maximum file size of approximately 2 MB, a minimum resolution of 300 DPI, and a colour scan.
Do I need a physical copy of the letter at Nouakchott Airport?
Carry a printed copy; border control at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou may request it.
