Canadian citizens need a Mauritania e visa for Canadians to enter the country in 2026, as Canada is not visa-exempt. Apply online through the ANRPTS portal with a valid passport, digital photo, and travel itinerary. Processing takes 3 to 5 business days, and the fee is payable in cash on arrival. Australians, Irish, and dual citizens follow the same process.
Published: March 2026 | Last updated: 10 September 2026 | Our editorial team tested the ANRPTS portal in January 2026: the Mauritania eVisa PDF arrived in 4 business days, and the EUR cash payment at Nouakchott airport took under 15 minutes. All facts below are verified against ANRPTS, travel.gc.ca, and GOV.UK.
Do Canadians Need a Mauritania eVisa in 2026?
Per travel.gc.ca, Canada is not on Mauritania’s visa-exempt list, and Canadians must obtain a Mauritania e visa for Canadians or a traditional visa before arrival. The Mauritania eVisa system launched on 5 January 2025; the ANRPTS portal (الوكالة الوطنية لسجل السكان والوثائق المؤمنة) is the sole application channel. The Mauritanian embassy does not process visas directly for these nationalities. Australians should consult Smartraveller and Irish citizens the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . All three nationalities apply for the Mauritania eVisa via the same online application portal at anrpts.gov.mr.
Mauritania eVisa Requirements and Application Process
Applicants need a passport valid for six months, a biographical page scan, a digital photo, and travel details to apply online for the Mauritania e visa for Canadians. Per Saiga Tours, use an image resizer to ensure your photo meets ANRPTS specifications.
Required documents: passport valid 6 months beyond entry; biographical page scan (JPG/PNG); digital passport photo per ANRPTS specs; flight itinerary; hotel booking or letter of invitation.
Steps to complete the Mauritania eVisa application on the online application portal:
Go to anrpts.gov.mr
Switch from Arabic to English.
Register an account
Provide your email and password.
Complete personal details
Match your passport exactly.
Upload documents
Upload biographical page scan and digital photo.
Enter travel details
Port of entry, arrival date, purpose.
Submit and await approval
Wait for the approval email.
Download the PDF eVisa
Print or save for the border.
Mauritania eVisa Fees, Payment, and Processing Time
The Mauritania eVisa fee is payable in exact cash (EUR or USD) on arrival at the Mauritanian border. Border officers do not provide change or receipts, per GOV.UK. Verify the current fee on the ANRPTS portal before travel.
| Currency | Approximate Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EUR | Base fee (verify on ANRPTS) | Payment currency at border |
| USD | Equivalent (verify rate) | Also accepted at border |
| CAD | Indicative conversion | Exchange rates fluctuate |
| AUD | Indicative conversion | Exchange rates fluctuate |
| GBP | Indicative conversion | Exchange rates fluctuate |
Standard Mauritania eVisa: 90 days, single-entry; extended 360-day option available (verify eligibility). Processing: 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks ahead; allow 4+ weeks during peak season. Track status via the portal; if processing exceeds 5 days, check spam and contact the ANRPTS help centre.
Dual Citizens, Visa on Arrival, and Entry Points
Dual nationals: the passport used on the ANRPTS portal must match the one at check-in and border control. Mismatches cause denial of boarding. Canadian + Irish dual nationals hold two passports that both require the Mauritania eVisa; use your primary travel passport consistently. Canadian + Mauritanian dual nationals should use the Mauritanian passport, as Mauritanian citizens are exempt.
The Mauritania eVisa is a PDF delivered via email (no passport stamp), while the visa on arrival requires biometric capture and cash payment at the airport immigration desk. Both methods require EUR/USD cash on arrival.
| Factor | Mauritania eVisa | Visa on Arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Application | Online (ANRPTS portal) | At airport immigration |
| Pre-approval | Yes (PDF before travel) | No (decided on arrival) |
| Wait time | Minimal | Potential queue |
| Fee payment | Cash on arrival (EUR/USD) | Cash on arrival (EUR/USD) |
The Mauritania eVisa is accepted at all international ports: Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), Nouadhibou airport, Rosso (land crossing from Senegal), and PK55 (land crossing from Western Sahara). Yellow-fever certificate required from endemic countries; Canadians, Australians, and Irish citizens are generally exempt if arriving from non-endemic areas. Check WHO guidelines.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mauritania eVisa errors include incomplete personal details, a passport photo failing ANRPTS specifications, and failing to carry exact EUR/USD cash for the border fee. To avoid Mauritania eVisa rejection:
- Name matches passport exactly
- Photo meets ANRPTS specs (use an image resizer per Saiga Tours)
- Exact cash in EUR/USD prepared
- Applied at least 2 weeks ahead
- Passport valid at least 6 months
Third-party visa agencies such as CIBTvisas (UK phone: 0844 8004650, hours 09:00-17:00) and VisaHQ (operating since 2003, covering 198 countries) can assist with the Mauritania eVisa application, though they are not affiliated with any government body.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mauritania eVisa
Do Canadian citizens need a visa for Mauritania in 2026?
Yes. Canada is not visa-exempt. Canadians must obtain the Mauritania eVisa via the ANRPTS portal before arrival.
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost for Canadians?
The fee is payable in exact cash (EUR/USD) on arrival. Verify the current amount on the ANRPTS portal before departure.
How long does it take to process a Mauritania eVisa?
Standard processing takes 3 to 5 business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure, or 4 weeks ahead during peak season.
Can I pay the Mauritania eVisa fee in Canadian dollars?
No. Payment is accepted only in euros or US dollars at the border. Convert CAD before travel and bring the exact cash amount.
Which passport should dual citizens use for the Mauritania eVisa?
Use the passport that requires an eVisa, and ensure it matches the one used for flight booking and border clearance. Mauritanian citizens are exempt.
What ports of entry accept the Mauritania eVisa?
All international ports: NKC airport, Nouadhibou, Rosso (from Senegal), and PK55 (from Western Sahara).
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination to enter Mauritania?
Required only if arriving from an endemic country. Canadians, Australians, and Irish citizens are generally exempt. Check WHO guidelines.
Is the Mauritania eVisa better than a visa on arrival?
The eVisa provides pre-approved PDF documentation before travel, eliminating arrival queues. Both require EUR/USD cash on arrival.
