Last updated: 10 September 2026. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date, not departure. UK passport holders must upload a full-colour scanned copy of the biometric data page (JPEG, PNG, or PDF, max 2 MB, min. 300 DPI) to the ANRPTS portal. Processing takes 1-3 business days; apply at least 2 weeks before travel.
Mauritania e visa passport validity in 2026: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your arrival date in Mauritania. You need at least 1 blank visa page and a full-colour scan of your biometric data page (JPEG/PDF, minimum 300 DPI) for the online application form. Apply at least 2 weeks before departure.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not affiliated with the Mauritanian government. Always verify entry requirements on the ANRPTS portal before applying.
What Is the Mauritania E-Visa and Who Needs It?
UK passport holders need a Mauritania e-visa for stays exceeding 90 days, applied for via the ANRPTS portal. The Mauritania e-visa is an electronic travel authorisation issued by the ANRPTS (National Agency for Population Registry and Secure Documents), operating under Mauritania’s Ministry of Interior. The portal interface is in Arabic. Visa durations available: 90 days and 360 days. Entry via all international ports of entry.
Mauritania E-Visa Passport Validity: The 6-Month Rule
Your passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival, not departure or application date. According to Gov.uk travel advice, the Mauritania e-visa passport validity rule is calculated from the date you arrive.
Worked example: if you arrive on 15 March 2026, your passport must be valid until at least 15 September 2026. A UK traveller arriving on 1 April 2026 with a passport expiration date of 1 September 2026 (only 5 months) would be denied boarding. Applications with shorter validity are automatically rejected on the ANRPTS portal. Add a 1-week buffer beyond the 6-month calculation for the Mauritania e-visa.
Blank Pages and Data Page Scanning Requirements
You need at least 1 blank visa page for entry stamps. The Mauritania e-visa requires a full-colour scanned copy of the biometric data page uploaded to the ANRPTS portal.
| Requirement | Do | Don’t |
|---|---|---|
| File format & size | JPEG, PNG, or PDF; max 2 MB | Other formats or oversized files |
| Resolution & colour | Minimum 300 DPI, full colour | Black-and-white or blurry scan |
| Page edges | All four corners fully visible | Cropped or tilted capture |
| Machine-readable zone (MRZ) | Two bottom lines clear and unobstructed | Glare or cut-off characters |
| Blank pages | Minimum 1 blank visa page; carry 2 if heavily stamped | Pages with stamps or stickers |
The Mauritania e-visa passport validity rules also require a digital passport-style photo alongside the data page scan.
E-Visa vs. Visa on Arrival: Entry Options Compared
| Criteria | E-Visa | Visa on Arrival | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application method | Online via ANRPTS portal | At Nouakchott airport | None (airside only) |
| Processing time | 1-3 business days | On the spot | N/A |
| Payment | Online | Cash in EUR or USD | N/A |
| Passport validity | 6 months after arrival | 6 months after arrival | 6 months after arrival |
| Blank pages | 1 minimum | 1 minimum | 1 minimum |
The Mauritania e-visa passport validity rules apply uniformly across all entry pathways. The passport used for your Mauritania e-visa application must match the passport you present at border control.
Mauritania E-Visa Application Process and Timeline
Submit documents through the ANRPTS portal at least 2 weeks before travel, ensuring sufficient buffer beyond the 1-3 business days processing window for your Mauritania e-visa.
Complete the online application form
The portal interface is in Arabic; allow approximately 7 minutes for self-service completion.
Upload your passport data page scan
Full-colour JPEG, PNG, or PDF, minimum 300 DPI, max 2 MB, with the MRZ fully visible.
Upload a digital passport-style photo
Upload a digital passport-style photo alongside the data page scan.
Submit and await processing
The Mauritania e-visa system returns a decision within 1-3 business days.
Mauritania E-Visa Passport Validity FAQ
How long before my trip should I apply for a Mauritania e-visa?
Apply at least 2 weeks before departure. The 1-3 day buffer accounts for delays.
Does the 6-month passport validity rule apply from arrival or departure?
From your arrival date. Example: arriving 15 March 2026 means passport valid until at least 15 September 2026. Airlines enforce this strictly.
Can I apply for a Mauritania e-visa with only 5 months of passport validity left?
No. You cannot apply with less than 6 months of validity remaining. Renew your passport first, then apply using the new document.
Do I need one or two blank visa pages for the Mauritania e-visa?
Minimum 1 blank visa page with no stamps, stickers, or markings.
Can I scan my passport data page in black and white?
No. A full-colour scan is required. The MRZ, photo, and security features on the biometric data page must be clearly visible for the system to read.
What file format and size does the ANRPTS portal accept for passport scans?
Typically JPEG, PNG, or PDF, max ~2 MB, min. 300 DPI. All four edges and corners must be visible. Verify exact limits on anrpts.gov.mr.
What happens if I renew my passport after my Mauritania e-visa is issued?
Your e-visa is linked to your passport number. Renewal invalidates it. You must re-apply and pay again using your new passport details.
Is the 6-month passport validity rule applicable to children travelling to Mauritania?
Yes. The same 6-month validity rule applies to all travellers, including minors. Each child must have their own valid passport meeting Mauritania e-visa passport validity requirements.
