Mauritania eVisa holders can enter through Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Airport (NKC), Nouadhibou Airport (NDB), and designated land crossings including Rosso and Guerguerat. At arrival, travellers undergo biometric capture and pay a €55 consular issuance fee in cash. An approved eVisa is mandatory for British citizens since visa-on-arrival was discontinued on 5 January 2025.
Do You Need an eVisa to Enter Mauritania in 2026?
British citizens need a mandatory Mauritania eVisa since visa-on-arrival was abolished on 5 January 2025. British passport holders require a pre-approved eVisa; visa-free entry is no longer possible.
Submit your application via the ANRPTS Houwiyati application portal (anrpts.gov.mr), which the agency terms “Visa Issuance Authorization / Entry Permit.” The portal interface is in Arabic; a Help Center (مركز المساعدة) is accessible via the navigation menu. This electronic visa issuance system processes applications in approximately 72 hours, with no official SLA published by ANRPTS. Under current visa policy, the issued eVisa is valid for 30 days and permits single entry only.
For current entry requirements, consult the GOV.UK travel advisory at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania/entry-requirements. Mauritania eVisa port of entry procedures require a passport with a minimum of 6 months validity from the date of entry.
Accepted Mauritania eVisa Ports of Entry
Mauritania eVisa is accepted at NKC, NDB, and designated land border crossings such as Rosso, Guerguerat, and Néma (see table below). Mauritania eVisa port of entry procedures apply at all checkpoints listed.
| Port Name | Code | Type | Border Country | eVisa Accepted | Operating Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Intl Airport | NKC | Air | – | ✅ | 24-hr terminal |
| Nouadhibou Intl Airport | NDB | Air | – | ✅ | Daytime flights |
| Rosso / Diama | – | Land | Senegal | ✅ | 07:00-19:00 local |
| PK 55 / Guerguerat | – | Land | Morocco / W. Sahara | ✅ | 08:00-20:00 local |
| Néma | – | Land | Mali | ✅ | Daytime hours |
| Bassiknou | – | Land | Mali | ✅ | Daytime hours |
| Zouérat | – | Land | Algeria | ✅ | Daytime hours |
| Port of Nouakchott | – | Sea | – | ✅ | Vessel schedule |
For overland self-drive travellers crossing the land border, a Passavant (temporary vehicle import permit) is required; confirm details with your insurance provider before departure. For the most current list of accepted ports, check the ANRPTS directory at anrpts.gov.mr.
Step-by-Step Arrival Procedure at Nouakchott Airport
At Nouakchott Airport, Mauritania eVisa holders undergo biometric capture, pay a €55 consular fee in cash, and receive an entry stamp.
The nine-step sequence at NKC takes 30-90 minutes. Mauritania eVisa port of entry arrival procedures follow this chronological order:
Disembark
walk from aircraft to terminal building (5-10 min).
Health desk
present Yellow Fever certificate if arriving from or transiting through a WHO-designated endemic country (5 min).
Arrival card
obtain and complete the immigration form at the desk; bring your own pen (5-10 min).
Queue at immigration
wait at passport control; peak hours extend wait times (10-30 min).
Passport control
officer reviews passport with ≥6 months validity plus printed eVisa approval (5 min).
Biometric enrollment
fingerprint scan of all 10 digits and facial photograph; visa sticker printed on-site (5-10 min).
Fee payment
pay €55 EUR or $60 USD, cash only; cards not accepted (5 min).
Entry stamp
officer affixes stamp to passport and returns documents (2 min).
Baggage and customs
collect luggage, clear customs, exit terminal (10-20 min).
Fees, Payment Methods & Document Checklist at the Border
Mauritania eVisa costs ~€115 total: ~€60 online plus consular fees of €55 payable in cash at the port of entry.
The total cost consists of two fees: ~€60 online (ANRPTS) and €55/$60 cash at the border. Mauritania eVisa port of entry requirements include settlement of both before clearance.
| Fee Stage | EUR | USD | GBP est. | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online application (ANRPTS) | ~€60 | ~$65 | ~£52 | Online (card/bank transfer) |
| On-arrival consular fee | €55 | $60 | ~£47-£50 | Cash only (EUR or USD) |
| Total | ~€115 | ~$125 | ~£99-£102 | – |
Cards are not accepted at immigration counters. No ATM available before the fee counter. Present these documents:
- Printed eVisa approval
- Passport with minimum 6 months validity from date of entry
- Completed arrival / immigration card (bring a pen)
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Yellow Fever vaccination certificate (if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country)
- Cash in EUR or USD for the €55 / $60 consular fee
- Travel insurance documentation (recommended)
Mauritania eVisa Port of Entry FAQ
Which ports of entry in Mauritania accept an eVisa?
See the port table above. All international airports (NKC, NDB) and designated land crossings (Rosso, Guerguerat, Néma, Bassiknou, Zouérat) accept eVisa. Port of Nouakchott accepts eVisa for limited maritime arrivals.
Can I get a Mauritania visa on arrival instead of an eVisa?
No. The visa-on-arrival system was discontinued on 5 January 2025. Travellers arriving without an approved eVisa may face denied entry. Obtain your electronic visa via the ANRPTS Houwiyati portal before your trip.
Do UK citizens need a visa for Mauritania in 2026?
Yes. British citizens require a Mauritania eVisa; visa-free entry is no longer available. Submit an eVisa application online and present the printed approval at your chosen port of entry. Check the GOV.UK travel advisory for external guidance.
Do I need to print my Mauritania eVisa?
A printed hard copy is strongly recommended. Some ports may accept a digital copy on a phone screen, but a physical printout avoids issues with connectivity or device failure at the border crossing.
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost in total?
~€115 to €120 combined: ~€60 online (ANRPTS portal) plus €55/$60 consular fees in cash at the port of entry. Cards are not accepted at immigration counters.
How long does the eVisa take to process online?
Typically ~72 hours. ANRPTS does not publish an official SLA. Apply at least two weeks before departure to account for delays.
Can I enter Mauritania multiple times with one eVisa?
No. The standard Mauritania eVisa is single-entry, with visa validity of 30 days. A separate application is needed for each entry.
Is there a Yellow Fever vaccination requirement?
Yes, for travellers arriving from or transiting through WHO-designated endemic countries. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination; present it at the health desk before immigration.
Can I track my Mauritania eVisa application status?
Yes. Log in to the ANRPTS Houwiyati portal (anrpts.gov.mr) to check processing progress. The portal interface is in Arabic.
Do I need an eVisa for a transit layover in Mauritania?
Airside transit (remaining in the departure lounge) generally does not require an eVisa. Landside transit (leaving the airport terminal) does require one.
Last updated: 10 September 2026. Verify current requirements with ANRPTS and GOV.UK before travel.
