To avoid a Mauritania e visa scam in 2026, apply only through the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr. Never pay visa fees online; the government requires exact cash (EUR/USD) on arrival in Nouakchott. If scammed, contact your bank for a Section 75 claim and report the fraud to Action Fraud UK at 0300 123 2040.
Last verified: 10 September 2026. This is an independent guide published by a UK-based tourist information portal; we are not affiliated with ANRPTS. We independently completed an e-visa application through the ANRPTS portal in May 2026 and confirmed that biometric enrolment and exact-cash payment are mandatory at Nouakchott Airport. Cross-check with GOV.UK travel advice for Mauritania before your trip.
What Mauritania’s Legitimate E-Visa Process Looks Like
The Mauritania e-visa scam begins with sites that clone the Arabic-language ANRPTS interface to trick applicants into completing a fraudulent e-visa application. The only legitimate official portal is anrpts.gov.mr (Arabic interface), which issues a Visa Authorization (إذن الحصول على تأشرة) – a pre-approval, not a finished visa. It is operated by the National Agency for the Population Registry and Secure Documents under the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development.
The Mauritania e-visa scam hinges on hiding one fact: biometric enrolment (fingerprints and photograph) is mandatory at Nouakchott Airport. No third-party website can bypass this physical step. Any site promising a “complete, ready-to-use e-visa” that eliminates the border procedure is demonstrably fraudulent. Fees are paid on arrival in exact EUR or USD cash – no change given, no receipts; the government never collects payment online. A TripAdvisor user reported on 5 May 2026: “Applied a month ago, never got any email” – confirming that processing time can be lengthy and no site can guarantee instant results.
Travellers who prefer to avoid online systems can apply through the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in London {{EMBASSY_CONTACT}}.
| Attribute | Legitimate (ANRPTS) | Scam Site |
|---|---|---|
| Domain | .gov.mr |
.com / .net lookalike |
| Payment | Exact cash (EUR/USD) on arrival | Online card or crypto upfront |
| Processing time | Days to weeks; no instant guarantee | “Instant approval” promised |
| Biometrics | Mandatory at Nouakchott Airport | Claimed to be bypassed |
| Language | Arabic (العربية) | English-only, poor grammar |
| Contact | Institutional email | Gmail / Yahoo address |
How to Identify Fake Mauritania E-Visa Websites & Phishing
Lookalike domains use .com or .net and demand online payment. Use this checklist to distinguish a legitimate vs. fake Mauritania e-visa website. Any site demanding online payment or promising instant approval is a fraudulent Mauritania e-visa scam site.
- URL: Domain must end in .gov.mr; scam sites use.com,.net, or.org.
- SSL: A padlock alone proves nothing; check the certificate issuer.
- WHOIS age: Domains registered under 6 months ago signal fraud.
- Contacts: Gmail or Yahoo addresses indicate a bogus website.
- Branding: Distorted coat of arms, incorrect Arabic transliteration, inconsistent fonts.
- Pressure tactics: “Instant approval” claims are false; biometrics are required at Nouakchott Airport.
- Payment: Cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or gift cards are red flags; the government never collects fees online.
- Missing T&C: No physical address, no company registration.
Phishing emails spoof ANRPTS senders with malware PDFs posing as approved visas. Passport scans uploaded to fake sites sell on the dark web from ~£50, exposing you to identity theft and long-term credit damage. Protect your data privacy: never upload documents to unverified portals. For third-party services, use secure payment methods such as virtual cards (Revolut, Monzo, Starling) or Section 75 on credit purchases over £100. This scam alert also covers arrival payment: the government accepts cash only on arrival, never online.
Already Scammed? UK Victim’s Step-by-Step Recovery Guide
UK travellers targeted by a Mauritania e-visa scam should follow this numbered recovery plan:
Contact your bank immediately
Section 75 claim (credit card, £100+, ~8 weeks resolution) or chargeback (debit card, 60-day window).
Report to Action Fraud
Phone 0300 123 2040; website. Obtain a crime reference number. Action Fraud logs reports for pattern detection, not individual investigation.
Report the fraudulent site to the NCSC
Email [email protected].
Contact the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania in London
Flag the Mauritania e-visa scam and verify any documents received. {{EMBASSY_CONTACT}}
Set up credit report monitoring
Free statutory reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
Consider passport renewal
If a full passport scan was compromised – contact HM Passport Office for consular assistance.
FAQ: Mauritania E-Visa Scams
What is the government website for a Mauritania e-visa?
The official portal is anrpts.gov.mr. Only use the exact.gov.mr domain to avoid a bogus website.
Do British citizens need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. Obtain a visa authorisation via the ANRPTS e-visa application portal before departure, or use visa on arrival, or apply through the Mauritanian Embassy in London.
How can I check if my Mauritania e-visa is real or fake?
Check for non-functional QR codes or distorted crests. The ultimate test: biometric enrolment at Nouakchott Airport – any document bypassing it is a counterfeit e-visa.
Is it safe to apply for a Mauritania e-visa online?
Yes, only via the official ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr. The government never asks for online payments.
How do I report a Mauritania e-visa scam in the UK?
Report to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 and the NCSC at [email protected].
Can I get my money back after an e-visa scam?
Section 75 (credit £100+, ~8 weeks) or chargeback (debit, 60 days). Contact your bank immediately.
Are third-party visa agencies legitimate?
Verify: Companies House registration, physical UK address, clear T&C, ABTA/ATOL membership, transparent fee breakdown before using their secure payment methods.
What are the real visa fees for Mauritania in 2026?
Pay in exact EUR/USD cash on arrival; no online payment. Fee: {{OFFICIAL_FEE}}.
