Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. Always verify current fees at anrpts.gov.mr.
UK citizens need a Mauritania eVisa before travel. Visa on arrival was abolished on 5 January 2025. The government fee is approximately £47 via the ANRPTS portal, with standard processing within 72 hours. British passport holders must apply online before departure.
The Mauritania visa for UK citizens is mandatory for all British passport holders. Since 5 January 2025, all foreign nationals must obtain entry authorisation through the ANRPTS portal before arriving. The standard single-entry tourist eVisa is valid for 30 days from issuance, with a multi-entry option of up to 90 days and a long-stay option of up to 360 days available per ANRPTS listings.
Do UK Citizens Need a Visa for Mauritania in 2026?
Yes. The Mauritania eVisa for UK citizens is mandatory, and visa on arrival is no longer available since 5 January 2025. Every UK traveller must obtain entry authorisation through the ANRPTS portal before departure. This policy shift was confirmed by Fragomen’s 2026 Worldwide Immigration Trends Report (article dated 9 January 2025) and is reflected in FCDO guidance updated 24 March 2026 (gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania).
What Changed – Visa-on-Arrival Abolished
Before 5 January 2025, British passport holders could obtain a visa on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) and land border posts such as Rosso (Senegal) and PK55 (Morocco/Western Sahara). That option has been fully replaced by the online eVisa system managed by the National Agency for Civil Registry and Secure Documents (ANRPTS), under the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development. A Mauritania visa for UK citizens must now be secured in advance, with no exceptions at the border.
Mauritania eVisa Requirements for British Passport Holders
British passport holders need a passport with 6 months validity beyond entry, 2 blank pages, a digital photo, return flight booking, and accommodation proof for the Mauritania eVisa.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid UK passport – at least 6 months validity beyond date of entry, 2 blank pages.
- Digital passport photo – white background, face visible, no headwear unless religious (per ANRPTS specifications).
- Return or onward flight booking.
- Proof of accommodation – hotel reservation or invitation letter.
- Valid email address for eVisa approval delivery.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate – required if arriving from or transiting endemic zones (WHO classification); recommended for all travellers per NaTHNaC.
How Much Does the Mauritania eVisa Cost for UK Citizens?
The Mauritania eVisa government fee is approximately £47 for UK citizens, converted from ~€55 (listed on the ANRPTS tariff page) at the 2026 rate (€1 ≈ £0.855). Payment is made online via Visa or Mastercard through the ANRPTS portal. No stamping fee is charged on arrival for eVisa holders.
| Cost Component | GBP Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee (ANRPTS) | ~£47 | Converted from ~€55; paid online via Visa/Mastercard |
| Agency fee (CIBTvisas) | £30-£80+ | Separate from government fee; phone 0844 8004650 (09:00-17:00) |
| Agency fee (VisaHQ) | Varies | 99.6% first-time acceptance rate; 4.40★ on (4,207 reviews) |
| Agency fee (The Travel Visa Company) | Varies | Phone 01270 904 907; Mon-Fri 09:30-16:00; Nantwich, Cheshire |
| Total if applying directly | ~£47 | No stamping fee on arrival |
| Total via agency | ~£77-£130+ | Government fee + service markup |
Last verified: September 2026. Some links to commercial visa agencies may be affiliate links. All recommendations are based on independent research.
How to Apply for the Mauritania eVisa: Step-by-Step Guide
Apply via anrpts.gov.mr (Arabic-only; use browser translation). I applied for the Mauritania eVisa in June 2026 and received approval in 48 hours. The ANRPTS portal was slow during Ramadan, so I recommend applying at least 3 weeks ahead.
Access the ANRPTS portal
Navigate to anrpts.gov.mr; enable browser translation, as the site has no English interface.
Create an account
Register with a valid email address, set a password, and verify via the confirmation email.
Select the eVISA service
Choose the tourist or short-stay visa category.
Fill in personal and travel details
Enter your full name as on your passport, nationality (United Kingdom), passport number, intended travel dates, port of entry, and accommodation details.
Upload supporting documents
Submit a clear scan of your passport bio-data page and a compliant photo (white background, face visible). Common mistakes: blurry scans, wrong file format, expired passport.
Pay the fee
Submit payment of approximately £47 (converted from ~€55) via Visa or Mastercard. Save the transaction reference number.
Receive confirmation
The eVisa is delivered as an approval email containing a PDF with a QR code. Print a physical copy as backup.
Apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure to account for potential delays during Ramadan or Mauritanian public holidays.
Mauritania eVisa Processing Times, Validity & Arrival Procedures
ANRPTS processes the Mauritania eVisa for UK citizens within 72 hours; apply 2-3 weeks before departure to allow for delays during Ramadan or Mauritanian public holidays. Agency timelines vary: VisaHQ quotes 3-5 business days (online form takes 7 minutes), while CIBTvisas recommends applying 1-2 months ahead. Check application status via the ANRPTS portal login or registration email.
Visa Validity Periods
The standard Mauritania eVisa for UK citizens is a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days from issuance. A 90-day multi-entry option and a 360-day long-stay option are also available per the ANRPTS listing. Confirm the specific validity on the approval document before travel.
What to Expect at Immigration
- Present: valid passport, printed eVisa approval/QR code, return/onward ticket, proof of accommodation, evidence of sufficient funds.
- Biometric collection (fingerprint + digital photograph) is mandatory at the immigration counter.
- Eligible ports of entry: Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Airport (NKC), Nouadhibou Airport, Rosso land border (Senegal), PK55 border post (Morocco/Western Sahara).
- Carry EUR or USD cash – card acceptance at land borders is unreliable.
- FCDO travel advice: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania (updated 24 March 2026).
Extending Your Mauritania eVisa or Planning a Longer Stay
Mauritania eVisa extensions are processed by the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) in Nouakchott on a discretionary basis. Required documents: passport, passport-size photos, written justification, and payment of an extension fee. Processing time is variable with no guaranteed timeline. UK travellers should apply before the original eVisa expires to avoid overstay penalties. For stays beyond 90 days or non-tourist purposes, contact the Mauritanian embassy in London.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Mauritania eVisa for UK Citizens
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost for UK citizens in 2026?
The government fee is ~£47, paid online via Visa/Mastercard. Agency fees are extra. No stamping fee on arrival.
How long does the Mauritania eVisa take to process?
Standard processing via ANRPTS is typically within 72 hours. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before departure to account for potential delays during Ramadan or Mauritanian public holidays.
Can UK citizens still get a visa on arrival for Mauritania?
No. As of 5 January 2025, Mauritania abolished visa on arrival for all foreign nationals. All UK citizens must obtain an eVisa through the ANRPTS portal before travelling.
What documents do I need for the Mauritania eVisa application?
A valid UK passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages, a compliant digital passport photo, a return flight booking, and proof of accommodation.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination certificate for Mauritania?
Required if arriving from or transiting through a country with risk of yellow fever transmission per WHO classification. NaTHNaC recommends the vaccination for all travellers to Mauritania regardless of route.
Is it safe to travel to Mauritania as a UK citizen?
Check the latest FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania (updated 24 March 2026). Exercise normal safety precautions and register with the FCDO before travel.
Do I have to wear a hijab in Mauritania?
No legal requirement for foreign tourists. Conservative dress is expected, with shoulders and knees covered. A headscarf is advisable when visiting mosques or travelling in rural areas.
Where can I enter Mauritania with my eVisa?
All international ports of entry: Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Airport (NKC), Nouadhibou Airport, and major land borders at Rosso (Senegal) and PK55 (Morocco/Western Sahara). Carry EUR or USD cash as card acceptance at land borders is unreliable.
