The Mauritania e visa for EU citizens costs €55 ($60) for a 30-day single-entry tourist visa, with standard processing taking 3-5 business days. Visa-on-arrival was abolished on 5 January 2025, making the online ANRPTS portal application mandatory before travel.
Published: 10 September 2026. Last reviewed: 10 September 2026. This information is for guidance only and may change. Always verify requirements with the ANRPTS portal or the nearest Mauritanian embassy before applying.
Why You Need an eVisa to Enter Mauritania in 2026
Mauritania abolished visa-on-arrival on 5 January 2025, as confirmed by GOV.UK travel advice. The Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens is now the only entry mechanism, issued electronically via the ANRPTS portal at https://anrpts.gov.mr/. Without a valid eVisa, travellers will be denied boarding or turned away at the border. The Mauritania eVisa is accepted at all international ports of entry, including airports and major land crossings.
Mauritania eVisa Requirements for EU and US Citizens in 2026
The Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens requires a passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival with 2 blank pages, a digital photo (white background, min. 500×700 px, taken within 6 months, no glasses), and a colour passport scan (PDF/JPG, all four corners visible). No COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements as of September 2026. Yellow Fever ICVP is mandatory only if transiting through a country with transmission risk. Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Meningococcal. The Mauritania eVisa requirements are identical for US passport holders.
Step-by-Step Application Process on the ANRPTS Portal
The Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens is obtained through the ANRPTS portal, which operates in Arabic only. Use browser-based translation (Chrome auto-translate works reliably; screenshot your confirmation page). The Mauritania eVisa process involves:
Create an ANRPTS account
Register on the portal to begin your application.
Fill in the online application form
Complete all required fields on the ANRPTS portal.
Upload documents
Upload a colour passport scan and digital photograph.
Pay the visa fee
Pay the €55 visa fee online during submission.
Receive confirmation
Get a confirmation email with a reference number for tracking.
Application tracking: log in with your reference number to check your application status. If no response after 5+ business days, contact the portal’s Help Center (مركز المساعدة).
Visa Fees: Government Charges vs. Agency Service Fees
The Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens costs €55 ($60) for a 30-day single-entry authorisation, payable on the ANRPTS portal during submission. This government fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
| Component | DIY via ANRPTS | Agency-Assisted |
|---|---|---|
| Government fee (30-day single entry) | €55 / $60 | Included in total |
| Service / processing fee | $0 | $60 to $120+ |
| Total estimated cost | €55 / $60 | €110 to €175+ |
Third-party agencies such as CIBTvisas (0844 8004650) or VisaHQ add $60-$120+ in service fees, bringing totals to €110-€175+. The Mauritania eVisa fee structure is identical for US and EU passport holders. For UK visa fee comparisons, see the Home Office Visa Fees Tool.
How Long Does Mauritania eVisa Processing Take in 2026?
Standard Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens processing takes 3-5 business days. Mauritania’s working week runs Sunday-Thursday; Friday and Saturday are non-business days. Apply at least 10 business days before departure, and 15+ business days during peak season (December-January and Ramadan). Manual review flagging may add extra days to Mauritania eVisa processing.
US Citizens vs. EU/Schengen Citizens: What’s Different?
US and EU/Schengen passport holders face identical Mauritania eVisa requirements: same fee (€55/$60), same processing time (3-5 business days), same documents. Both receive a 30-day single-entry eVisa. The ANRPTS form uses a single nationality dropdown with no separate track. Post-Brexit UK passport holders are treated the same as EU citizens for Mauritania eVisa purposes. Dual passport holders should apply under the passport they will use to enter.
Where Can You Use Your Mauritania eVisa in 2026?
The Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens is accepted at:
- Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) – primary tourist arrival point.
- Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB) – serves the overland Morocco route.
- PK 55 – busiest land border with Morocco; expect 1-2 hour waits.
- Rosso – land border with Senegal.
Nouakchott seaport Mauritania eVisa processing is not confirmed as of September 2026; travellers arriving by sea should verify acceptance in advance.
What Happens at the Border: Biometric Registration & Document Check
The Mauritania eVisa for EU citizens is an online authorization; the physical visa stamp is issued at the border upon arrival. Upon arrival:
Document check
Present printed eVisa, passport (6+ months valid, 2 blank pages), Yellow Fever ICVP if applicable, hotel booking, and return/onward ticket.
Biometric registration
Fingerprinting and facial photograph at the counter. Data links to Mauritania’s Houwiyati digital identity system.
Payment
Cash only (EUR or USD, pristine banknotes). Cards not accepted. ATMs at NKC dispense MRU.
Entry stamp
Receive biometric visa granting 30-day single entry from date of entry.
Extensions at Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) in Nouakchott are possible but not guaranteed; apply before 30-day expiry. The Mauritania eVisa cannot be used for re-entry once you leave the country.
FAQ – Mauritania eVisa for EU Citizens
Do EU citizens need a visa for Mauritania in 2026?
Yes. Visa-on-arrival ended 5 January 2025. EU citizens must obtain an eVisa via ANRPTS before travel. Same for US/Schengen holders.
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost for EU citizens?
€55/$60 government fee, non-refundable. Agencies add $60-$120+, totalling €110-€175+.
How long does it take to get a Mauritania eVisa?
3-5 business days (Sunday-Thursday workweek). Apply 10+ days ahead; 15+ during peak season.
What documents do I need to apply?
Passport (6+ months, 2 blank pages), digital photo (white background, 500×700 px), colour passport scan. Yellow Fever ICVP if transiting endemic country.
Can I use the Mauritania eVisa at any airport?
Accepted at NKC and NDB airports, plus land borders PK 55 (Morocco) and Rosso (Senegal). Seaport not confirmed.
Is the Mauritania eVisa fee refundable if denied?
No. Government fees are non-refundable regardless of outcome. Agency service fees also typically non-refundable.
Do US citizens have different requirements than EU citizens?
No. Identical fees, processing times, and documents. Both receive 30-day single-entry eVisa.
Can I extend my Mauritania eVisa while in the country?
Extensions possible at DGSN in Nouakchott but not guaranteed. Apply before 30-day expiry.
What is the validity period of the Mauritania eVisa?
30-day, single-entry. Maximum 30 days from date of entry. Cannot re-enter on same eVisa.
Do I need a Yellow Fever vaccination for Mauritania?
ICVP required if arriving from endemic country. UK/EU direct arrivals generally exempt. No COVID-19 requirements as of September 2026.
