A Mauritania e visa valid for 30, 90, or 360 days defines your entry window, not your total permitted stay. Since the visa on arrival ended on 5 January 2025, the Mauritania eVisa is the sole standard entry authorisation, issued via the ANRPTS portal (anrpts.gov.mr), the National Agency for Civil Registry and Secure Documents under the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development. This article was last reviewed in September 2026; always verify current requirements on the ANRPTS portal before travelling.
Mauritania eVisa Validity vs. Maximum Duration of Stay
A Mauritania e visa valid for 30, 90, or 360 days gives you an entry window, while the maximum duration of stay defines how many consecutive days you may remain inside the country. The Mauritania eVisa is issued in three validity tiers: 30 days, 90 days, and 360 days. The maximum duration of stay per visit may be shorter than the validity window and is specified separately on the eVisa document at issuance.
Your eVisa will display two key dates: ‘Date of issue’ and ‘Expiry date’. The duration of stay is stated separately; do not confuse it with the validity period. According to GOV.UK travel advice for Mauritania, the visa on arrival was permanently discontinued on 5 January 2025, making the Mauritania eVisa the only standard entry mechanism.
| eVisa Type | Purpose | Validity Window | Max Stay per Visit | Entries | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30-day | Tourism, Business, Family visit | 30 days from issue | Up to 30 days | Single entry | Short tourism |
| 90-day | Business, Tourism, Family visit | 90 days from issue | Up to 90 days (verify on letter) | Multiple entry (likely) | Extended tourism / business |
| 360-day | Business, Tourism, Family visit | 360 days from issue | Up to 90 days per visit (likely) | Multiple entry | Long-term business / family visit |
Figures sourced from the ANRPTS portal and cross-referenced with. Verify on the portal before applying.
The ANRPTS lists three purpose categories: Tourism, Business, and Family Visit. The validity tier is selected at application and does not automatically lock you into a specific tier based on purpose. However, the 360-day Mauritania eVisa is most commonly associated with business and family-visit purposes.
When Does a Mauritania eVisa Start and Expire?
The Mauritania eVisa validity countdown most likely starts from the date of approval printed on the document, not the date of your first entry.
Under Scenario A, the validity period begins at issuance. If approval is granted on 1 August 2026 for a 90-day tier, the Mauritania eVisa expires on 30 October 2026 regardless of travel dates. Under Scenario B, the countdown starts upon physical entry. Treat Scenario A as the default. Processing takes 5 to 15 business days. No grace period exists; entering on the last valid day risks midnight border delays. Check the approval letter for exact start and expiry dates.
Single-Entry vs. Multiple-Entry eVisa Rules
A single-entry Mauritania eVisa is voided upon exit, while a multiple-entry eVisa permits re-entry within the validity window subject to per-visit stay limits.
The 30-day Mauritania eVisa is issued as a single-entry authorisation for tourism, business, or family-visit purposes. Once the traveller exits Mauritania, the eVisa is void regardless of how many validity days remain. By contrast, the 90-day and 360-day tiers are typically multiple-entry eVisas, allowing re-entry as long as the validity window has not expired and the per-visit stay limit is respected.
With a multiple-entry Mauritania eVisa, each entry starts a new permitted-stay clock, but you must still be within the overall validity window. Example: a UK backpacker on a single-entry Mauritania eVisa crossing into Senegal cannot return on the same visa. A multiple-entry holder can re-enter if the expiry date has not passed.
Application Timing and Passport Validity for UK Travellers
Check passport validity
Must be valid 6 months beyond departure
Renew if needed
UK standard renewal: 10 weeks
Apply for eVisa
4 to 6 weeks before travel
Wait for processing
5 to 15 business days
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond departure. For example, departing 15 March 2027 requires validity until 15 September 2027. Renew before applying: UK standard renewal currently takes 10 weeks.
As of 2026, the Mauritania eVisa validity period cannot be extended inside the country.
Mauritania eVisa Validity FAQ
How long is a Mauritania eVisa valid for?
30, 90, or 360 days depending on the tier: the window to enter, not necessarily your maximum stay.
When does the validity of my Mauritania eVisa start?
Most reliably, the validity countdown begins from the date of issuance or approval as printed on your Mauritania eVisa. Treat this as the default and plan to enter well before the printed expiry date.
Can I enter Mauritania after my eVisa has expired?
No. Arrive after the printed expiry date and you will be refused entry. There is no standard grace period.
What happens if I overstay my Mauritania eVisa?
Overstaying can result in fines, detention at the airport, difficulties with future Mauritania eVisa applications, and airline boarding issues on departure.
Does a 90-day Mauritania eVisa mean I can stay for 90 days?
Not necessarily. A 90-day validity window means you have 90 days to enter Mauritania. The maximum stay per visit may be shorter. Always check your approval letter.
Can I extend my Mauritania eVisa stay while inside the country?
As of 2026, extensions are generally not available through a standard in-country process. Plan to depart before your maximum stay expires. For exceptional circumstances, contact the Bureau des Étrangers in Nouakchott, but approval is not guaranteed.
Is there a transit eVisa for Mauritania?
No separate transit eVisa exists. Transiting through Nouakchott airport still requires a standard Mauritania eVisa covering your transit dates.
Do I need my passport to be valid for 6 months?
Yes. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. If it expires within this period, renew before applying for your Mauritania eVisa.
