For UK passport holders, Senegal requires no visa at all, granting 90-day visa-free entry with no application or fee. By contrast, the Mauritania e visa vs Senegal visa comparison shows Mauritania requires digital pre-approval via the Houweyti portal, plus biometric visa issuance and a €55 cash payment at the border. Morocco offers a conditional eVisa through the Accès Maroc system, while Mali and Algeria require traditional embassy visas for British travellers. The practical result for a multi-country itinerary: Senegal 90 days visa-free, Mauritania €55 cash at the border, Morocco ~€70 conditional eVisa, Mali and Algeria embassy-only.
Mauritania eVisa vs Senegal Visa – The Key Difference and How Mauritania’s System Actually Works
Senegal grants UK passport holders 90-day visa-free entry; Mauritania requires a two-step pre-approval. The Mauritania eVisa system, operated by ANRPTS (National Agency for Civil Registry and Secure Documents) under the Ministry of Interior, Decentralization and Local Development, functions as an entry authorization approval (إذن الحصول على تأشرة), not a standalone eVisa.
Online pre-approval
Submit through the Houweyti portal at anrpts.gov.mr. Upload passport bio-page scan (minimum 6 months validity), digital photo, confirmed accommodation or invitation letter, return flight booking, and travel insurance. Processing: 48-72 hours (not guaranteed by ANRPTS).
At the border
Biometric capture, pay €55 or $60 USD in cash only, receive physical visa sticker. No card payment available.
Mauritania’s system is a hybrid pre-approval, not a standalone eVisa, unlike Morocco’s Accès Maroc, which delivers a true electronic visa issuance system.
Documents Required for Mauritania’s Online Pre-Approval
- Passport bio-page scan (minimum 6 months validity)
- Digital passport photo
- Confirmed accommodation or invitation letter
- Return flight booking
- Travel insurance certificate
Common rejection reasons: blurry scans (use 300 DPI), passport validity under 6 months, and missing accommodation proof. Double-check that your flight confirmation email contains a booking reference.
Can You Still Get a Visa on Arrival in Mauritania?
Visa-on-arrival is possible at Nouakchott Airport and select land borders for certain nationalities but is slower; the same €55 / $60 USD cash fee applies. Pre-approval via Houweyti is recommended.
Mauritania vs Senegal vs Morocco vs Mali vs Algeria – Side-by-Side Comparison
Mauritania charges €55 cash; Senegal is free; Morocco ~€70; Mali and Algeria require embassy visas (2-4 weeks). Algeria’s visa-on-arrival is limited to state-approved organised Sahara tour circuits only. Morocco’s Accès Maroc portal was disrupted 27 August 2026 and restored 1 September 2026. The Mauritania eVisa remains a hybrid pre-approval, not a standalone electronic visa.
| Attribute | Mauritania | Senegal | Morocco | Mali | Algeria |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visa type for UK citizens | Digital pre-approval + biometric at border | Visa-free | eVisa (Accès Maroc) | Embassy visa | Embassy visa |
| Application method | Online via Houweyti portal | None required | Online via Accès Maroc | Embassy (London/Paris) | Embassy (London) |
| Fee | €55 / $60 (cash only) | Free | ~€70 | Embassy fee (varies) | Embassy fee (varies) |
| Processing time | 48-72 hours | Instant (at border) | 24-72 hours | 2-4 weeks | 2-3 weeks |
| Maximum stay | ~30 days | 90 days | 90 days | ~30 days | ~30 days |
| Required documents | Passport, photo, accommodation, flight, insurance | Valid passport | Passport + valid UK/Schengen/US visa or residency | Passport + embassy application forms | Passport + embassy application forms |
| Land-border eligibility | Yes (Rosso, Diama) | Yes (all crossings) | Yes | Yes (security advisories apply) | Limited (border posts) |
Mauritania: verified September 2026 | Senegal: verified August 2026 | Morocco: verified September 2026 | Mali: verified July 2026 | Algeria: verified August 2026. Sources: ANRPTS portal (anrpts.gov.mr),, NHS Fit for Travel, WHO.
Crossing the Mauritania-Senegal Land Border by Road
The Mauritania eVisa system requires overland travellers to present a printed pre-approval, valid passport, and exact cash in euros or USD at the border. Two crossings connect the countries: Rosso, the primary route, is heavily congested with typical waits of 2 to 4 hours, while Diama offers a quieter alternative but lacks ATMs. Bring enough euros in cash.
For UK overlanders routing from Morocco (visa-free) through Western Sahara (treated as Moroccan territory) into Mauritania (pre-approval required) and onward to Senegal (visa-free), the Mauritania eVisa pre-approval is the only electronic authorisation needed on this corridor. Mauritania grants visa-exempt entry for up to 90 days to 10 nationalities, including Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia, so Senegalese nationals face no pre-approval step.
Health Requirements – Yellow Fever at the Mauritania-Senegal Border
Border control systematically inspects the International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at both Rosso and Diama crossings. Vaccinate at least 10 days before departure. Consult NHS Fit for Travel and WHO guidance for current requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do UK citizens need a visa for Senegal in 2026?
No. British passport holders receive 90-day visa-free entry in 2026. A valid passport is the sole requirement.
What is the difference between a Mauritania eVisa and a normal visa?
An eVisa is a digital authorization linked to your passport. Mauritania’s system is a hybrid: digital pre-approval via Houweyti followed by biometric visa issuance and cash payment at the border.
How much does the Mauritania eVisa cost in 2026?
The single-entry fee is €55 or $60 USD, payable in cash only at the port of entry. Card payments are not available.
How long does Mauritania’s eVisa pre-approval take?
Traveller reports indicate 48 to 72 hours on average. ANRPTS does not guarantee a specific turnaround.
Can I apply for the Mauritania eVisa online from the UK?
Yes. Submit through the Houweyti portal (https://anrpts.gov.mr/) before departure. You receive digital pre-approval; the sticker is issued at the border. Portal language: Arabic.
Does Morocco have an eVisa for UK travellers in 2026?
Yes, via Accès Maroc. British applicants must hold a valid UK, Schengen, or US visa or proof of residency. The system was disrupted in late August 2026 and restored on 1 September 2026.
Does Mali offer an eVisa?
No. Mali requires an embassy visa, submitted in person to the Malian Embassy in London or Paris. Processing takes 2 to 4 weeks.
Do I need a Yellow Fever certificate for the Mauritania and Senegal border crossing?
Yes. The International Certificate of Vaccination is systematically inspected at both Rosso and Diama crossings.
Which West African country is easiest for UK travellers to enter?
Senegal is easiest (visa-free for 90 days). Morocco is next (conditional eVisa), followed by Mauritania (pre-approval + border biometrics). Mali and Algeria require embassy visas.
What documents do I need for the Mauritania eVisa pre-approval?
Passport bio-page scan (6+ months validity), digital passport photo, confirmed accommodation or invitation letter, return flight booking, and travel insurance certificate.
