Mauritania

Essential Travel Authorization for the Islamic Republic

If you're planning to explore Mauritania's vast Saharan landscapes, conduct business in Nouakchott, or pursue academic opportunities, understanding the country's electronic visa system is your first crucial step. This West African nation launched its e-visa system in January 2025, requiring all visa-required nationals to apply for an electronic visa before boarding their flight to Mauritania. Strategically positioned between the Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa, Mauritania has modernized its entry protocols for international visitors.

Professional Visa Navigation Services

Whether you're drawn to the ancient libraries of Chinguetti, seeking mining industry opportunities, or planning research expeditions across the Sahara, as of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies no longer issue visas and instead direct prospective applicants to obtain an e-visa online prior to entering Mauritania. From 5 January 2025, visa on arrival is no longer possible, and travelers must apply for an e-visa online via the website of the Mauritanian National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles.

Mauritania's immigration framework varies significantly based on nationality, travel purpose, and duration of stay. Most visitors must obtain an electronic visa unless they are nationals of one of nine visa-exempt countries who can visit for up to 90 days. After approval, which takes two to three business days, travelers can print the visa from the website and pay the visa fee upon arrival in Mauritania.

Our comprehensive guide transforms complex government requirements into clear, actionable strategies. We provide:

• Electronic visa application guidance
• Documentation preparation support
• Processing timeline expectations
• Biometric enrollment preparation

Navigate Mauritania's unique position as a cultural crossroads with confidence, backed by expert immigration guidance tailored to your specific travel objectives. Your passport must have validity exceeding 6 months from your date of arrival, and e-visa fees must be paid on arrival in exact cash in Euros or US dollars.

Most travelers require a visa to enter Mauritania, with limited exceptions for specific nationalities and circumstances. Understanding your visa obligations is essential for smooth entry into this West African nation.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of the following 9 countries can enter Mauritania without a visa for up to 90 days:

• Algeria
• Libya
• Morocco
• Tunisia
• Gambia
• Guinea
• Mali
• Senegal
• Seychelles

These exemptions apply to standard passport holders traveling for tourism or business purposes. Holders of diplomatic and service passports issued to nationals of Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Morocco, and Turkey do not require a visa for Mauritania. Nationals of any country with a diplomatic passport except Italy do not require a visa. All other nationalities, including citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union countries, and Australia, must obtain a visa before arrival.

Essential Passport Requirements

All travelers must present:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from entry date
• Minimum of 2 blank pages for entry stamps
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from countries listed as a transmission risk

E-Visa Requirement

From 5 January 2025, it is no longer possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritania. All visa-required nationals must apply for an e-visa before boarding their flight to Mauritania. As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies no longer issue visas; they instead direct prospective applicants to obtain an e-visa online prior to entering Mauritania.

E-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash in Euros or US dollars. Change and receipts are not given. You should print a copy of the e-visa and be ready to provide a copy on arrival in country.

Transit Passengers

Transit passengers remaining in the international zone of Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport for less than 24 hours typically do not require a transit visa. However, if you need to collect luggage, change terminals, or stay overnight, an e-visa is mandatory.

Special Circumstances

Children traveling on separate passports follow the same visa requirements as adults. For work, study, or long-term stays, specific visa categories apply regardless of nationality. Always verify current requirements through official Mauritanian consular services or apply through the e-visa portal before travel, as visa policies can change without notice.

Mauritania offers several visa categories designed to accommodate different travel purposes and duration requirements. Understanding the specific visa type that matches your intended activities ensures proper compliance with immigration regulations.

Electronic Visa System

Mauritania launched an e-Visa system in January 2025, fundamentally changing how most travelers obtain entry authorization. As of 5 January 2025, all visa required nationals must apply for an e-Visa before boarding their flight to Mauritania. As of June 2025, Mauritanian embassies no longer issue visas and instead direct prospective applicants to obtain an e-Visa online prior to entering Mauritania.

Tourist and Visitor Visas

Tourist visas allow stays for leisure travel, cultural exploration, or family visits. Short-term visas are issued for tourism and other leisure purposes, while long-term visas are issued for persons who may wish to stay in the country for an extended period. Single-entry tourist visas typically allow stays up to 30 days, with processing completed through the online e-Visa portal. Multiple-entry options are available for travelers requiring repeated visits within a specified validity period.

Business and Commercial Visas

Business visas accommodate commercial activities including conferences, meetings, and trade relationships. Business visitors can obtain a Business Visa, valid for 30 days, 90 days or 360 days at the discretion of the immigration official. Visas may be issued for single or multiple entries into Mauritania. Business visas require supporting documentation proving the commercial purpose of travel, such as invitation letters from Mauritanian companies or conference registration.

Employment and Work Visas

Foreign nationals intending to work in Mauritania for more than 30-60 days must obtain a Work Permit granted for 30 days, which can be renewed once. For work contracts longer than this period, a Work Permit must be issued for the entire duration of the contract, typically ranging from six months to two years. In Mauritania, long-term visas are valid for one to three years, and they are eligible for renewal after this initial period. Work permits require employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Employment, Vocational Training, and Labor. The work permit process typically takes 2-6 weeks.

Academic and Student Visas

Student visas require acceptance letters from recognized educational institutions in Mauritania and proof of financial means to support studies. These visas are granted for the duration of the academic program with extension possibilities aligned to study requirements. Passport validity must exceed six months beyond the intended stay period.

Transit and Special Categories

Transit visas accommodate short layovers for travelers continuing to third countries. Diplomatic and Courtesy Visas require letters of recommendation from relevant missions, government agencies, or NGOs operating in Mauritania and are given in gratis status. Family reunion visas facilitate visits to Mauritanian residents or citizens and require supporting documentation establishing the family relationship.

Visitors can obtain single and multiple entry visas according to the purpose of their trip. Most visa categories now require advance application through the e-Visa system rather than processing at embassies or on arrival at the airport.

Processing Times by Visa Type

Since January 2025, all travelers requiring a visa must apply for an e-visa online before travel. E-visa applications typically take 2-3 business days for approval, though processing times can range from 1-2 weeks and may occasionally take longer. Work permits require approximately 2-6 weeks to process, with visa applications for employment taking an additional 1-2 weeks. You should apply at least one month before your intended travel date to allow sufficient processing time.

Visa Costs and Fee Structure

• Tourist visa (30 days): €55 EUR or $60 USD for most nationalities
• Tourist visa (30 days): €41 EUR for Arab and African country citizens
• Business visa (3-12 months): €190 EUR or $200 USD for most countries; $135-145 USD for Arab and African countries
• Work permit: $150-250 USD plus processing fees
• Transit visa: $25-40 USD (72-hour validity)

E-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash in EUR or USD, as change and receipts are not given.

Application Locations and Methods

All travelers must apply for an e-visa online through the official portal of the Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations ANRPTS. Once approved, you must print the e-visa with QR code to present at the airport. Visas on arrival are no longer available since January 5, 2025. For embassy applications, key locations include embassies in Paris, Madrid, and Washington D.C., though the Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas. Payment is accepted via money order or certified check, not cash, for embassy applications.

Essential Documentation

• Valid passport with minimum 6 months validity beyond planned stay
• Completed e-visa application form with digital photo
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation (for tourist visas)
• Proof of sufficient funds

E-visas can be issued for 30 days, 90 days, 360 days, or 720 days, with extensions possible through local immigration offices for additional fees. The e-visa is required before travel and must be presented at check-in.

Step 1: Determine Your Visa Category

Identify the appropriate visa type based on your travel purpose: tourist, business, transit, or diplomatic. Verify duration requirements and entry specifications to ensure accurate application submission.

Step 2: Access the Online E-Visa Portal

Access the official e-visa portal operated by the National Agency for Population and Secure Titles Registry (ANRPTS) at anrpts.gov.mr. Since January 5, 2025, all travelers subject to visa requirements must obtain an electronic visa prior to boarding, as visa-on-arrival is no longer available.

Step 3: Document Preparation and Assembly

Compile essential documents systematically:

• Valid passport with minimum 6-month validity beyond your intended entry date
• Completed online application form with accurate information in all sections
• Scanned copy of passport information page
• Recent digital passport photograph taken within the last 6 months
• Supporting documents proving reasons for travel, such as invitation letters for business visas or hotel bookings for tourism
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from countries with transmission risk

Step 4: Complete and Submit Online Application

Upload scanned copies of all required documents that meet the specifications for your visa category. Complete the visa application form accurately with all personal and travel details. Review all information thoroughly before submission to prevent processing delays.

Step 5: Track Application Processing

After submission, e-visa approval typically takes 2-3 business days, though business visas may take longer due to additional verification protocols, with processing timelines ranging from 3-7 business days. You will receive a notification confirming receipt of your application.

Step 6: Receive and Print E-Visa Approval

Upon approval, retrieve the visa document bearing a QR code from the portal. Print a copy of the e-visa and be ready to provide it upon arrival. Verify all details on the approval document immediately to ensure accuracy before travel.

Step 7: Pay Fees and Provide Biometrics Upon Arrival

Present your printed e-visa at the port of entry and pay the visa fee in exact cash in Euros (€55) or US dollars ($60) for a 30-day visa. Change and receipts are not provided. Immigration officials will quickly capture your biometric data including fingerprints and photographs to finalize entry formalities.

Alternative: Embassy Application for Specialized Cases

Travelers requiring physical visa stamps or undertaking specialized travel may still apply through Mauritanian embassies or consulates. Schedule an appointment to submit your completed application package in person, during which officials will enroll biographic data and capture fingerprints and photographs. Payment at embassies is made via money order, not cash.