Mauritania requires visas for citizens of most countries. Since January 2025, the country has moved to an electronic visa (eVisa) system managed by the ANRPTS. This guide covers all visa requirements — passport validity, required documents, health certificates, and which nationalities are exempt.
Who Needs a Visa for Mauritania?
Citizens of most countries need a visa to enter Mauritania, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and all EU/Schengen member states. The only exceptions are nationals of 10 West African countries who can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Visa-Exempt Nationalities
The following countries have bilateral agreements with Mauritania allowing visa-free entry for stays of up to 90 days:
| Country | Max Stay |
|---|---|
| Senegal | 90 days |
| Mali | 90 days |
| Niger | 90 days |
| Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) | 90 days |
| Guinea | 90 days |
| Gambia | 90 days |
| Benin | 90 days |
| Burkina Faso | 90 days |
| Togo | 90 days |
| Chad | 90 days |
If your nationality is not listed above, you must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Mauritania.
US Citizens — Visa Requirements
US passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Mauritania. There is no visa-on-arrival option and no visa exemption. The application is made online through the ANRPTS portal. US citizens should also be aware of the Level 3: Reconsider Travel advisory issued by the US State Department due to terrorism and crime concerns.
UK Citizens — Visa Requirements
British passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to parts of Mauritania. The Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas — all applications must go through the ANRPTS online portal.
EU/Schengen Citizens — Visa Requirements
Citizens of all EU and Schengen member states must obtain an eVisa. Since June 2025, Mauritanian embassies and consulates in Europe no longer issue traditional visa stamps. All applications are processed through the ANRPTS portal.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must meet the following conditions:
- Validity: At least 6 months remaining from your intended date of arrival in Mauritania
- Condition: Undamaged, with all pages intact
- Blank pages: At least one blank page for entry stamps
- Not reported lost or stolen: You will be denied entry if your passport has been flagged
Required Documents for eVisa Application
When applying for a Mauritania eVisa, you need to provide:
| Document | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport scan | Clear, color scan of the biographical data page (JPEG or PDF, under 2 MB) |
| Passport photo | Recent, white background, no glasses, JPEG format |
| Accommodation proof | Hotel reservation or invitation letter from a host in Mauritania |
| Return flight ticket | Proof of onward or return travel from Mauritania |
| Invitation letter (business) | Letter from a Mauritanian company (for business eVisa only) |
Health Requirements
Yellow Fever Vaccination
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country classified as a yellow fever transmission risk. This includes many Sub-Saharan African countries and parts of South America. Even if not technically required, carrying your yellow fever certificate is strongly recommended.
Recommended Vaccinations
While not mandatory for entry, health authorities recommend the following vaccinations for Mauritania:
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Meningococcal meningitis
- Rabies (for extended stays or rural travel)
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, tetanus, polio)
Consult your travel health clinic at least 6-8 weeks before departure for personalized advice.
Customs Rules
Mauritania has strict rules on goods you can bring into or take out of the country:
- Currency: Declare amounts exceeding 100,000 Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) or equivalent
- Alcohol: Limited quantities permitted; import restrictions apply
- Religious materials: Respect local laws regarding non-Islamic religious materials
- Photography: Do not photograph government buildings, military installations, or airports
Dual Nationals
If you hold dual nationality (including Mauritanian citizenship), different entry requirements may apply. Mauritanian nationals are subject to local law and may not be able to access consular assistance from their other country of citizenship while in Mauritania.
Entry Denial Scenarios
Even with a valid eVisa, Mauritanian immigration authorities can deny entry for several reasons:
- Insufficient funds: You may be asked to show proof of sufficient financial means for your stay
- No return ticket: Immigration officers expect to see evidence of onward or return travel
- Suspicious travel patterns: Frequent short visits or unusual routing may trigger additional questioning
- Security concerns: The authorities reserve the right to refuse entry without providing a specific reason
- Damaged passport: Passports with water damage, torn pages, or illegible text may be rejected
Special Considerations for Journalists and Researchers
Journalists, researchers, and NGO workers may face additional requirements when entering Mauritania:
- A press accreditation from the Mauritanian Ministry of Communication is required for journalists
- Researchers working on sensitive topics (security, migration, slavery) should coordinate with relevant ministries in advance
- Photography permits may be required for professional photography outside tourist areas
- Travel to border regions (Mali, Western Sahara) requires special military authorization
eVisa Application Requirements Summary
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Online application via ANRPTS | Required |
| Passport with 6+ months validity | Required |
| Passport scan (color, clear) | Required |
| Passport-style photo | Required |
| Accommodation proof | Required |
| Return flight ticket | Required |
| Yellow fever certificate | If arriving from risk country |
| Consular fee (cash, on arrival) | Required |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a US citizen need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes. US citizens must apply for an eVisa online before traveling. There is no visa-on-arrival option and no visa exemption for US passport holders.
Do I need a visa to travel to Mauritania?
If you are not a citizen of one of the 10 visa-exempt West African countries, yes — you need an eVisa. The application is made online through the ANRPTS portal at anrpts.gov.mr.
How much is the fee for a Mauritania visa for US citizens?
The consular fee paid on arrival is approximately 55 EUR (30 days), 80 EUR (90 days), or 120 EUR (360 days). The online application itself may have a small processing fee.
Can I get a Mauritania visa on arrival?
No. Since January 5, 2025, the visa-on-arrival system has been discontinued. All visa-required travelers must obtain an eVisa before departure.
What are the visa-free countries for Mauritania?
Senegal, Mali, Niger, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Gambia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Togo, and Chad. Citizens of these countries can enter Mauritania without a visa for up to 90 days.
Ready to apply? Follow our step-by-step guide to applying for the Mauritania eVisa. For fee information, see Mauritania eVisa cost and fees.
