Are you ready for an exciting journey? Mauritania, located in Northwest Africa with an area of 1.03 million km² and a coastline of about 800 km open to the Atlantic Ocean, is a destination waiting to be discovered. Whether you're looking for renowned universities for your studies, economic opportunities, or simply in search of adventure, Mauritania will not disappoint you. Its diverse and vibrant cultural heritage, shaped by the country's extensive ethnic diversity, offers a truly sensory experience.
Are you instead looking for information on leaving Mauritania? Click here
Do I need a passport to enter Mauritania?
A valid passport is required to enter Mauritania.
Do you need to know how to obtain a passport as a Mauritanian citizen? Click here
Do I need a visa to enter Mauritania?
Effective from Sunday, January 5, 2025, all travelers required to have a visa must obtain their electronic visa (e-Visa) before boarding to travel to Mauritania.
Nationals from the following countries are exempt from visa requirements: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Syria, Chad, Tunisia. This list may change depending on diplomatic agreements between countries.
Holders of diplomatic passports (except those of Italian nationality) do not need a visa to travel to Mauritania.
Holders of service passports from Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Yemen, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Morocco, Syria, Turkey, and Yemen do not need a visa to travel to Mauritania.
People residing in Mauritania and holding a valid residence card are exempt from visa requirements for their comings and goings, provided that their stay outside Mauritania does not exceed six months.
Where and how do I apply for a Mauritanian visa?
Electronic visa applications are made exclusively on the website of the National Agency for Population and Secure Documents (ANRPTS) at the following address: http://anrpts.gov.mr/fr, by clicking on the icon “Autorisation de visa spot ”.
After submission, analysis, and validation, you will receive your electronic visa. Upon arrival at the checkpoint, the formalities for capturing your biometric data will be carried out to finalize your entry into the territory.
The expense is determined by your location and the length of your stay.
Geographic zones |
Lenght of stay | MRU |
Exchange rate (January 2025) | |
€ |
$ |
|||
Monde Arabe et Afrique |
30 days |
1500 |
40 |
45 |
90 days |
2500 |
70 |
75 |
|
3 months to 1 year | 5000 |
135 |
145 |
|
1 to 2 years | 7000 |
190 |
200 |
|
2 to 3 years | 10 000 |
270 |
285 |
|
3 years and over | 20 000 |
540 |
656 |
|
Reste du Monde |
30 days | 2000 |
55 |
60 |
90 days |
3500 |
95 |
100 |
|
3 months to 1 year | 7000 |
190 |
200 |
|
1 to 2 years | 10 000 |
270 |
285 |
|
2 to 3 years | 15 000 |
405 |
425 |
|
3 years and over | 30 000 |
810 |
845 |
Can I obtain a residence permit in Mauritania?
All foreigners can obtain a residence permit in Mauritania, an official document that allows them to reside in the country for an extended period, exceeding the usual duration allowed by a tourist or family visit visa. This permit often grants them additional rights, such as the ability to work, study, or access education and training. You must go to the National Agency for Population Registers and Secure Documents (ANRPTS) and provide the following documents:
For nationals of countries not requiring an entry visa:
- Identity card or passport with 6 months validity.
- Work contract or commercial register or a referent.
- For nationals of countries requiring an entry visa:
- Passport with 6 months validity.
- Valid visa.
- Work contract or commercial register or a referent.
The fees for issuing a residence permit are 3000 MRU. The agency in charge handles the receipt of applications, verify the admissibility of application files, and proceeds with the validation of personalized residence cards. They may, if necessary, request additional information or the presentation of other documents.
Where can foreign nationals find legal assistance in Mauritania?
Foreign nationals can find legal assistance in Mauritania through several means. First, they should contact their nearest embassy or consulate, which can provide advice and referrals to local legal services. To seek assistance from your embassy or consulate, you should:
- Contact them directly: Look up the embassy or consulate’s address, call their phone number, or send an email explaining the assistance you need. Be ready to visit them in person if required.
- Prepare your documents: Have relevant documents ready, such as your passport, proof of identity, and any documents related to the issue at hand.
- Follow their advice: Embassy and consulate staff will provide instructions on the next steps, such as filling out forms or attending meetings.
International organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and various NGOs, often provide legal assistance or can direct individuals to appropriate resources. Additionally, many countries have legal aid societies or pro bono legal services that might assist foreigners in need.
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