Mauritania launches digital e-Visa system to streamline travel

• Mauritania has replaced sticker visas and on-arrival visas with a fully digital e-visa system
• Citizens from 11 countries, including Algeria, Senegal, and Mali, are exempt from the e-visa requirement
• The e-visa system eliminates the need for embassy applications, offering a faster and more convenient experience for travellers

As of January 5, 2025, Mauritania has introduced a fully digital electronic visa (e-Visa) system, replacing traditional sticker visas and on-arrival visa services. 

The significant shift aims to simplify the visa application process for international travellers while enhancing border security and reducing immigration delays.

The new e-Visa system requires travellers to apply online before their journey. With this development, the days of visiting embassies for sticker visas or obtaining a visa on arrival are over. 

According to the UK Government, Mauritania’s move to a digital-only system reflects its commitment to modernising its travel and immigration procedures.

Under this system, travellers must complete an online application before departure, eliminating the need for in-person submissions and embassy visits. 

Biometric data will be collected at entry points to streamline the immigration process further.

How to apply for an e-Visa

The e-Visa application process is fully digital and accessible worldwide. Prospective visitors can complete their application through the official website of the National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles (ANRPTS) at https://anrpts.gov.mr.

Steps to apply:

1. Provide personal details, including full name, date of birth, passport information, and the purpose of the visit (e.g., tourism or business).

2. Upload a passport-style photo and a scanned copy of your passport.

3. Submit the application online.

Once approved, applicants will receive an e-visa document containing a QR code. This document must be printed and presented upon arrival. Biometric data will then be collected to finalise the entry process.

Exemptions to the e-Visa requirement

Citizens from 11 countries are exempt from the e-Visa requirement. These countries include:

• Algeria
• Burkina Faso
• Chad
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Gambia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Libya
• Mali
• Niger
• Senegal
• Tunisia

Nationals from these countries can travel to Mauritania without applying for a visa.

Visa fees and payment

The cost of the e-visa varies depending on the length of stay. For example, a 30-day visa costs approximately €55 or $60. 

While the e-visa application is submitted online, payment is processed upon arrival in Mauritania. Biometric data is collected at this stage to complete the visa procedure.

Benefits of the new system

Mauritania’s e-Visa system is designed to:

• Simplify the visa application process by eliminating embassy visits.
• Reduce delays at border entry points.
• Enhance border security through the use of biometric data.

Travellers are advised to apply for their e-Visa well in advance to ensure a seamless arrival experience.

Mauritania’s transition to a digital visa system marks a significant step forward in embracing modern travel solutions, making the country more accessible to international visitors.

Ghana approves visa-free entry for all African nationals

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had approved a groundbreaking policy granting visa-free entry for all African nationals, which would take effect before the end of his term on January 6, 2025.

The policy supports the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by enhancing the movement of people, goods, and services.