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Country guideLast checked October 17, 2026

Visas and immigration in Mauritania

2 routes from official government sources, grouped by type. Each guide covers who it's for, the requirements and where to apply.

Visit & tourism 1
Status in-country 1

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Visiting Mauritania

Short-stay rules by passport, from official sources. Last checked October 17, 2026.

11 passports visa-free
238 passports need an eTA or eVisa

Passports that can visit without a visa

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

Visit & tourism1 pathway

Mauritania electronic entry visa
Mauritania has replaced passport-sticker visas with electronic visas. Visitors apply on the website of the National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Documents (ANRPTS); once approved, they print the e-visa and travel, and border officers complete the technical formalities on arrival. Nationals of 11 countries with reciprocal visa-exemption agreements do not need a visa. Mauritania is not an ECOWAS member.
Temporary only
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Status in-country1 pathway

Mauritania residence card (carte de séjour) for work, study, NGO, family and sponsorship
Foreigners living in Mauritania need a residence card issued through ANRPTS. Grounds include private or public sector work, diplomatic mission employment, study at universities, institutes or mahadras (Quranic schools), work for licensed NGOs or churches, sponsorship by a Mauritanian citizen, and marriage to a Mauritanian. Private sector workers need an employment contract certified by the Labour Directorate together with a work permit.
May lead to permanent residence
Last checked October 17, 2026
View requirements

Official sources

Government pages behind these routes.

ANRPTS (Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés) - official site, visa procedures section

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