Beginning January 5, 2025, travelers looking to enter Mauritania will be required to obtain an electronic visa, also known as an e-Visa. This significant administrative overhaul eliminates lengthy waits at embassies and consulates, streamlining the visa application process entirely online. Utilizing modern technology, this new system aims to enhance the travel experience for all foreign visitors needing a visa while ensuring a more efficient and secure entry into the country.
The Mauritanian government has made a significant change to the visa process for foreign travelers. Starting from January 5, 2025, all visitors requiring a visa to enter Mauritania will need to obtain an electronic visa or e-Visa. This new system aims to simplify administrative procedures by eliminating lengthy queues and bureaucratic hurdles traditionally associated with visa applications.
As of January 5, 2025, the application of the e-Visa will be mandatory for all foreign travelers whose nationalities require a visa for entry into Mauritania. The government has shifted towards a fully digital process to enhance efficiency and facilitate travel. This change is poised to streamline the visa application process, making it faster and more accessible for travelers around the globe.
A visa application made easy
The introduction of the e-Visa represents a significant transition in the visa application procedure. Travelers needing a visa will now complete their applications online through the Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés (ANRPTS), available at anrpts.gov.mr. The online form requires travelers to input personal information, travel dates, and the purpose of their visit.
The application process
Applicants will have the option to choose visa durations of 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, or 2 years, with either single, double, or multiple entries. After completing the form, travelers must upload a digital passport photo and a copy of their passport, ensuring that it is valid for at least 6 months beyond their intended entry date into Mauritania. Upon approval, an e-Visa with a QR code will be sent directly via email, which they can print and present upon arrival.
Digital transformation in visa issuance
With the implementation of the e-Visa, there will be no more physical visa stickers affixed to passports. The ANRPTS has confirmed that sticker visas will no longer be issued. Instead, travelers will undergo biometric data capture upon arrival in Mauritania to complete the entry process. This signifies a move toward cutting-edge technological solutions in managing border security.
A measure that concerns all travelers
It’s essential to note that this new e-Visa procedure is applicable to all travelers, including members of diplomatic and consular staff and representatives of international organizations accredited in Mauritania. This broad applicability underscores Mauritania’s commitment to modernizing its travel policies in alignment with global trends.
Exceptions for certain nationalities
While most nationals will be required to apply for an e-Visa, some citizens will remain exempt from this requirement. Nationals from countries such as Algeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Chad, and Tunisia can enter Mauritania without needing an e-Visa.
Mauritania on the road to modernization
The advancement to an electronic visa system illustrates a strong intent from Mauritania to embrace modern practices while simplifying administrative protocols. This initiative parallels similar digital transitions observed in countries like France, Germany, and Italy, enhancing the overall travel experience.
Managing regional tensions and tourism potential
The modernization of visa services arrives during a critical phase for Mauritania, as the nation grapples with security challenges tied to its proximity to Mali. The presence of armed groups in the Sahel region has had negative effects on Mauritania, contributing to waves of refugees and instabilities.
Despite its rich tourism potential, characterized by vast deserts, an expansive Atlantic coastline, and notable historical sites, the tourism sector in Mauritania has remained modest. Security concerns in the region have hindered the country’s ability to capitalize on its tourist assets, impacting growth in the sector.
Boosting tourism through improved access
The implementation of the e-Visa system could potentially serve as a catalyst for increased tourism by easing the entry process for international visitors. Should security conditions improve, Mauritania may be well-positioned to attract travelers seeking adventure and new experiences. This shift aligns with broader global efforts to streamline travel processes and enhance security measures simultaneously.
Key Features of the New e-Visa System for Mauritania
- Effective Date: January 5, 2025
- Application Location: Online via ANRPTS website
- Visa Types: 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, 2 years
- Entry Options: Single, double, multiple entries
- Photo Requirements: Digital passport photo needed
- Passport Validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months
- Submission Process: Online form completion and document upload
- Visa Fees: Between €55 and €270
- Payment Method: Pay upon arrival in EUR or USD
- Data Capture: Biometric data collection at entry
- Sticker Visa Replacement: No more physical visa stickers
- Exemptions: Certain nationalities do not require an e-Visa
The Mauritanian government has announced that as of January 5, 2025, the electronic visa or e-Visa will be mandatory for all foreign travelers requiring a visa to enter Mauritania. This new system facilitates visa applications by allowing travelers to apply online through the National Agency for Population Registration and Secure Titles (ANRPTS). Applicants will fill out a form with their personal details, travel dates, and stay reasons, selecting from options that include 30 days, 90 days, 1 year, or 2 years with varying entry types. Upon approval, travelers will receive an e-Visa with a QR code via email, replacing traditional visa stickers, which will no longer be issued. Biometric data capture will be conducted upon arrival. It is noteworthy that some travelers from specified countries will be exempt from the e-Visa requirement.
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