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Mauritania Visa for France Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

French citizens need a Mauritanian e-visa before travel - apply online at least a week ahead; fee around EUR 40-55, processing 3-5 business days.

Guide last updated September 23, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
  • Completed online e-visa application
  • Digital passport-style photo (white background) for upload
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking) and travel itinerary
  • Return or onward ticket
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from an at-risk country (recommended in general)
  • No advance biometrics, though a photo/fingerprint may be taken on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport
  • Travel health insurance strongly recommended, not legally mandatory

Visa types

  • Tourist e-visa: single entry, valid 30 days from issue, stay up to 30 days, fee approximately EUR 40-55
  • Business e-visa: similar validity, requires an invitation letter from a Mauritanian company
  • A visa can also technically be obtained on arrival at Nouakchott airport, but the e-visa is recommended to avoid delays and queues

How to apply online

  • Apply via the Mauritanian e-visa portal (linked from the official government site referenced through mauritania.mr) at least 1-2 weeks before travel
  • Steps: create an account, enter personal and passport details, upload a passport bio-page scan and photo, pay the fee online by card
  • Receive an approval PDF by email, typically within 3-5 business days (occasionally up to 10 during busy periods)
  • Print the approval letter and present it with your passport on arrival; the final visa stamp is applied at the airport

Fees & processing time

  • E-visa fee: approximately EUR 40-55 (roughly USD 45-60) depending on validity and entries
  • No extra service fee when applying directly through the official portal
  • Standard processing: 3-5 working days
  • No official express option; allow extra buffer time around local holidays

Tips for France travelers

  • Apply at least 2 weeks ahead since e-visa processing can be inconsistent
  • Common delay reasons: blurry passport scans, mismatched personal details, insufficient proof of onward travel
  • Keep both a printed and a digital copy of your approval letter
  • The French Embassy in Nouakchott can assist with emergencies
  • Extensions of stay are handled through the Mauritanian Directorate of Immigration in Nouakchott

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.