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Guides · Mauritania

Passport renewal in Mauritania

Written from published rules on 26 August 2026. Not monitored for changes since. A starting point, not official advice — confirm anything that matters with Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) (General Directorate of National Security) in Mauritania, or Mauritanian Embassies and Consulates abroad.. Rules here vary, so check carefully.

Renewing a Mauritanian passport generally involves submitting an application and required documents to the Directorate General of National Security (DGSN) in Mauritania or to a Mauritanian embassy or consulate if residing abroad. The process includes verifying identity, providing biometric data, and paying a fee.

Your timing

It is advisable to begin the passport renewal process several months before the current passport's expiration date, especially if living outside Mauritania. This allows sufficient time to gather all necessary documents, schedule appointments if required by an embassy or consulate, and account for processing and shipping times. Some countries may require a passport to be valid for at least six months beyond the planned date of travel.

Start 90 days ahead

This lead time accounts for potential processing delays, appointment scheduling at embassies/consulates, and international shipping if applying from abroad.

The process

  1. 1Identify the appropriate application channel: DGSN in Mauritania or the nearest Mauritanian Embassy/Consulate if residing abroad.
  2. 2Obtain the official passport renewal application form from the DGSN office or the embassy/consulate website, or in person.
  3. 3Gather all required supporting documents, ensuring they are valid and meet specific criteria (e.g., photos meeting ICAO standards).
  4. 4Submit the completed application form and supporting documents in person to the DGSN or the embassy/consulate.
  5. 5Provide biometric data (fingerprints and digital photograph) as part of the application process.
  6. 6Pay the applicable renewal fee.
  7. 7Collect the new passport once it is processed and ready. This may require returning to the application office or arranging for secure delivery.

What to bring

  • Current Mauritanian passport (the one being renewed)
  • National Identity Card (Carte Nationale d'Identité - CNI) or other proof of Mauritanian nationality
  • Birth Certificate (extrait d'acte de naissance)
  • Proof of residence (for applications within Mauritania, or for certain consular services abroad)
  • Passport-sized photographs meeting ICAO standards (usually 2-4 photos are required)
  • Application fee (amount to be confirmed with the authority)

Who handles it

Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (DGSN) (General Directorate of National Security) in Mauritania, or Mauritanian Embassies and Consulates abroad.

The exact fee for a Mauritanian passport renewal should be confirmed directly with the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale or the relevant Mauritanian embassy or consulate, as fees can vary and are subject to change.

What commonly goes wrong

  • Requirements for supporting documents and specific procedures can vary slightly between the DGSN in Mauritania and different embassies/consulates abroad. Always confirm the exact list with the specific office.
  • Passport photos must meet strict international (ICAO) standards; ensure they are recent, correct size, and proper background.
  • Processing times are not always fixed and can be subject to delays, especially when applying from outside Mauritania where passports may need to be issued in the home country.
  • Some embassies or consulates may require appointments for passport renewal services; it is important to check and schedule in advance.

Sources

Other documents in Mauritania

Passport renewal in other countries

Often renewed together

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