Mauritania entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Emirati passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania — no need to apply in advance. Just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with your passport and the required documents. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Mauritania requires all visitors to apply for an eVisa at the MAAVE portal before arrival. The application takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your UAE passport needs at least 6 months of validity beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers in Nouakchott ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they rarely accept verbal explanations. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers at the border sometimes ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least $500 USD for a short stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to demonstrate you are not travelling without means. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (USD or euros). There are no ATMs before immigration and no card payments accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Travel insurance strongly recommended
While not mandatory for entry, medical care in Mauritania can be expensive and basic. A good travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is a smart investment.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and your return ticket if asked. The officer will process the visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa on arrival costs around 55 USD (or equivalent in euros) — cash only. Have exact change if possible. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The visa is stamped into your passport. You're then cleared to enter. Total time is usually 10–20 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD)
Visa on arrival is free for UAE passport holders; no paid alternative needed for short stays.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
CostUnknown (estimated ~50 USD)
Available at Mauritanian embassy for longer stays; requires sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in euros or USD at entry; exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (varies; may be up to $50 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mauritania
No transit visa needed
UAE passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nouakchott
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Regional office for visa-related issues in the north.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalNouakchott
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.94 MRU
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
The fee is about 55 USD (or equivalent in euros). You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. UAE is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, you'll need proof. Check with your doctor.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if you're entering overland.
No, there is no e-visa system for Mauritania. The only option is the visa on arrival at the airport.
US dollars or euros are accepted. Bring small denominations. You can also exchange at the airport, but the rate may be poor.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.