Mauritania entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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
Australian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. The most straightforward way is to apply online before you travel. Plan ahead and have your documents ready for immigration in Nouakchott.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou must get this online visa before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Australian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Australian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. Carry extra pages if you plan multiple border crossings. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be denied entry if you can't show you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Mauritania. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof of money helps avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Mauritania. Amount is not fixed but should match your itinerary. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Mauritania for Australian passport holders. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
E-visa processing can take several days, and there's no visa-on-arrival for Australians. If you apply too late, you could miss your flight. Start the process at least a week before departure.
Print your e-visa
Immigration at Nouakchott may not accept a digital copy on your phone. Print the approval email and keep it with your passport — you'll need it to get through the border.
No extensions
The e-visa cannot be extended. If you overstay, you'll face fines and possible trouble at departure. Plan your trip to fit within the allowed period.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Enter your passport details, travel dates, and upload your photo. Double-check everything before submitting — mistakes can cause delays.
2
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the e-visa fee with your card. Processing typically takes a few business days, so apply at least a week before your flight. You'll receive the approved e-visa by email — print it out.
3
Fly to Mauritania
Most international flights arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC). Have your printed e-visa, passport, and return ticket ready for check-in and at immigration.
4
Go through immigration
At the airport, join the queue for foreigners. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport — that's your entry. Keep the stamp visible; you'll need it when you leave.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires invitation letter and approval from Mauritanian immigration.
Business visa
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months
Cost$150
Requires company sponsorship and proof of business purpose.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Processing fee; payable online. | $120 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; cash in EUR/USD. | $55 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the National Police (Sureté Nationale) in Nouakchott. | $30 |
| Exit feeCharged at airport departure; included in some airline tickets. | $30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Transit visa required
Australian citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the south.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; use mosquito repellent and nets.
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 office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Plage, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north.
Practical information for AU 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 = 39.92 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
Processing usually takes 2–5 business days, but it can be longer. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. You'll get the approved e-visa by email.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and paid online. It's typically around USD 50–100, but check the official e-visa portal for the current amount. The fee is non-refundable.
No — the e-visa is the required method for Australian citizens. There's no visa-on-arrival option for you. You must have the e-visa approved before you travel.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa. Check the portal for any multi-entry options, but don't assume they exist.
If rejected, you'll receive an email with a reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is not refunded. Contact the Mauritanian embassy if you need help.
Mauritania may require a yellow fever certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check the latest health requirements before you go — it's not part of the e-visa process.
No — the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before the authorized period ends. Overstaying can result in fines or other penalties.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.