Mauritania entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa costs around $55 USD and is typically processed within 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Nouakchott Airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Australian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Mauritania does not enforce a strict 6-month validity rule — just ensure it covers your full stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Outbound travel proof | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Border officers rarely check this, but it helps if questioned about your ability to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Euros or US dollars are preferred. There is no ATM or card machine at the immigration counter. Bring the exact amount to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward — but queues can be slow
The process itself is simple, but Nouakchott airport can get busy. Allow 30–60 minutes for immigration. If you arrive on a flight with many passengers, the queue may be longer. Patience helps.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Almost all international flights land here. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. A pen is handy; the counter may not have one.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or US dollars). The officer will process the visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa. You'll be allowed entry.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on queue length.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available at embassy; allows multiple visits.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For work or study; requires sponsor in Mauritania.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in euros or USD cash at the airport; exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Australian passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Nouakchott International Airport if staying in the international zone and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 = 40.09 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 typically around €55–€100 for a single-entry tourist visa. It varies slightly depending on the length of stay and current exchange rates. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars — at the immigration counter. There is no card payment option.
The standard visa on arrival allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott (near the city centre). The process takes a few days and costs around 1,000–2,000 MRU (about €25–€50). You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and a reason for the extension.
Visa on arrival is also available at most land border crossings, including the main entry points from Senegal and Mali. The process is similar — fill out a form, pay in cash, and show your documents. However, land border posts may have limited cash change, so bring small denominations.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Even if you're coming directly from Australia, it's wise to get the vaccine — immigration may ask for it at random. Carry the WHO yellow card.
No, Mauritania does not offer an e-visa for Australian passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method. There is no online application process.
Immigration may deny you entry. The visa on arrival requires proof of onward travel. If you don't have a ticket, you could be refused boarding by your airline or turned away at the border. Book a refundable ticket if your plans are uncertain.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.