Mauritania entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. You can get an e-visa online before you travel, which saves a trip to an embassy. The process is straightforward, but make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Belgian citizens. Apply online before travel | Belgian passport holders must obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) and receive approval before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Belgian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see your outbound travel plans. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationNot always requested, but having it ready speeds up entry and satisfies border officers if asked. Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania, covering your entire stay. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsYou may be asked to prove you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses while in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis applies only if your travel originates from or transits through a yellow fever endemic area. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. | Required |
| Travel insuranceHealthcare in Mauritania is limited; insurance protects you from high costs. Medical coverage | Although not mandatory, it is strongly advised to have travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation. | Recommended |
Apply early
Don't wait until the last minute. E-visa processing can take several business days, and you don't want to miss your flight. Apply at least a week before you travel.
Use only the official e-visa portal
There are third-party websites that charge inflated fees for the same service. Always use the official Mauritanian government e-visa site at https://www.evisa.mr/ to avoid scams.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-visa website (https://www.evisa.mr/) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel dates. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. The e-visa is electronically linked to your passport, so you don't need to print anything, but it's wise to have a copy saved on your phone or printed.
3
Arrive in Mauritania
When you land at Nouakchott International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and, if asked, your e-visa approval email or a printout. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Keep your documents handy
During your stay, keep your passport and a copy of your e-visa with you. You may need to show them at hotel check-ins or if stopped by local authorities.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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 (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; multiple entries possible
Cost$100–$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; fee varies by nationality and processing time. | $70 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Nouakchott International Airport for some nationalities; not guaranteed for all. | $55 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure taxes; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
Belgian 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 risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions and during rainy season (July–October).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas. Mosquito bite prevention is key.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Avoid tap water, ice, and raw/undercooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are common options. Use insect repellent and bed 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 Service)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and payment in cash (EUR or USD).
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; French or Arabic helpful.
Practical information for BE 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
Yes, Belgian passport holders need a visa. You can get an e-visa online before you travel — there's no need to visit an embassy.
Processing usually takes a few business days. It's best to apply at least a week before your departure to avoid any delays.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is payable online during the application. The exact amount can vary, so check the official e-visa portal for the current fee.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter, or contact the Mauritanian immigration authorities for guidance.
You may be denied entry or face delays. It's not possible to get a visa on arrival for Belgian citizens, so make sure you have your e-visa approved before you fly.
The standard e-visa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa each time.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own e-visa. You'll need to submit a separate application for each child with their own passport details and photo.
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.