Mauritania entry requirements for Bulgaria 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

Bulgarian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania, which you can obtain online before traveling. The application is straightforward and typically processed within a few business days, so plan ahead to avoid last-minute issues.

Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Mauritania eVisaBulgarian citizens need an approved eVisa to enter Mauritania; apply online in advance.
Apply online before travel
You must obtain an eVisa before departure. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) and receive approval prior to travel. The eVisa is not extendable.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months beyond arrival
Your Bulgarian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania.Required
Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials require a blank page for stamping.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketKeep your flight itinerary handy; immigration may request it.
Proof of departure
You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your authorized stay ends.Required
Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids issues at entry.
Sufficient means of support
Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Mauritania.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for entry into Mauritania.Not required
eVisa is mandatory – no visa on arrival
Bulgarian passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines check this at check-in, so do not even try to fly without it.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Mauritanian immigration requires your passport to be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry – even if you have a valid eVisa.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your eVisa
Check your email for the approval notification. Print the eVisa document – you will need a physical copy to show at check-in and at Mauritanian immigration. Keep a digital backup on your phone too.
3
Arrive at the airport in Mauritania
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or Nouadhibou Airport, join the immigration queue. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and any supporting documents. The officer will stamp your passport – the eVisa is usually valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 90 days.
4
Clear customs and collect luggage
After passport control, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. Declare any items if required. The whole process is usually quick, but be patient during busy arrival times.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

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 purpose
CostVaries; typically $100–$200

Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy.

work visa
Carte de Séjour Travailleur
1 year, renewable annually
~€300 (approx. $330 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable based on studies
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€1,000 (approx. $1,100 USD) initial fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable online; non-refundable.$120 (approx.)
Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; check with Mauritanian embassy.$55 (approx.)
Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the National Police (Sureté Nationale) in Nouakchott before visa expiry.$30 (approx.)
Exit fee (if applicable)Some airports may charge a departure tax; verify with airline.Included in airfare or paid at airport

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

Bulgarian citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is high risk in all regions, especially during rainy season (July–October). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended.

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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
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 EUR/USD.

Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Rue de la Plage, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.

Practical information for BG 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
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

Processing usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can occasionally take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. The exact amount is shown during the online application – pay with a credit or debit card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
Only if you arrive from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you are flying directly from Bulgaria or most European countries, you do not need it. But if you are coming from sub-Saharan Africa or South America, you will need to show a vaccination certificate.
Bulgarian citizens are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Mauritania. If you arrive without an approved eVisa, you will be refused entry and sent back on the next flight. Do not risk it – get the eVisa before you fly.
No, the standard eVisa is for a single entry. If you plan to leave Mauritania and return (e.g., to visit Senegal), you will need to apply for a new eVisa each time.
Have your passport (valid 6+ months), printed eVisa, return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation ready. The officer may ask to see any of these – having them organized makes the process smoother.

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.