Mauritania entry requirements for Bulgaria 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
Bulgarian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific items ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you fly. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from issuance and costs around $55 USD. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Nouakchott airport checks it on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Bulgarian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Mauritania does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to cover your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Airlines also check this before boarding — have a printed copy or a screenshot 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 for it if you look uncertain about where you're staying. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement ready. Immigration rarely checks this, but it's better to have it than to get stuck at the counter. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount if possible to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Unlike some countries, Mauritania's visa on arrival process is simple and reliable for Bulgarian passport holders. No need to apply in advance or worry about rejection — just have your documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
Most international flights land at Nouakchott. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars). The officer will issue a visa sticker.
3
Passport control
After getting the visa, proceed to the passport control booth. The officer will stamp your passport. Keep the visa sticker intact — don't peel it off.
4
Baggage claim and exit
Collect your luggage and walk through customs. There's usually no baggage check unless you look suspicious. You're now in Mauritania.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Bulgaria 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsor in Mauritania and proof of sufficient funds.
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
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD at the airport; valid for up to 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Must apply at immigration office before current visa expires; not guaranteed. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
No transit visa needed
Bulgaria passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit without visa only applies to Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC).
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 = 40.08 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 standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Nouakchott, but the process can be slow. Plan your trip within 30 days to avoid hassle.
Yes, but it's not straightforward. You'll need to visit the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) in Nouakchott. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and a reason for extension. The fee is around 1,000 MRU (about €25). Allow a few days for processing.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Yes, at Nouakchott International Airport and at land borders (e.g., from Senegal or Western Sahara). However, the process is smoothest at the airport. Land borders may have less English-speaking staff and longer waits.
No. Only cash in euros or US dollars is accepted. Some counters may accept Mauritanian ouguiya, but it's safer to bring euros or dollars. ATMs are scarce at the airport.
Not required for entry from Europe, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (e.g., parts of sub-Saharan Africa), you'll need the yellow card. Check current WHO recommendations before travel.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 500 MRU per day (around €12) and possible questioning at immigration. Avoid it — extensions are cheaper and less stressful.
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.