Mauritania entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
Canadian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. As of 2026, you simply show up at Nouakchott International Airport with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter. No need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Have 2 passport photos and cash (EUR 55 or USD 60) ready — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. The process takes 15–30 minutes.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this strictly at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers ask for proof of onward travel at the visa-on-arrival counter. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers rarely ask, but having a printed copy avoids delays at the visa counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least EUR 200 or USD 250 in cash — credit cards are not widely accepted outside Nouakchott. Immigration may ask to see cash or a bank statement showing you can cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). No credit cards, no ATMs at immigration. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for emergencies.
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Mauritania, not from your departure date. Double-check now to avoid being turned away.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation booking ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form with basic info (name, passport number, flight details). Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or USD) at the counter. Get a receipt. Keep it with your passport.
4
Receive your visa sticker
Immigration officer stamps the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You'll get an entry stamp. Done.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at an embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Requires embassy application; good for multiple visits.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€150–€300 (approx. $165–$330 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship; apply at Mauritanian embassy.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Stay Visa)
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. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD cash at the airport; valid for 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying can lead to fines and potential deportation; avoid by extending or leaving on time. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), no official cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
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)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the south; 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
High risk in all regions, especially during rainy season (July–October). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) 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 des Migrations
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Bureau Régional de la Documentation
Near the port area, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.
Practical information for CA 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 = 39.99 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 approximately 55 EUR (or equivalent in USD). Pay in cash at the immigration counter. No card or online payment.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The visa is typically valid for 30 days. Check the exact dates on the sticker when you receive it.
Not required for Canadian passport holders unless you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Check current health advisories before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at most land border crossings, but the process may be slower. Have all documents ready and expect to pay the same fee in cash.
No official e-visa system exists for Mauritania as of 2026. Visa on arrival is the standard option for Canadians.
Immigration may deny entry. Always have a confirmed onward ticket. A bus or ferry ticket out of the country also works.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.