Mauritania entry requirements for Canada 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
Canadian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. The official online portal is the only way to get one, and it must be approved before you fly. Apply at least a week ahead, as there is no visa on arrival.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once you are in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Canadian citizens must obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your Canadian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking or itinerary ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration officials may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt is a good idea to have some money available and proof of it, in case officials ask. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Mauritania. Carry cash (MRU or major currencies) or bank cards, and be ready to show a bank statement if requested. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if you have recently been in a yellow fever risk area. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival. | Required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canadian citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
Canadian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have the eVisa approved before you fly. Airlines will check this at departure, so don't risk it.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Even if you have a valid eVisa, you'll be turned away if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a digital passport photo and a scan of your passport's bio page. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print it out and keep a digital copy on your phone. You'll need to show this at check-in and at immigration in Mauritania.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport and you're in. Expect a short queue; have your documents ready to speed things up.
4
Exit Mauritania
When leaving, you'll go through passport control again. Make sure you haven't overstayed your eVisa's validity. The exit stamp is straightforward.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada 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 purpose
Cost$100–$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at 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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; fee varies by nationality and processing time. | $70 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Canadians generally require a pre-arranged visa. | $55 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers departing by air. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
Canadian citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours. However, due to limited facilities, most travelers need a visa in advance.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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)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 = 39.92 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
Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
No, the eVisa is the standard method for Canadian citizens. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Canadians, so you must have the eVisa before you travel.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. It's typically around $50-100 USD, but check the official portal for the current amount.
The standard eVisa is usually single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you may need to apply for a new eVisa. Check the portal for details on your specific visa type.
If rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply with corrected information or contact the Mauritanian embassy for assistance. It's rare, but make sure all details match your passport exactly.
Yes, the airline will likely ask to see your eVisa before boarding. Without it, you may be denied boarding. Always carry a printed copy.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa, or contact immigration authorities in Nouakchott for guidance.
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.