Mauritania entry requirements for Switzerland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Swiss passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward — just 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 |
|---|---|---|
| E-Visa for MauritaniaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Swiss citizens must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least a few days before departure. The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. Valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your Swiss 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 immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Swiss citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
E-visa processing can be slow, especially during peak travel seasons. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your approved e-visa in hand.
Print everything
Mauritania is not fully digital — you'll need physical copies of your e-visa, flight itinerary, and hotel booking. Keep them in your carry-on, not checked luggage.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's shorter, you'll be refused boarding — even if you have an approved e-visa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and passport data page. Pay the fee online with a credit/debit card. Processing usually takes a few business days — apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Check your email for the approval. Print the e-visa document — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at immigration in Mauritania.
3
At the airport in Switzerland
At check-in, show your printed e-visa along with your passport. The airline will verify it before issuing your boarding pass. Have your return/onward ticket ready too.
4
Arrival at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Police'. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any requested documents (like proof of accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport — this is your entry permit. Keep the e-visa copy with you during your stay.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Switzerland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
Multiple entry visa (6 months)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150
For frequent travelers; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
€300–€500 (approx. $330–$550 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract, medical check, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
€1,000+ (approx. $1,100+ USD) depending on investment
For individuals investing at least $50,000 in a Mauritanian business. Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable online before travel. | $50 |
| E-visa fee (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays. | $80 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; cash in EUR/USD. | $55 |
| Extension of stay (per 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott. | $30 |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most airlines include it; no separate payment. | 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
No transit visa needed
Swiss citizens transiting through Mauritania without leaving the international transit area do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
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). CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline prophylaxis.
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 de l'Immigration et des Passeports
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, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Near Port de Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.
Practical information for CH 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, you need an e-visa. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival for Swiss passport holders.
Typically 2–5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and is paid online during the application. Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee — it's usually around 50–100 USD.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new e-visa.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Airlines also check for the e-visa before boarding, so you won't even get on the plane without it.
It depends on what you apply for. The standard e-visa is usually single-entry, but you can choose a multiple-entry option if you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own e-visa. You'll need to submit a separate application for each child.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.