Mauritania entry requirements for Cameroon 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

Cameroonian passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, which saves you a trip to an embassy. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.

Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Mauritania eVisaCameroonian passport holders must secure an approved eVisa prior to arrival in Mauritania.
Apply online before travel
You must obtain an eVisa before departure. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable.Required
Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned arrival.
At least 6 months beyond entry
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania.Required
Blank passport pagesMauritanian immigration requires a blank page to stamp your passport.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see proof that you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires.
Proof of departure
Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Mauritania.Required
Proof of fundsWhile not always requested, having proof of funds can help avoid issues at immigration.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your stay in Mauritania.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures.
Not required
No separate arrival declaration is required for Cameroon passport holders entering Mauritania.Not required
Apply early — don't wait
The e-Visa processing time is not guaranteed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Also, make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity — this is a strict requirement.
No visa on arrival for Cameroonians
Cameroonian passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Mauritania. You must have an approved e-Visa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this at check-in.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-Visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). Fill in your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload your photo and passport scan. Double-check everything before submitting — mistakes can cause delays.
2
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the e-Visa fee with your card. Processing usually takes 2–5 business days. Keep an eye on your email (including spam folder) for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the visa.
3
Print or save your e-Visa
Once approved, you'll receive a PDF or a confirmation. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at Mauritanian immigration.
4
Arrive at the airport in Mauritania
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and e-Visa. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Keep your e-Visa handy until you're through.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Mauritania eVisa (longer stay)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$180

If available, choose the 90-day option at application; otherwise extend after arrival.

Mauritania visa on arrival
Max stay30 days
Validity30 days from entry
Cost$120

Only available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) for Cameroonian citizens; not recommended as primary option.

work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Mandatory for Cameroonian citizens; apply online before travel.$120
Visa extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the National Police (Direction de la Sûreté Nationale) in Nouakchott before current visa expires.Approx. $50
Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers; confirm with airline.Included in airfare

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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

Cameroonian citizens require a visa to transit through Mauritania, even if staying airside. Obtain an eVisa before travel.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)

Health & vaccines for Mauritania

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Cameroon is endemic). Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.

DengueModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.

Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk

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

Malaria risk: high

High risk in all regions, especially during rainy season (July–October). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.

Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.

Practical information for CM 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 typically takes 2–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your planned travel to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee is paid online during the application. The exact amount is shown on the portal before you pay — it depends on your nationality and length of stay. Have your card ready.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. You must leave before the visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Cameroon is on the WHO list, so you'll likely need to show proof of vaccination at entry. Carry your yellow card.
You won't be allowed to board your flight without a valid e-Visa. There's no visa-on-arrival for Cameroonian passport holders. You must have the e-Visa before you travel.
The e-Visa is valid for entry at all international airports and land borders in Mauritania. However, it's always best to enter through the port you specified in your application. If you change your entry point, it's usually fine, but be prepared for questions.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, or contact the Mauritanian embassy for assistance. Don't travel without an approved visa.

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.