Mauritania entry requirements for China 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
Chinese passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, which saves you a trip to the embassy. Here’s exactly what you need to know for a smooth entry in 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; there is no visa-on-arrival option for Chinese citizens. Apply online before travel | Chinese passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa website (https://www.evisa.mr/), complete the application, pay the fee, and receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present upon arrival. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires within 6 months of your arrival, you will be denied entry. 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 border officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is recommended to have 2 blank pages to avoid issues. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often requires evidence that you will not overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof of funds can speed up entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis is only needed if you have been in a yellow-fever zone shortly before entering Mauritania. If arriving from an endemic country | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check current requirements before travel. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceHealthcare facilities are limited; insurance can protect you financially. Medical coverage | Although not mandatory, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended for Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration (e.g., customs or health form) is required for Mauritania for Chinese passport holders. | Not required |
Apply early
The e-Visa portal is straightforward, but don't leave it to the last minute. Processing can take up to a week, and you don't want to miss your flight.
No visa on arrival
Chinese passport holders cannot get a visa at the airport. You must have the e-Visa approved before you fly. Airlines may check this before boarding.
Currency and time zone
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) and is on UTC+0. Cash is king in many places, so have some local currency for taxis and small purchases.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit card. Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive your e-Visa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-Visa. Download and print it, and also save a copy on your phone. Check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Have your passport, e-Visa, and boarding pass ready. The officer will check your documents, stamp your passport, and let you through. It's usually straightforward, but queues can be slow—patience helps.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. If you have nothing to declare, walk through the green channel. You're in!
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · China 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 (90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter and proof of funds; apply at Mauritanian embassy.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires company sponsorship and business invitation; apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 3-5 business days. | $60 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Nouakchott International Airport for some nationalities; check eligibility. | $55 |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee charged at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Chinese passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through Mauritania.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours may be exempt if they do not leave the transit area – verify with airline.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
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; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) and mosquito avoidance measures.
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–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and overstay issues; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for CN 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 usually takes 2-5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip 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.). Check the e-Visa portal for the current fee—it's paid online. There's no embassy visit needed.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or check with the immigration office in Nouakchott for other options.
You'll be denied entry. There's no visa-on-arrival for Chinese passport holders. You must have the e-Visa before you board your flight.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from China, you don't need it. But if you've been in Africa or South America before, bring the certificate.
The e-Visa is valid for entry at Nouakchott International Airport and other official border crossings. Check the e-Visa portal for the list of accepted entry points.
You'll be refused entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
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.