Mauritania entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 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
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. The process is straightforward at Nouakchott International Airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Chinese passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines at departure may enforce a 6-month validity rule, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Border officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or enough cash (around 200 USD equivalent) to cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if questioned about your ability to support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no ATM nearby. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
At Nouakchott Airport, the process takes about 15-20 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and length of stay. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. The fee is around €55 or $60. No card payments. Get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with a visa on arrival. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 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 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (~$120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or US dollars cash at the airport or border. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future bans. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
China passport holders transiting through Mauritania airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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 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 = 40.08 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 about €55 or $60, paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No credit cards accepted. Keep the receipt.
The standard stay is 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
Yes, at major land crossings like the border with Senegal or Mali. But the process is smoother at Nouakchott Airport. Have cash ready.
You'll likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months is counted from your entry date, not departure.
Not for entry, but if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you may need proof of vaccination. Check with your doctor.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but avoid border regions and remote areas. Petty crime can happen in cities. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.