Mauritania entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, which is faster and more convenient than a traditional embassy visa. Submit your application at least a week ahead to allow for processing.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou cannot get this visa on arrival; you must apply and be approved online before you fly. Apply online before travel | Colombian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) and receive approval before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. 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 pagesBlank pages are needed for border officials to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be asked to show that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Mauritania. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash (Mauritanian Ouguiya, MRU). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any health or customs declaration before arrival. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Mauritania. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateCarry your International Certificate of Vaccination if you have it. Yellow fever | A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check current requirements before travel. | Recommended |
e-Visa is the only way
Colombian passport holders are not eligible for visa-on-arrival in Mauritania. The e-Visa is your only option — apply online well in advance and don't rely on getting a visa at the airport.
Check your passport validity now
Mauritania requires 6 months of passport validity from your arrival date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you apply for the e-Visa — otherwise your application may be rejected.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Mauritania e-Visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) and complete the application. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit/debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Keep an eye on your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the e-Visa in hand.
3
Print or save your e-Visa
Once approved, print a copy of the e-Visa document. Also save a PDF on your phone as backup. You'll need to show this at check-in and at immigration in Nouakchott.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, e-Visa, and any other requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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 contract/study; multiple entries possible
Cost$100–$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy before travel.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $330 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable online; fees vary by nationality and duration. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; not guaranteed for all nationalities. | $55 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost airlines collect departure tax with ticket; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Colombian citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
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; certificate must be presented.
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, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high nationwide, especially in rural areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for CO 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 vary. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. Check the official e-Visa portal for the current fee — it's typically around $50-100 USD. Pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or contact the Mauritanian immigration authorities before your visa expires to ask about other options.
Only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Colombia is not on that list, but if you've traveled through a risk country (e.g., parts of Africa or South America) within the last 10 days, you'll need to show a yellow fever certificate.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There is no visa-on-arrival for Colombian passport holders. Don't risk it — get the e-Visa before you fly.
The e-Visa is valid for entry at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and other official border crossings. If you're entering overland, confirm that the specific border post accepts e-Visas — some remote crossings may not have the system.
You'll need to renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month validity is calculated from your arrival date in Mauritania, so make sure your passport is valid well beyond that.
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.