Mauritania entry requirements for Denmark passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 16, 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

Danish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport in Nouakchott — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is current as of 2026.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Apply for Mauritania eVisa
Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. A printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary showing departure from Mauritania within your visa validity is sufficient.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient funds for stay
Carry cash (euros or US dollars) or have a bank statement showing you can cover your expenses. There is no fixed minimum, but around $100–$150 per day is a safe benchmark.Recommended
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring euros or US dollars in small denominations. There is no ATM before the visa counter, so come prepared.
Visa validity starts on the day of issue
Your 30-day visa validity begins the day you receive it, not the day you enter. If you arrive late at night, the clock starts ticking immediately. Plan your stay accordingly.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. You'll find the visa-on-arrival counter before the main passport control booths. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation details ready.
2
Complete the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to fill out. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. A pen is handy — the counter may not have one.
3
Pay the visa fee
The visa fee is paid in cash at the counter. Exact change in euros or US dollars is preferred. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or $60. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before walking away. The visa is usually valid for 30 days.
5
Proceed to passport control
With your visa in hand, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport and visa. You may be asked about your return ticket or accommodation — answer clearly.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Denmark Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 16, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

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

Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€70 (approx. $76 USD)

Apply at Mauritanian embassy before travel; allows longer stay than VoA.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)

Good for multiple visits; must be arranged in advance.

Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $218 USD)

Requires invitation letter and proof of purpose; apply at embassy.

work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $163 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable based on course length
€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $545 USD) plus investment proof
For those investing at least $50,000 in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and registration. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD at the airport upon arrival.€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are cumulative; pay before departure to avoid issues.€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day, max €200 (approx. $218 USD)

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

No transit visa needed

Denmark passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit through Mauritanian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
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 transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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

High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. 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 Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

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

Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00

Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.

Practical information for DK 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 = 40.13 MRU
updated May 16
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

The visa fee is approximately €55 or $60 USD, paid in cash at the counter. Euros and US dollars are preferred. Bring exact change if possible — the officer may not have change for large bills.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Check the dates on the sticker before leaving the counter. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, extensions are possible. You'll need to go to the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires. The process takes a few days and costs around 1,000 MRU (about $25 USD). Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the fee in cash.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, such as the border with Senegal at Rosso. The process is similar — fill out a form, pay the fee, and get your visa. However, the counter may not always be staffed, so arriving during daylight hours is safer.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for entry. Check the latest health requirements before you travel.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to leave the airport, you'll need the visa on arrival. The same rules apply — passport validity, return ticket, and fee.
Overstaying can result in a fine of around 1,000 MRU per day (about $25 USD). You'll pay at the airport before departure. To avoid this, extend your visa or leave before it expires.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 16, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.