Mauritania entry requirements for Algeria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Algerian passport holders can enter Mauritania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket — no embassy visit needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Algiers airport will check this before boarding. Carry a photocopy of the bio-data page separately. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Mauritania Airlines may deny boarding without one. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Border officers rarely ask, but if you arrive without a clear place to stay, they may question your plans. A simple booking confirmation on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry enough cash (euros or dollars) or a debit/credit card to cover your stay. Mauritania is a cash-heavy country — ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your trip, especially for longer stays. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but be prepared
Algerian passport holders can enter Mauritania visa-free for up to 90 days. No embassy visit, no fee. Just make sure your passport is valid for 6+ months and you have a return ticket.
Overstaying is not an option
The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. Overstaying can result in fines and potential entry bans. Plan your exit before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — no forms to fill, no fee to pay.
2
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs — usually a quick bag scan. You're free to go.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Algeria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Mauritanian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study, etc.).
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For students enrolled in a Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
1 year, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extensionVisa-free stay is not extendable. | Not available |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines may apply; avoid overstaying as extension is not possible. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Algerian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa for stays up to 24 hours in the airport transit zone.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa-free entry applies for up to 90 days.
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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk throughout Mauritania, especially in the south. Prophylaxis recommended (e.g., 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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa-related issues; bring passport and photos.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles entry/exit issues for northern region.
Practical information for DZ 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 = 39.94 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
No. Algerian citizens can enter Mauritania visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show your passport at immigration.
No. The 90-day visa-free period cannot be extended. You must leave before day 90 or overstay and face fines or entry bans.
You will likely be denied boarding by your airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry unless you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Check with your doctor.
No. There is no arrival declaration form for tourists. Just hand over your passport at immigration.
Yes, but the main border crossing is remote and can be closed without notice. Check current conditions before driving. The visa-free policy applies at all entry points.
The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops. ATMs are available in Nouakchott but may not always work. Bring some cash.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.