Mauritania entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
Spanish passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, and the process is straightforward. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for MauritaniaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Spanish citizens must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/), complete the application, pay the fee, and receive the approved e-visa by email. Print a copy to present at immigration. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months remaining | Your Spanish passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officials may ask to see this before boarding or entry. Proof of departure | You must be able to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your authorized stay ends. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof avoids problems if an officer requests it. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional health or customs form before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for entry into Mauritania. | Not required |
| E-visa application documentsYou'll need these to upload and to receive your approved e-visa. Prepare before applying | Have a digital copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photo, and a valid email address ready when completing the e-visa application. | Required |
Apply early — don't risk it
The e-visa processing time is not guaranteed. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure to avoid last-minute stress. Also, double-check that your passport has at least 6 months validity — this is a common reason for denial.
Currency and time zone
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) and is on UTC+0. The capital is Nouakchott. Plan your arrival accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-visa website (https://www.evisa.mr/) and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the approved e-visa in hand.
3
Print your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of the e-visa. You'll need to show it at check-in and again at immigration in Mauritania.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (the main international gateway), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any other requested documents (return ticket, accommodation proof).
5
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Make sure the stamp is clear and check the validity dates on it before leaving the desk.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
Business visa (multiple entry, 180 days)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150
For frequent business travelers.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires work permit and local sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical certificate. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee. | $35 |
| E-visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer stay option. | $50 |
| E-visa (multiple entry, 90 days)For frequent travelers. | $70 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at police headquarters in Nouakchott. | $20 |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most airlines include it; confirm at check-in. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Airside transit without a visa is permitted for up to 24 hours if you stay in the international zone and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an e-visa before arrival.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. Certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialTetanus-diphtheriaRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in the 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 or boiled water and avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high year-round in all regions. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine). Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 de l'Immigration et des Passeports
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and cash.
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Rue de la Plage, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited services.
Practical information for ES 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 fee varies depending on the type of visa and processing speed. Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee. You'll pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, Spanish citizens must have an approved e-visa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival option.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and apply for a new visa.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Mauritanian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Spain, it's not required. But check your itinerary — if you have a layover in a risk country, you may need the certificate.
You may be refused entry. Always carry a printed copy. A digital copy on your phone might not be accepted, so don't rely on it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.