Mauritania entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
Spanish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) at Nouakchott International Airport or other entry points. No prior application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Processing takes 1–3 business days, and you'll receive the approved visa by email — print a copy to show at the border.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Spanish passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers occasionally ask for this, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least €200 (or equivalent in euros, dollars, or ouguiya) in cash or a recent bank statement. Border officials rarely check, but it's safer to carry visible cash for the first few days. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards accepted
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). No credit cards, no mobile payments. Bring exact change — €55 or $60 — in crisp, undamaged notes. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
Visa on arrival is straightforward but slow
At Nouakchott Airport, the visa on arrival process can take 30–60 minutes depending on flight arrivals. Be patient. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket (screenshot), and cash ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Hand over €55 or $60 USD in cash. The officer will issue a receipt and process your visa. Keep the receipt safe.
3
Receive visa and enter
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Proceed to passport control, where an officer will stamp you in. You're now free to enter Mauritania.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 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 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Madrid or online if available. Requires passport, photo, and proof of funds.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires invitation letter or sponsor in Mauritania. For longer visits.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at entry. Valid for up to 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport upon departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max cap €300 (approx. $330 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Must apply before current visa expires. Subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Spain passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 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 = 40.13 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at all official entry points including Nouakchott International Airport, Nouadhibou Airport, and major land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal or Morocco). The process is the same — pay in cash.
Officers rarely have change. Bring €55 or $60 in exact, crisp notes. If you overpay, you may not get change back. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a longer visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
No. Only euros or US dollars are accepted. Do not rely on currency exchange at the airport — it may be closed or have poor rates.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Spain is not a risk country, so it's not required for direct travel from Spain. But if you've been in an endemic country recently, bring the certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Mauritanian immigration. Renew your passport before travel.
Mauritania has security risks, especially in remote areas near borders. Check your government's travel advisory. Stick to major cities and avoid travel to the Mali border region. Travel insurance with security evacuation is recommended.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.