Mauritania entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. The most straightforward option is to apply for an e-Visa online before you travel. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply online before travel | Ethiopian passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) and receive approval before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire soon – it must be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa page for the entry stamp and eVisa endorsement. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketShow that you plan to leave Mauritania – a booked ticket is usually enough. 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 fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can pay for your trip, though it's not always asked. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or cash in a convertible currency (e.g., MRU, EUR, USD). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra health or customs forms before landing. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Mauritania for Ethiopian passport holders. | Not required |
No visa on arrival for Ethiopian passport holders
Do not assume you can get a visa at the airport. The e-Visa is the only option, and you must have it before you fly. Airlines will check this before boarding.
Yellow fever certificate is a must
Because Ethiopia is a yellow fever risk country, carry your vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (which may not be available).
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport scan and photo, pay the fee, and submit. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive your e-Visa by email
Once approved, you'll get a PDF e-Visa. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Most international flights land here. Go to the immigration desk, present your passport and e-Visa. The officer will stamp your passport and may ask about your stay. Keep your e-Visa handy until you exit the arrivals area.
4
Proceed through customs and baggage claim
After immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Declare any large amounts of cash or restricted items if asked.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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 (90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter and proof of funds; apply at Mauritanian embassy.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$150
Requires company sponsorship and embassy approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 3-5 business days. | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; cash in MRU or EUR. | $55 |
| Visa extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 |
| Exit feeMost airlines collect this at check-in; no separate payment at airport. | 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
Transit visa required
Ethiopian passport holders require a transit visa to enter Mauritania, even for airside transit. Obtain before travel from a Mauritanian embassy.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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
For visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for ET 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
No, visa on arrival is not available for Ethiopian passport holders. You must obtain an e-Visa before you travel. The e-Visa is issued online and is valid for entry at Nouakchott and Nouadhibou airports.
Processing usually takes 3 to 5 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.) and is paid online during the application. Check the official e-Visa portal for the current fee in Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) or your currency.
The e-Visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so if you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or check with Mauritanian immigration for other options.
Yes, if you are arriving from Ethiopia (which is a yellow fever risk country), you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with you.
If your e-Visa is denied, you will not be able to enter Mauritania. Contact the Mauritanian embassy or consulate in your region for assistance. There is no visa on arrival alternative for Ethiopian passport holders.
The e-Visa is accepted at all official entry points, including land borders. However, it's always best to confirm with the border post before traveling overland, as some remote crossings may have limited internet access to verify e-Visas.
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.