Mauritania entry requirements for Finland 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
Finnish passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, which is a straightforward process. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaFinnish citizens need a visa to enter Mauritania; the eVisa is the standard way to get one. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before departure. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials will stamp your passport on arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often requires evidence of onward travel. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof can speed up entry. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out an online arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Mauritania. | Not required |
No visa on arrival for Finnish citizens
Despite what you might read elsewhere, Finnish passport holders are not eligible for a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have an approved e-visa before you travel. Arriving without one means you'll be refused entry.
Apply early – don't wait
The e-visa system is reliable, but processing times can vary. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to avoid last-minute stress. Also, double-check that your passport has the required 6 months validity – this is a common reason for visa denials.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel plans. The form is in French and English.
2
Pay the e-visa fee and submit
Pay the required fee online using a credit or debit card. After submission, you'll receive a confirmation email with a reference number. Keep this safe.
3
Receive your e-visa by email
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Once approved, you'll receive the e-visa as a PDF. Print a copy to carry with you – you'll need to show it at check-in and upon arrival.
4
Arrive in Mauritania
At Nouakchott International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and the printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Finland 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 stayUp to 1 year
ValidityIssued for specific purpose (work, study, etc.)
Cost$150
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa
1 year, renewable
€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 in a local business. Requires business plan and registration.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 3-5 business days. | $60 |
| eVisa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays; apply online. | $100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Available at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott; apply before current visa expires. | $30 |
| Airport departure taxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Finnish citizens transiting through Mauritania without leaving the international transit area do not require a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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 poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider 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 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.
Nouadhibou
Immigration Office Nouadhibou
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north.
Practical information for FI 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 during peak times. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. The official portal will show the exact amount when you apply. Expect to pay around €50-€100 for a standard tourist visa.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the immigration office in Nouakchott for other options (though extensions are generally not granted).
This is a health requirement, not a visa one. If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a vaccination certificate. It's always a good idea to check current health advice before travel.
Finnish citizens cannot get a visa on arrival. You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. Don't risk it – get the e-visa beforehand.
Typically, the e-visa is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa each time.
Yes, the e-visa is accepted at all international airports and land border crossings. Just present the printed copy along with your passport.
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.