Mauritania entry requirements for France passport holders
Verified May 13, 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
French passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026. Just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you fly. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your French passport needs to be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they won't let you through without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to about 200 USD per day of stay. Officers rarely check this, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or US dollars. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
French passport holders get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott Airport without prior application. Just have your documents ready and cash for the fee. The process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (given on the plane), and pay the visa fee in cash. The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker intact — it's your entry permit.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · France Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 13, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€45 (~$49 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Paris or online via e-visa portal; faster processing.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€90 (~$98 USD)
Requires letter of invitation or hotel bookings for each entry.
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€60 (~$65 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company and chamber of commerce approval.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD) processing fee
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract, medical certificate, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~€500 (~$545 USD) plus proof of investment
For individuals investing at least €50,000 in Mauritania (business, real estate, or agriculture). Requires business plan and local partner. Includes family reunification.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~€50 (~$55 USD) processing fee
For enrolment in a recognized Mauritanian university or institute. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or US dollars cash upon arrival at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airports. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Available at same points, requires justification for multiple entries. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires; max extension 90 days total. | €30 (~$33 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration office or airport departure; overstay beyond 30 days may lead to ban. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €300 (~$327 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
France passport holders transiting through Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa 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 (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa). Certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolio (adult booster)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mauritania, especially in southern regions and during rainy season (July–October).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink only bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in southern regions (e.g., Rosso, Kaédi). Use mosquito nets and DEET repellent.
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 Documentation et des Migrations (DGDM)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, near Ministry of Interior
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa-on-arrival receipt, and cash.
Nouadhibou
Direction Régionale de la Documentation et des Migrations
Boulevard de la Résistance, near port area
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers arriving via land border from Western Sahara.
Practical information for FR 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 = 39.99 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
The visa on arrival fee is around €55 or equivalent in US dollars. Pay in cash — Euros or USD are accepted. No card payments.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter.
The standard stay is up to 30 days. The exact duration is stamped in your passport at entry. Don't overstay — fines apply.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you need a vaccination certificate. Coming directly from France, it's not required. Check current health advisories before travel.
Visa on arrival is available at most land border crossings, but it's less predictable. The process is smoother at Nouakchott Airport. If crossing by land, confirm with the nearest Mauritanian embassy beforehand.
There is no e-visa system for French citizens. The visa on arrival is the standard method. You can apply for a traditional visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel, but it's not necessary and takes longer.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a printed or digital return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for the first night. The officer may also ask for proof of sufficient funds — a bank statement or cash is fine.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 13, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.