Mauritania entry requirements for France 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
French passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania, and you can get it online before you travel. The application takes about 15 minutes, and approval typically arrives within 2-5 business days, so you can handle it from home in 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | French passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there is an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself financially during your trip. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the usual immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for French citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
eVisa is mandatory — no visa on arrival
French passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must apply for the eVisa online before you travel. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/ — avoid third-party sites that may charge extra.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival. If it's close to expiring, renew it before applying for the eVisa — otherwise you'll be turned away at the border.
Processing time can vary
While the eVisa is usually processed within 2-5 business days, it can take longer during busy periods. Apply at least a week before your departure to avoid stress.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo and pay the fee with your card. The process takes about 15 minutes.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Check your email (including spam) for the approval notification. You can also check the status on the eVisa portal.
3
Print or save your eVisa
Once approved, download the eVisa PDF. Print a paper copy to keep with your passport, and also save it on your phone as a backup. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
4
Arrive in Mauritania
At the airport (likely Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and the eVisa (printed or on your phone). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the eVisa with you during your stay.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · France 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 (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; multiple entries
Cost$100–$200 (approx. 9,000–18,000 MRU)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy before arrival.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx. 13,500 MRU)
Must be arranged through a local company; not available on arrival.
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 |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; fee paid by card. | $55 (approx. 5,000 MRU) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport; cash in euros or dollars accepted. | $55 (approx. 5,000 MRU) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott; requires passport photos and proof of funds. | $30 (approx. 2,700 MRU) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for international departures. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
French citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
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 = 39.92 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
The eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of issue. You must enter Mauritania within that window. The maximum stay is also 30 days, and it is not extendable.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. It's usually around 55 USD, but check the official portal for the exact amount in your currency. The fee is non-refundable.
No, French passport holders are not eligible for a visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Without it, you'll be denied boarding.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply with corrected information, but the fee is not refunded. If you have issues, contact the Mauritanian embassy or consulate for guidance.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're traveling directly from France, it's not required, but it's recommended to check current health advisories before you go.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new eVisa, or contact the Mauritanian immigration authorities for other options (which may require leaving and re-entering).
Immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. Even if your eVisa is approved, you won't be allowed in. Always check your passport's expiry before applying.
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.