Mauritania entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which saves you a trip to an embassy. 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 eVisaYou must get this visa online before you travel; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Ghanaian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Ghanaian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see proof that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Mauritania. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can support yourself financially while in Mauritania. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, cash, credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Ghanaian citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
Apply early — don't wait until the last minute
E-visa processing can take several business days, and there's no rush service. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid missing your trip.
Yellow fever certificate required
As a traveller from Ghana, you'll likely need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival in Mauritania. Make sure you have it with your travel documents.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-visa website (https://www.evisa.mr/) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel information. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
After submitting your application and payment, you'll receive your approved e-visa via email. This can take a few business days, so apply well in advance of your trip.
3
Print a copy of your e-visa
Print at least two copies of your e-visa approval. You'll need one to show at check-in and another for immigration on arrival. Keep a digital copy on your phone as a backup.
4
Arrive at the airport in Mauritania
When you land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration counter. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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
CostVaries (approx. $100–$200)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy or via pre-approval.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Fee varies by nationality; check official portal. | $70 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the National Police (Sureté Nationale) in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | Approx. $30 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee for most travelers. | 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
Ghanaian passport holders transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours. However, due to lack of dedicated airside transit facilities, most travelers must clear immigration and therefore need a visa.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members on duty may be exempt.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission, including Ghana.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas, especially southern Mauritania. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) recommended.
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
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited services; arrive early.
Practical information for GH 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 typically takes a few business days, but it can vary. It's best to apply at least a week before your planned departure to avoid any last-minute issues.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is payable online during the application. The exact amount may vary, so check the official e-visa portal for the current fee.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You'll need to leave the country before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to exit and re-enter with a new visa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ghana is on that list, so you'll likely need to show your yellow fever card at immigration.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Ghanaian passport holders, so you must have the e-visa before you travel.
The e-visa is generally accepted at all official entry points, including land borders and seaports, but it's always best to confirm with the Mauritanian embassy if you're planning a non-air arrival.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new visa to re-enter.
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.