Mauritania entry requirements for Israel passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Israeli passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. The online application takes about 15 minutes and approval usually comes within 72 hours, so apply at least 5 days before you fly. As of 2026, this is the only way to get a visa in advance — there's no visa on arrival for Israeli citizens.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for MauritaniaYou must get this online approval before you fly – there is no way to get it at the border. Apply online before travel | Israeli passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The visa is required for entry; no visa on arrival is available for Israeli citizens. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry – if it's under 6 months, renew it before you go. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Israeli passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketEven though it's not a legal requirement, it's smart to have a ticket out of Mauritania to avoid airline refusal. Not officially required | Mauritanian authorities do not require proof of a return or onward ticket for Israeli passport holders, but airlines may ask to see one at check-in. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsYou won't be asked to show bank statements, but have money for daily expenses. Not officially required | There is no official requirement to show proof of funds for Israeli citizens entering Mauritania, but carrying some cash or a card is practical for your stay. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra online form before landing. Not required | Mauritania does not require an arrival declaration form for Israeli passport holders. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — apply for the eVisa in advance
Mauritania does not offer a visa on arrival for Israeli passport holders. The eVisa is the only option. Do not arrive without an approved eVisa — you'll be denied boarding at Ben Gurion.
Cash is king at the airport
There are no ATMs at Nouakchott Airport, and credit cards are not accepted for the visa fee (if you haven't paid online) or for most local transactions. Bring enough cash in USD or euros for the visa fee and a few days of expenses.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to maave.gov.mr/en/ and fill out the application form. Upload a clear scan of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee with a credit card. You'll receive a confirmation email — keep it.
2
Wait for approval (up to 72 hours)
Most applications are processed within 72 hours, but it can take longer during peak times. Check your email (including spam) for the approval. Print a copy or save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
Check in and fly to Mauritania
At Ben Gurion, the airline will verify your eVisa before issuing a boarding pass. There are no direct flights from Israel, so you'll likely transit through Europe or North Africa. Make sure your layover is long enough to catch your connection.
4
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Have your passport, eVisa printout (or phone), return ticket, and accommodation proof ready. The officer will check your documents and stamp your passport. The process usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company; apply at embassy.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
ValiditySingle entry within 30 days
Cost$50 (approx.)
For onward travel to third country; must show confirmed ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa application feeStandard single-entry fee; payable online. | $120 (approx.) |
| E-visa processing feeNon-refundable service charge. | $20 (approx.) |
| Visa extension feePer extension, up to 30 days; apply at police station in Nouakchott. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost airlines collect 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
Israeli citizens require a transit visa even for airside transit. Apply for e-visa or transit visa before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no intention to leave the international zone may be allowed to transit without visa if they stay within the airport for less than 24 hours — but this is not guaranteed for Israeli passport holders; check with airline.
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.)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the 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 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 immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for IL 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 fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is payable online with a credit card. The exact amount is shown on the application portal (maave.gov.mr/en/) — it's typically around €55 (approx. $60 USD). There are no additional fees at the airport if you've already paid online.
The eVisa is typically valid for 30 days from the date of entry. It can be extended once at the immigration office in Nouakchott for an additional 30 days (fee applies). Go to the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale on Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser before your current visa expires.
No. As of 2026, the eVisa is the only option for Israeli passport holders. There is no visa on arrival for Israeli citizens. Do not attempt to arrive without an approved eVisa — you'll be denied boarding.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're traveling directly from Israel, you don't need it. But if you've been in any African country recently, get the shot and carry the certificate.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can extend it once at the immigration office in Nouakchott. The extension costs around €30 and gives you another 30 days. Go to the office before your current visa expires.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisories. There are no direct flights from Israel, so you'll likely transit through Europe or North Africa. Be aware of local customs and dress modestly.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.