Mauritania entry requirements for India 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
Indian passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Mauritania, and the good news is you can apply for it entirely online before you travel—no embassy visit required. Here's what you need to know to ensure a smooth entry in 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Indian passport holders must obtain an eVisa from the official Mauritanian government portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) before arrival. The eVisa is not extendable. Apply at least several days before departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Indian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for the immigration officer to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready to show at the border. 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 fundsNot always asked, but it's safer to have proof of financial means. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if you need this based on your travel route. Required for travelers from endemic areas | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. India is not currently listed as a risk country, but this may apply if you transit through an endemic country. | Recommended |
| Travel insuranceHealthcare facilities are limited; insurance can save you from high costs. Medical and evacuation coverage | Although not mandatory for visa issuance, travel insurance covering medical expenses and emergency evacuation is strongly recommended for Mauritania. | Recommended |
Apply early—do not risk it
The e-Visa portal is straightforward, but processing times can stretch. Submit your application at least 7 days before departure to avoid last-minute issues.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Mauritanian immigration will turn you away if your passport has less than 6 months validity. Check your passport's expiry date before you even start the e-Visa application.
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 will need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2–5 business days. Check your email for the approval and download the e-Visa PDF. Print a copy to be safe.
3
Arrive at the airport in Mauritania
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, e-Visa (printed or on phone), and any supporting documents.
4
Get your passport stamped
The immigration officer will verify your e-Visa and stamp your passport. Keep the stamp visible—you will need it when you leave.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · India 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
Cost$100–$200
Requires invitation letter, proof of funds, and police clearance. Apply at Mauritanian embassy in New Delhi.
Multiple-entry visa (business)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost$150
Available from Mauritanian embassy; requires business invitation and company letter.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~100 EUR (~110 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer to sponsor and obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~50 EUR (~55 USD)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Paid online at the official Mauritanian visa portal. | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Nouakchott International Airport for some nationalities; not guaranteed for Indian passport holders. | $55 |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Police des Etrangers in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 |
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
Indian passport holders require a transit visa to pass through Mauritania, even if staying airside. Obtain before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Crew members with valid airline ID may be exempt.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningitisConsider
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; risk is highest in rural areas and during rainy season (July–October).
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.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north.
Practical information for IN 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 vary. Apply at least a week before your trip to avoid stress.
The e-Visa is the standard route for Indian citizens. There is no reliable visa-on-arrival option, so get the e-Visa beforehand.
The fee depends on the type and duration of the visa you select on the e-Visa portal. Check the official site for the current fee—it is payable online.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you will have to leave and re-enter or contact immigration authorities in Mauritania for guidance.
Immigration can usually look up your e-Visa in their system, but it is risky. Always have a printed copy or a screenshot saved offline on your phone.
Only if you are arriving from a yellow fever risk country. If you are flying directly from India, it is not typically required, but check the latest health entry requirements before you travel.
The e-Visa is valid for entry at all official border points, including airports and land crossings. However, air travel is the most straightforward for most visitors.
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.