Mauritania entry requirements for India passport holders
Verified May 14, 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
Indian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport and other entry points in Mauritania. The process is straightforward — you pay the fee and receive your visa at immigration. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Indian nationals.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Approval typically takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until you receive the confirmation.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport 6 months validity required | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward ticket ready — they may refuse entry without it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Mauritania help satisfy immigration. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended | Carry at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card showing available balance. Immigration may ask how you plan to fund your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros, US dollars, or Mauritanian ouguiya. Cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The standard 30-day visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need a longer stay, apply for a visa at a Mauritanian embassy before traveling.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form with your name, passport details, and purpose of visit. You'll get it at the counter. Bring a pen.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and fee. Current cost is around €55 or equivalent in USD/ouguiya. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer stamps the visa into your passport. Then join the main immigration queue for entry stamping. Show your return ticket if asked.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No arrival declaration needed.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · India Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 14, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; similar to VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (~120 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap known; avoid overstaying. | ~10 EUR (~11 USD) per day |
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
No transit visa needed
India passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 = 39.99 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 fee is approximately €55 (or equivalent in US dollars or Mauritanian ouguiya). Pay in cash at the immigration counter. Prices can change slightly, so bring a little extra.
Visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport and some land border crossings, but the airport is the most reliable. If entering by land, confirm with the nearest Mauritanian embassy beforehand.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. India is not on that list, but if you have recently traveled to an affected country, carry your certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
No. Only cash is accepted at the visa on arrival counter. Bring euros, US dollars, or Mauritanian ouguiya. Small denominations help.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid border regions with Mali and Western Sahara. Register with the Indian embassy in Rabat, Morocco (which covers Mauritania) for updates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 14, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.