Mauritania entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Mauritania. The application is completed online through the official portal, and approval is typically issued within 3-5 business days. Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaItalian passport holders must have an approved eVisa to enter Mauritania; there is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an approved eVisa from the official Mauritanian government portal before departure. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and does not allow extension. Apply at least several days before your trip. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. Check your passport's expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 completely blank page (not counting the endorsement pages) for the entry stamp. Ensure no visas or marks occupy the page where the stamp will be placed. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you have plans to leave the country, not just arrive. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your authorized stay ends. Immigration may ask to see it on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsBorder officers may ask how you will finance your trip. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements or credit cards. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsHaving a place to stay documented helps prove your travel plans. Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a confirmed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania, including the address and contact details. This may be requested at immigration. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if your itinerary includes a stopover in a yellow-fever endemic country. Required if arriving from at-risk country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Not required when traveling directly from Italy. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional online or paper declaration. No separate form needed | Mauritania does not require a separate arrival declaration form for Italian citizens. Your passport and eVisa are sufficient for entry. | Not required |
E-visa is mandatory
Italian citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Apply online at https://www.evisa.mr/.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement.
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'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport's bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get your e-visa as a PDF. Print it out and also keep a copy on your phone. Check the details (name, passport number, dates) for any errors.
3
At the airport in Italy
When checking in for your flight, show your printed e-visa and passport. The airline will verify that you have the visa before issuing your boarding pass.
4
Arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. Present your passport, e-visa, and any other requested documents. The officer will stamp your passport and you'll proceed to baggage claim.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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)
Max stay1 year
ValidityUp to 5 years
Cost$150
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreigners with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable online; non-refundable | $70 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; check with Mauritanian embassy | $55 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the National Police in Nouakchott | $30 |
| Exit fee (if applicable)May be included in airfare; confirm at departure | $10 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Transit visa required for Italian citizens unless holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports
- 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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 limited 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
Bring passport, photo, and fee in cash for extension requests.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Limited services; extensions may require travel to Nouakchott.
Practical information for IT 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 3-5 business days, but it can be longer. Apply well in advance of your trip.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and the type of visa. Check the official e-visa portal for the exact amount — it's usually around $50-100 USD.
No, the e-visa is required for Italian passport holders. You must obtain it before you travel.
The standard e-visa is typically single-entry. If you need multiple entries, you may need to apply for a different type at an embassy.
If your application is denied, you'll need to contact the Mauritanian embassy or consulate for further assistance. You won't be able to enter the country without a valid visa.
Yes, every traveller, including infants and children, needs their own e-visa. You'll need to submit a separate application for each child.
The e-visa typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
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.