Mauritania entry requirements for Japan 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
Japanese passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online through the official Mauritanian eVisa portal, and the process is straightforward. Make sure 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 have an approved eVisa before boarding your flight to Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Japanese passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months | Your Japanese passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary or ticket ready to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry some cash or a bank statement to demonstrate you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Mauritania. Carry cash (MRU or major currencies) or bank statements as proof. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Japanese citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
eVisa is mandatory for Japanese citizens
Japanese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must obtain the eVisa before you travel. The official portal is 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.
Currency and time zone
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) and is on UTC+0. Plan for cash needs, as credit cards are not widely accepted outside major hotels.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Mauritanian eVisa website (evisa.mr) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. The application is in French and English.
2
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry). Keep the payment confirmation.
3
Receive your eVisa by email
Processing typically takes a few business days. You'll receive the eVisa as a PDF attachment. Print a copy and also save it on your phone.
4
Arrive in Mauritania
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or other entry points), go to immigration control. Present your passport, the printed eVisa, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan 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 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy before travel.
work visa
Travail Salarié (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€100 (approx. $110 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; fee varies by nationality and processing time. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; not all nationalities eligible. | $55 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost international flights include departure tax; confirm with airline. | 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
A transit visa is required for Japanese citizens if leaving the international transit area or staying more than 24 hours. For airside transit with no visa, you must remain in the international zone and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Holders of a valid visa for Mauritania do not need a separate transit visa.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission.
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 poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; use mosquito repellent and nets.
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
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
For extensions and re-entry permits; limited English spoken.
Practical information for JP 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 to 5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee depends on the visa type. A single-entry visa is around 55 USD, and a multiple-entry visa is around 95 USD. Check the official website for the current fee.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply for a new visa.
Only if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Japan, you don't need it.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at all border posts, including land crossings. However, some land borders may have limited facilities, so it's best to have your eVisa printed.
If your application is rejected, you'll receive an email with the reason. You can reapply, but you'll need to pay the fee again. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa at a Mauritanian embassy or consulate.
Use only the official site: evisa.mr. Be cautious of third-party sites that charge extra fees. The official site will have a .mr domain.
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.