Mauritania entry requirements for Japan passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Japanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with the right documents. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires a few specific items ready.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before you travel. The online form takes about 15 minutes — you'll need a passport scan, a passport photo, and a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you print the eVisa to show at immigration in Nouakchott.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Japanese passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. No specific 6-month rule applies, but airlines at Narita or Haneda may still ask for at least 6 months validity — check with your carrier before departure. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers in Nouakchott routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may deny entry if you can't show you're leaving. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host. While not always checked, having it ready avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have enough cash (e.g., €200–€300 equivalent) or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself, especially if you're staying more than a few days. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Have the exact amount in small bills to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward but can be slow
Expect to wait 30–60 minutes at the visa on arrival counter, especially if multiple flights land at once. Be patient and have all documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There is a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Join the queue and have your passport, blank page, and return ticket ready.
2
Submit documents and pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport and any requested documents. The officer will process the visa and collect the fee (cash in euros or US dollars is preferred — have small bills). The visa is typically a 30-day single entry.
3
Receive visa sticker and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, you'll get a sticker in your passport. Then go to the main passport control queue for entry stamping. Keep your boarding pass and return ticket handy.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Japan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD at the airport; valid for up to 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD/day), max €200 (approx. $218 USD) |
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
Japan passport holders transiting through Nouakchott International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 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 = 40.09 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 visa on arrival fee is around 55–60 euros (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash — euros or USD are preferred. Have small bills as change may not be available.
It's typically a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but must be arranged at the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott. The process takes a few days and costs around 1,000–2,000 MRU (about 25–50 euros). Do this before your current visa expires.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, but the process may be slower and less predictable. The airport in Nouakchott is the most reliable place to get it. Carry extra passport photos just in case.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Japan, it's not required, but check your itinerary for any transit stops in affected regions.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur in Nouakchott. Avoid walking alone at night, keep valuables out of sight, and register with the Japanese embassy on arrival.
The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted for visa fees and larger purchases. ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott, so bring enough cash for your stay.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.