Mauritania entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders need an e-Visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, which is the simplest way to get it sorted. The process is straightforward, but 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 get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Kenyan passport holders must obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least a few days before departure. The eVisa is single-entry and non-extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Kenyan passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but having proof of funds can speed up entry. Sufficient money for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Mauritania for Kenyan passport holders. | Not required |
Apply for the e-Visa well in advance
Don't wait until the last minute. Processing can take several days, and if there are any issues with your application, you'll need time to fix them. Aim to apply at least 2 weeks before your departure.
Use only the official e-Visa portal
The only legitimate website is https://www.evisa.mr/. Be wary of third-party sites that charge extra fees or ask for unnecessary personal information. Always double-check the URL.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
If you're coming from Kenya, you must have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is a strict requirement. Without it, you could be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport, which is inconvenient and risky.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Gather your passport (with 6+ months validity), a digital photo, flight details, and accommodation info. Also, make sure your yellow fever vaccination is up to date and you have the certificate.
2
Apply for the e-Visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-Visa website (https://www.evisa.mr/) and fill out the application form. Enter your passport details exactly as they appear on your passport. Upload your photo and any required documents. Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
3
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. The e-Visa will be sent to you electronically. Print a copy to carry with you.
4
Travel to Mauritania
On arrival at Nouakchott International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, the printed e-Visa, and your yellow fever certificate if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Keep your documents during your stay
Carry your passport and a copy of your e-Visa with you at all times. Local authorities may ask to see them. Your e-Visa is valid for a single entry, so don't leave and try to re-enter without a new visa.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Mauritania eVisa (90-day single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from date of issue
Cost$90
Best option for longer stays; apply online before arrival.
Visa extension (in-country)
Max stayUp to 90 additional days
ValidityDepends on extension granted
CostApprox. $30 per month
Must apply at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott; not guaranteed.
work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 3-5 business days. | $55 |
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays; apply online. | $90 |
| Visa extension (per month)Available at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott; apply before current visa expires. | Approx. $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
No transit visa needed
Kenyan citizens transiting through Mauritania (Nouakchott) do not require a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours. However, the eVisa is available for those who wish to leave the airport.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight, you must obtain an eVisa before travel.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Kenya). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. 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
Handles extensions for visitors in the north. Limited services; expect delays.
Practical information for KE 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 about 3 to 5 business days, but it can vary. It's best to apply at least a week before your travel date to avoid delays. Check your email (including spam) for the approval.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. The exact amount can change, so check the official e-Visa portal for the current fee. It's typically around $50–$100 USD, but confirm before paying.
No, the e-Visa is the standard method for Kenyan passport holders. There is no visa-on-arrival option for this nationality. You must have the e-Visa approved before you travel.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and apply for a new visa, or contact the Mauritanian immigration authorities for guidance, but extensions are not granted.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline and entry by Mauritanian immigration. Renew your passport before applying for the e-Visa. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Yes, if you are arriving from Kenya or any other country with yellow fever risk, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be refused entry or required to get vaccinated on arrival (which is not ideal).
The currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and some restaurants in Nouakchott, but cash is king elsewhere. Carry some euros or dollars to exchange, and use ATMs where available.
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.