Mauritania entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 15, 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
South Korean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Korean travellers.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the MAAVE portal. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and a scan of your passport bio page. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your South Korean passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Mauritania does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it's valid for the full duration of your trip. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Bring around $200–$300 in cash (USD or euros) or a recent bank statement. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during the stay — showing cash or a card with available funds works fine. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars only. No credit cards, no ATM nearby. Bring the exact amount to avoid hassle.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Have your booking info handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (euros or US dollars) at the counter. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Then head to the main passport control queue.
5
Show your return ticket if asked
Immigration may request proof of onward travel. Have your booking confirmation ready on your phone.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 15, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival at Nouakchott Airport. Must have passport valid 6+ months and return ticket.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€80 (~$87 USD)
Also available on arrival. Allows multiple entries within validity.
Long-stay visa (e.g., work or study)
Max stayUp to 1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostVaries (typically €100–200, ~$109–218 USD)
Must apply at Mauritanian embassy in Seoul or nearest embassy. Requires employer or school sponsorship.
work visa
Mauritania Work Visa (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (~$163 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign nationals with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Mauritania Student Visa
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (~$109 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in euros or US dollars cash at the airport. Exact change recommended. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, 90 days)Available at Nouakchott International Airport. Cash only. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office or airport departure. Avoid overstaying to prevent future entry bans. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day, max €200 (~$218 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
South Korean passport holders transiting through Nouakchott International Airport do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
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 only bottled or boiled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in the south. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 de l'Immigration et des Passeports
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay payments. Bring passport, visa, and cash (euros or dollars).
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Near Port de Nouadhibou, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa issues for travellers arriving by sea or from Western Sahara. Limited services.
Practical information for KR 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 = 40.13 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 €55 or $60 USD, paid in cash at the airport. No card or other currencies accepted. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Mauritanian immigration. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. South Korea is not a yellow fever country, so it's not required if you're flying directly from Korea. But if you've recently been in an affected country, bring proof.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at some land border crossings, but the process is less predictable. The airport in Nouakchott is the most reliable. If entering by land, confirm with the nearest Mauritanian embassy beforehand.
You may be refused entry. Immigration officers often ask for proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or one with a flexible change policy just in case.
Mauritania is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime and scams can occur in cities. Avoid non-essential travel to remote border areas. Register with the South Korean embassy in Rabat (Morocco) or check travel advisories before you go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 15, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.