Mauritania entry requirements for South Korea passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
South Korean passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, and it's a straightforward process if you have your documents ready.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for MauritaniaYou must get this online visa approved before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | South Korean passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months from entry | Your South Korean passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a completely blank page for the immigration 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 your outbound flight details ready — immigration often asks to see them. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward flight ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's not always checked, but having proof of money helps avoid issues at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., cash, bank statement, credit card) to cover your stay in Mauritania, though no specific amount is published. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration (e.g., health or customs form) is required for South Korean passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
| E-visa application documentsGather these documents before starting the online application to avoid delays. Prepare for online form | When applying for the e-visa, have your passport bio page scan, a recent passport-style photo, and your travel itinerary (flight details and accommodation) ready to upload. | Required |
Apply early — don't risk it
E-visa processing can take up to 5 business days, and there's no visa-on-arrival for Korean passport holders. If you show up without an approved e-visa, you'll be turned away at the airport.
Print everything
Immigration in Mauritania is paper-based. Have a printed copy of your e-visa, return ticket, and hotel booking. Digital copies on your phone may not be accepted.
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 bio page and a passport-sized photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Print your e-visa
Print the approved e-visa document. You'll need to show it at check-in and again at immigration in Mauritania.
4
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
When you land, head to the immigration queue. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · South Korea Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay e-Visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$180 (approx.)
For business or frequent travel; apply online.
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Paid online before arrival; non-refundable. | $120 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; South Koreans generally must obtain e-Visa in advance. | $55 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport exit tax for international flights. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
South Korean passport holders transiting through Mauritania (e.g., at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport) must obtain a transit visa before arrival if leaving the international transit area. Airside transit without a visa is permitted only for immediate connection on the same aircraft or within a few hours, but confirmation from the airline is advised.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may be allowed airside transit without a visa for up to 24 hours, but this is at the discretion of border police.
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 = 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 2 to 5 business days, but it can occasionally take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. Check the official e-visa portal for the current amount — it's usually around $50–$100, but it can change.
No, South Korean passport holders must have an approved e-visa before arriving. There's no visa-on-arrival option for Korean citizens.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new e-visa.
You'll be denied entry. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your planned arrival date in Mauritania.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from South Korea, it's not required. But if you've been in Africa or South America recently, bring your vaccination certificate.
The Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). You can exchange money at the airport or banks in Nouakchott. Credit cards are accepted in some hotels, but cash is king elsewhere.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.