Mauritania entry requirements for Laos passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Laos passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport in Nouakchott — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you fly. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Vientiane and Pakse will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card showing at least $200 USD available. Officers rarely ask, but it's safer to have proof ready. | Recommended |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (USD or euros). There are no ATMs before immigration, so bring the exact amount.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott airport is usually quick — 10 to 20 minutes. Just have your documents ready and cash in hand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter — it's usually before the main passport control booths.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Have a pen handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. The exact amount varies — typically around 55-60 USD or equivalent in euros. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Submit your documents and get the visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer will process and stamp the visa. The whole process usually takes 10-20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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
Cost55 EUR (approx. 60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (approx. 120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival entry feeSingle entry, payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport. | 55 EUR (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | 10 EUR/day (approx. 11 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
Laos passport holders transiting through Mauritania airports 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
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline).
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 permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for LA 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 = 39.94 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 typically around 55-60 USD or the equivalent in euros. Bring cash — credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — check with the immigration office in Nouakchott if you need more time.
Extensions are not officially listed as available for this visa type. If you need a longer stay, it's best to apply for a visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready.
You will likely be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling to Mauritania.
No, it's not required for the visa. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Mauritania can be very high.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if you're entering overland.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.