Mauritania entry requirements for Laos 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
Laos passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. The most straightforward option is to apply for an eVisa online before you travel. Ensure 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 travel; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Laos passport holders must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Mauritania. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Laos passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport 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 ticketCarry evidence of your departure plans to show if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket out of Mauritania. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have evidence you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show proof of sufficient funds for your stay in Mauritania, such as bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Laos passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
eVisa is the way to go
The official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) is the only online option. Don't use third-party services — they often charge extra and provide no benefit. Apply directly on the official site.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's close to expiring, renew it before you apply for the eVisa — otherwise your visa may be invalid.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to the official Mauritanian eVisa website (evisa.mr) and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport's bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the visa fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes a few business days. Keep an eye on your email for the approval notification. Once approved, you'll receive your eVisa as a PDF — print it out and also save a copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport
When you land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, the printed eVisa, and your return ticket. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim and then customs. Have your documents ready in case customs officers ask to see them.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Laos Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; must be arranged via Mauritanian embassy
Cost$100–$200
Requires invitation letter, proof of funds, and police clearance. Apply at Mauritanian embassy in a neighboring country (e.g., Bangkok, Hanoi, or Paris).
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, tourist)Valid for 30 days from date of issue; must be obtained online before travel. | $55 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Available at Nouakchott International Airport for some nationalities; check eligibility. | $55 |
| Visa extensionPossible at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott; extension of stay up to 30 days. | $20 |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee charged at airports. | Included in airfare |
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
Transit visa required
All Lao citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa, even if staying airside. Obtain an eVisa or visa on arrival before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
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 = 39.92 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 3 to 5 business days, but it can vary. Apply well in advance — at least a week before your planned travel date — to avoid delays.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian authorities and is payable online during the application. The exact amount is shown on the eVisa portal when you apply. It's typically around $50–$100, but check the site for the current fee.
The eVisa is the recommended and most reliable option for Laos passport holders. While some nationalities can get a visa on arrival, it's safer to have the eVisa pre-approved to avoid any issues at immigration.
The standard Mauritanian eVisa is usually single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa. Check the details on your approval letter.
If your application is denied, you'll need to contact the Mauritanian embassy or consulate for further guidance. They can advise on alternative visa options. It's rare, but it can happen if your documents are incomplete.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're traveling directly from Laos, it's not required, but it's always a good idea to check with your doctor before any trip.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
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.