Mauritania entry requirements for Sri Lanka passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Sri Lankan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle it at the airport in Nouakchott — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport. Have 55 USD cash ready for the single-entry visa fee (30 days). The process takes 10–15 minutes — fill out the arrival card on the plane and hand it with your passport and cash at the visa counter before immigration. | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Mauritania. Officers rarely ask, but having a printed copy avoids delays at the visa counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds for your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott, and credit cards are not widely accepted. | Recommended |
Cash is king at immigration
The visa fee must be paid in cash — US dollars or euros. Credit cards are not accepted. Have small bills ready to avoid problems with change.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The visa on arrival is valid for a single stay and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or arrange a different visa beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After you land, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival — look for the 'Visa on Arrival' sign.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months), your return/onward ticket (screenshot is fine), and your first night's accommodation booking. The officer will process your visa.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. The exact amount varies — expect around 55-60 USD or equivalent in euros. Have small bills ready. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before you walk away.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and exit
Once you have the visa, head to baggage claim, then customs. Keep your passport handy — there may be a secondary check at the exit.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (~$120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. | 55 EUR (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry bans. | Unknown (estimated 10-20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Unclear accommodation20%
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
Sri Lanka passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas, especially during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in southern regions.
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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for northern region.
Practical information for LK 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. Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Have small bills ready to avoid change issues.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly.
No, the visa on arrival cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check your itinerary — if you're transiting through a risk area, get the vaccine and carry the certificate.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by immigration. Renew your passport before you travel.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. For land border crossings, check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy before you travel — rules may differ.
No, Mauritania does not offer an eVisa for Sri Lankan passport holders. The visa on arrival is the standard method.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.