Mauritania entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for MauritaniaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once you're in Mauritania. Apply before travel | Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Mauritania. Apply online at the official e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) well in advance of your travel date. The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months | Your Sri Lankan passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended 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 page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to carry proof that you can support yourself financially while in the country. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing. Not required | Mauritania does not require an arrival declaration form for Sri Lankan passport holders. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Sri Lankan passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have an approved e-visa before you board your flight. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from your arrival date, with at least 1 blank page. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport is close to expiring, renew it first.
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 your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days — apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you'll get an email with your e-visa. Print a physical copy — don't rely on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Nouakchott.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Have your passport, printed e-visa, and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp your passport — check the stamp to confirm your allowed stay duration.
4
Clear customs and exit
After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs. If you have nothing to declare, you'll walk straight out. Keep your passport and e-visa copy handy for any spot checks.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business e-visa
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$100 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
Validity1 year
Cost$150 (approx.)
Must be arranged via Mauritanian embassy; requires work permit and police clearance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-Visa (single entry, tourist)Standard fee for Sri Lankan passport holders; payable online before travel. | $55 (approx.) |
| E-Visa (multiple entry, tourist)Allows multiple entries within validity period. | $80 (approx.) |
| Airport arrival visa (if eligible)Only if e-visa not obtained in advance; subject to immigration officer discretion. | $55 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott; max extension up to 3 months. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate exit fee charged at airport for most nationalities. | Included in airfare |
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 Lankan passport holders transiting through Mauritania (Nouakchott) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing to a third country within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa is required.
- If transiting to/from certain countries (e.g., Israel), additional checks may apply.
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 = 39.92 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 2–5 business days, but it can vary. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and paid online during the application. It's typically around $50–$100, but check the portal for the exact amount — it can change.
No — the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave before your authorized stay expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter with a new e-visa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're coming directly from Sri Lanka, it's not required, but check if you're transiting through an at-risk country.
You'll be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. There's no visa-on-arrival for Sri Lankan passport holders. Don't risk it — apply online before you travel.
The standard e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Mauritania, you'll need a new e-visa to return. Check the portal for any multi-entry options, but assume single-entry.
The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). You can exchange at banks or use ATMs in Nouakchott. Credit cards are accepted in major 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.