Mauritania entry requirements for Luxembourg passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Luxembourg passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. Queue at the airport or border post, pay the fee in cash. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Mauritania offers a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport for Luxembourg passport holders. You can also apply for an eVisa in advance through the official MAAVE portal to save time at the border. The eVisa costs around $55 USD and is usually processed within 72 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Luxembourg passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines at Luxembourg Airport will check this before boarding — they enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they may not accept a verbal promise. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No cards, no mobile payments. Bring exact change if possible — the counter may not have change for large notes.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is well-established for Luxembourg passport holders. Expect a short queue, a simple form, and a 5–10 minute processing time. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Mauritania. Fill it in while waiting.
3
Pay the visa fee and get your sticker
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process the payment and affix a visa sticker into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your return ticket and accommodation confirmation handy in case they ask.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Luxembourg Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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 date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Salarié (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100–200 (approx. $110–220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at airport or land border. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before expiry. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
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
No transit visa needed
Luxembourg 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) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in 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 bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as atovaquone-proguanil or 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 overstay fines; bring passport, fee in cash, and a passport photo.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.
Practical information for LU 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
The visa-on-arrival fee is approximately €55 (or equivalent in US dollars). You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or screenshot on your phone ready.
It's available at Nouakchott International Airport and major land border crossings. For smaller border posts, check in advance. The airport is the most reliable.
It's not mandatory for the visa, but immigration may ask where you're staying. Having a booking confirmation avoids delays. You can book a refundable hotel just in case.
Euros or US dollars are accepted. Avoid other currencies. Bring small denominations — the immigration counter may not have change for large bills.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.