Mauritania entry requirements for Latvia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Latvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. You'll handle it at the airport in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou — no need to apply before you travel.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal before you travel. The online form takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you'll receive a PDF to show on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Latvian passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready — they may not accept a verbal explanation. | 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 rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Bring a recent bank statement or enough cash (around €200–€300) to cover your stay. Immigration rarely checks this for Latvian passport holders, but it's a standard requirement in the regulations. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There's no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Check your passport validity carefully
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires sooner, you'll be turned away at the airport. Count from the day you land, not your departure date.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Fly into Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' after passport control.
2
Fill out the visa form
At the visa counter, you'll get a short application form. Fill it out with your personal details and flight info.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. The fee is around €55–€60 for a single-entry visa. Have exact change if possible.
4
Get your visa and enter
The officer will stamp or stick the visa in your passport. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and exit.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available on request at embassy; not always granted on arrival.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD cash at the airport or border. Valid for up to 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Latvia passport holders transiting through Mauritania airports 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 risk.
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.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) and mosquito avoidance.
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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Boulevard de la Plage, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north. Limited English; French/Arabic helpful.
Practical information for LV 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 = 40.06 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 costs about €55–€60 for a single-entry visa. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. It is not extendable.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and Nouadhibou International Airport. Land borders may have different rules.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check your itinerary — if you're coming directly from Europe, you likely don't need it.
You'll be denied entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you enter Mauritania. Renew your passport before you travel.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania has security risks, especially in border regions and remote areas. Check your government's travel advisories before booking. Stick to major cities and tourist areas.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.