Mauritania entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
Madagascar passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No advance application needed — just arrive at the airport with the right documents and cash for the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for most nationalities.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania MAAVE eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The visa on arrival option exists but the eVisa is faster and avoids cash payment at the border. Processing takes 2–3 business days.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines may enforce a 6-month validity rule at check-in, so check with your carrier before departure. | 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 digital booking ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officials occasionally ask for this, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked stay. | 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 to see proof of financial means for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Have the exact amount ready.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is simple and takes about 15-20 minutes. No need to worry — just have your documents ready.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
Most flights arrive at Nouakchott. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form asking for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, address in Mauritania. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (euros or dollars). They'll give you a receipt. Keep it — you may need it later.
4
Receive your visa and passport stamp
The officer will stamp your passport and attach the visa sticker. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. They'll stamp you in. Then collect your bags.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 EUR (~$60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at Mauritanian embassy abroad. Same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost€110 EUR (~$120 USD)
Must be applied for at Mauritanian embassy in advance. Requires invitation letter.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or USD) upon arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. | €55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 EUR (~$330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 EUR (~$11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Nouakchott International Airport 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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mauritania, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
For visa-related issues in the north. Limited services; may refer to Nouakchott.
Practical information for MG 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
Around €55 or $60 USD. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible.
Yes, but practically all international flights land at Nouakchott International Airport. Smaller airports may not have the facility — check with your airline.
Typically 30 days. The exact validity is written on the visa sticker. You can extend it at the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott. The process takes a few days and costs around 500 MRU (about $13 USD).
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Madagascar is not on the list, but check your transit countries.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but avoid border regions and remote areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.