Mauritania entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 5, 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
Madagascar passport holders can get an eVisa for Mauritania. Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel, or obtain a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. As of 2026, the eVisa is the standard entry method for most nationalities.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this e-visa before you fly – it's not available on arrival. Apply before travel | Citizens of Madagascar must obtain an e-visa prior to arrival. Apply online at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The cost and processing time are not specified in the database, so check the portal for current fees and timelines. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire soon – it needs to be valid for half a year after you arrive. At least 6 months | Your Madagascar passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need an empty page in your passport for the border officials to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketEven though it's not listed as a must, it's safer to have a ticket out of Mauritania to show if asked. Not specified | The database does not specify whether a return or onward ticket is required. However, it is strongly recommended to carry proof of onward travel, as immigration officers may ask for it. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsHaving some proof that you can support yourself during your trip is a good idea, even if not officially required. Not specified | The database does not specify a proof of funds requirement. However, it is advisable to carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash in a major currency. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before you land. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Mauritania. | Not required |
eVisa required — apply in advance
The eVisa is mandatory for entry. Apply online at least a week before travel. Processing takes 3–5 business days, and without an approved eVisa, you may be denied boarding.
Visa on arrival available as backup
If you don't apply online, you can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott Airport for €55 EUR or $60 USD in cash. However, the eVisa is faster and avoids potential delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Visit the MAAVE portal (https://maave.gov.mr/en/) and complete the application form. Upload your passport scan and pay the fee online. Processing takes 3–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll receive your eVisa as a PDF. Print a copy and save it on your phone — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
3
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
Most flights arrive at Nouakchott. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration'. Have your eVisa, passport, and return ticket ready.
4
Proceed to passport control
Present your passport with the eVisa and your boarding pass. The officer will stamp you in. Then collect your bags.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 5, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (via Mauritanian embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100–$150 (approx.)
Requires invitation letter and proof of funds; apply in advance
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (MAAVE portal)Single entry, valid for 30 days from date of issue | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (Nouakchott International Airport)Only if eVisa not obtained in advance; cash in USD or EUR | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (at police headquarters in Nouakchott)Must apply before current visa expires; not guaranteed | Varies (approx. $20–$40) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for most airlines | Included in airfare |
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
Airside transit without a visa is permitted if you stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Citizens of Madagascar do not need a visa for airside transit at Nouakchott International Airport.
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 = 39.92 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 eVisa costs €55 EUR (~$60 USD). You pay online during the application process. There is no additional fee at the airport.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport for €55 EUR or $60 USD in cash. However, the eVisa is recommended to avoid queues and ensure entry.
The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. The exact validity is written on the visa. It is not extendable.
No, the eVisa is non-extendable. If you overstay, you'll be fined €10 EUR (~$11 USD) per day, capped at €300 EUR (~$330 USD). Pay at the immigration office before departure.
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 August 5, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.