Mauritania entry requirements for Mexico passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Mexican passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport in Nouakchott — no need to visit an embassy beforehand. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) and other entry points. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — immigration officers at the counter may ask to see them before stamping your passport. The visa costs around 55–60 EUR (or equivalent in USD) and is valid for 30 days, single entry.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your Mexican passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. Blank visa pages are not required for the visa-on-arrival stamp, but having at least one free page helps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa-on-arrival issuance | Immigration at Nouakchott airport will ask to see a confirmed onward or return ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. A printed itinerary or e-ticket works — just have it ready in your hand, not buried in your bag. If you are flying out overland, a bus or ferry booking may be accepted, but a flight ticket is safest. | 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 at the visa-on-arrival counter sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. A booking.com confirmation with your name and dates is fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 200–300 USD in cash (or euros) on you — there are no ATMs at the airport that reliably work for foreign cards. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available funds also helps if asked, but cash is what they actually want to see. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted. Bring exact change if possible to avoid issues.
Visa on arrival is single-entry
This visa allows one entry. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need to go through the visa on arrival process again.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival — usually near the main passport control area.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or $60. Have exact change if possible.
4
Submit your documents and wait
Hand over your passport, form, and payment. Processing takes 10–20 minutes. You'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
5
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa, go to the main immigration queue. Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Mexico Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost110 EUR (approx. $120 USD)
Requires application at embassy; not available on arrival.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost200 EUR (approx. $220 USD)
For work, study, or family reasons; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~200 EUR (approx. $220 USD)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 EUR (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (approx. $550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport. | 55 EUR (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid exceeding authorized stay. | Unknown (estimated 10 EUR/day) |
| Stay extension costExtensions may be possible at immigration offices; fees vary. | Unknown (estimated 30 EUR) |
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
Mexico passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Mauritania may transit without additional visa.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (Meningococcal)Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the 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. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north.
Practical information for MX 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 = 40.08 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €55 or $60 USD. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Exact change helps avoid delays.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of arrival, not departure.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The vaccination certificate may be checked on arrival. Check current requirements before you go.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if entering overland.
Your passport, the completed application form, a return or onward ticket, and the visa fee in cash. Having your accommodation booking handy is smart but not always required.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa itself. But it's strongly recommended — medical care in Mauritania can be expensive and evacuation may be necessary for serious issues.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.