Mauritania entry requirements for Malaysia 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
Malaysian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Nouakchott International Airport.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply for Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at maave.gov.mr/en/ before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 2-3 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you are staying — having a booking confirmation avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient funds for stay | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if you cannot show means to support yourself, they may deny entry. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. There are no ATMs or card machines at the visa counter. Bring the exact amount if possible.
Visa on arrival is straightforward at the airport
Nouakchott International Airport handles visa on arrival daily. The process takes 15–30 minutes. 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 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before passport control.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa receipt safe — you may need it when leaving.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel. There are no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Malaysia 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 abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in euros or US dollars cash upon arrival at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, 30 days)Available at same airports; allows multiple entries within validity. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
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
Malaysia 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 risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, 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
Malaria is high risk nationwide; prophylaxis recommended (e.g., 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 immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for MY 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 standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay. Visit the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott. The process takes a few days and costs around 1,000–2,000 MRU (about $25–$50).
Visa on arrival is also available at some land borders, but it's less reliable. The main border crossings with Senegal and Mali may issue it, but expect longer waits and potential requests for bribes. Flying into Nouakchott is the smoothest option.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need to show a vaccination certificate. Malaysia is not a yellow fever country, so you won't need it unless you've recently been to an affected area.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers tourism and short business visits. For longer work assignments or paid employment, you'll need a work visa arranged before travel.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 500–1,000 MRU per day, and you may be questioned at the airport. In serious cases, you could be detained. It's best to extend or leave on time.
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime like pickpocketing happens in markets and bus stations. Avoid the border regions with Mali and Western Sahara due to security risks. Register with the Malaysian embassy in Rabat (Morocco) if you're staying long.
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.