Mauritania entry requirements for Netherlands 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
If you hold a Dutch passport, you can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. Just handle the paperwork at Nouakchott International Airport or at land borders. No need to apply beforehand.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you fly. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 2–3 business days, so apply at least a week ahead.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Dutch passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this at the counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but having it avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Officers may ask to see proof of sufficient funds — around $100 USD per day of stay. A recent bank statement or a credit card with a decent limit works. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no ATMs nearby. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
eSIM saves time at the airport
Airalo eSIMs activate the moment you land — no need to queue at a local SIM shop. Useful for maps, taxis, and contacting your hotel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to complete. Basic info: name, passport number, flight details, hotel address.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the form and your passport to the officer. Pay the fee in cash (euros or dollars). They'll process the visa sticker.
4
Pass through immigration
Once the visa is in your passport, proceed to the immigration desk. Show your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof if asked.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After stamping, collect your bags from the carousel and walk through customs. No further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available at embassy; allows multiple entries. Must leave and re-enter.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires employer or school sponsorship. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Salarié (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) + employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) + investment proof
For significant investors (minimum $50,000 USD investment). Requires business plan and approval from Ministry of Investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (euros or dollars) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure; avoid to prevent future entry issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), no cap |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Netherlands passport holders transiting through Mauritania airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Mauritanian visa or residence permit may transit without restrictions.
- Transit through land borders requires a 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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
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 avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
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 NL 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 = 40.09 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport and at most land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal or Morocco). The process is the same — fill a form, pay in cash, get the sticker.
The fee varies by nationality but is typically around €55–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash — euros or dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to go to the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott with your passport, a reason for extension, and pay a fee. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from the Netherlands, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa recently, bring your yellow card.
Mauritania is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid travelling alone at night in Nouakchott. The desert regions are safe during the day but always travel with a guide. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
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.