Mauritania entry requirements for Netherlands passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 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
Dutch passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online through the official Mauritanian eVisa portal before you travel — it's straightforward and saves you queueing at the embassy. Plan ahead, because the eVisa needs to be approved before you fly.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaDutch passport holders must secure an approved eVisa prior to departure; there is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr). The eVisa is valid for a single entry and is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date, or you may be denied boarding. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your Netherlands passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials require a blank page to stamp your passport upon entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration may ask to see evidence that you plan to leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Mauritania. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always requested, having proof of funds can help avoid issues at border control. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card) to cover your expenses during your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional health or customs declaration forms before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for entry into Mauritania. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Dutch passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. The eVisa must be approved before you fly. Give yourself at least a week, ideally more, to avoid last-minute stress.
Print your eVisa
You'll need a physical copy of your eVisa approval to show at airline check-in and at immigration. A screenshot on your phone is not enough — print it out.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires sooner, renew it before applying for the eVisa — otherwise your application may be rejected.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill in the application form. Upload a clear photo of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes a few business days, so apply at least a week before your flight.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at check-in and at immigration. Keep a digital backup on your phone too.
3
Check in for your flight
At the airport, the airline will check your passport and eVisa before issuing your boarding pass. Make sure your passport has at least 6 months validity and a blank page.
4
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration desk. Present your passport, printed eVisa, and any supporting documents (hotel booking, return ticket). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. The process is usually quick — 15–30 minutes.
5
Exit Mauritania
When you leave, you'll go through passport control again. Make sure you haven't overstayed your visa's validity. If you need to extend, you'll have to visit the immigration office in Nouakchott — but note that extensions are generally not granted for eVisa holders.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Netherlands Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of purpose
Cost$100–$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; 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 |
|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Fee varies by nationality; check official eVisa portal. | $120 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Dutch passport holders are generally not eligible for visa on arrival. | $55 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (up to 30 days)Apply at the Police des Etrangers in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
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
Transit visa required
Dutch passport holders transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
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 = 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
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your flight to be safe. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee varies depending on the visa type and duration. You'll see the exact amount when you fill out the application on the official website. Payment is made online with a credit or debit card.
No, eVisa extensions are not generally possible. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-apply, or check with the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires — but don't count on it.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the Netherlands or another European country, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America in the past few weeks, bring your vaccination certificate.
You won't be allowed to board your flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Dutch passport holders. You must have the eVisa approved before you travel.
The standard eVisa is usually single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa. Check the details on your approval email.
Your passport (valid 6 months), the printed eVisa, proof of accommodation, and a return/onward ticket. They may also ask about funds — have a card or cash ready to show.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.