Mauritania entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel, and your application must be approved before you fly.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaNew Zealand passport holders must secure an approved eVisa prior to travel; there is no visa-on-arrival option. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before arriving in Mauritania. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned arrival, or you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond arrival | Your New Zealand passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketImmigration often requires evidence of onward travel to ensure you do not overstay. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsWhile not always checked, having proof of funds can help avoid issues at immigration. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Mauritania, such as recent bank statements or cash. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any separate arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for New Zealand citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
E-visa is mandatory – no exceptions
New Zealand passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival. You must have the approved e-visa printed and with you. Airlines will check this before boarding, and immigration will refuse entry without it.
Apply early – don't rely on fast processing
While the e-visa is usually processed within a few days, there have been reports of delays. Apply at least 2 weeks before your trip to be safe, especially during peak travel seasons.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) and complete the application form. You'll need to upload your passport photo and provide your travel details. The application is typically processed within a few business days, so apply at least a week before your departure.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll receive your e-visa as a PDF via email. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number match exactly.
3
Arrive at the airport in Mauritania
When you land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (the main international gateway), proceed to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will scan your passport and stamp your entry. Keep the e-visa with your passport for the duration of your stay.
4
Complete any additional checks
After immigration, you may be asked to show your return ticket or proof of accommodation. Then collect your luggage and proceed through customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on the queue.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Mauritania eVisa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity180 days from issue
Cost$150
Allows multiple entries; apply online.
Long-stay visa (via embassy)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries
For work, study, or residence; requires embassy application and supporting documents.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For New Zealanders with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable
Varies (institution-specific)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry)Required for New Zealand citizens; apply online before travel. | $120 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; New Zealand citizens are not eligible for visa on arrival. | $55 |
| Airport departure taxNo separate payment at airport. | Included in ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Transit visa required
New Zealand citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa, even if staying airside. The eVisa is required before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
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 BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high nationwide, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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 matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions for travellers in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for NZ 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 typically takes 2–5 business days, but it can occasionally take longer. It's best to apply at least a week before your departure to avoid any delays.
No, the e-visa is mandatory for New Zealand citizens. There is no visa-on-arrival option for your nationality. You must have the approved e-visa before you board your flight.
The fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa you apply for. The official e-visa portal will show the exact fee during the application process. Payment is made online.
The standard e-visa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa. Check the portal for specific conditions.
You will not be allowed to board your flight without an approved e-visa. If your application is still pending, contact the Mauritanian embassy or the e-visa support team. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the approved visa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're travelling directly from New Zealand, it's not required, but check the latest health advice before you go.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa, or contact the immigration authorities in Nouakchott for guidance before your current visa expires.
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.