Mauritania entry requirements for Peru passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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

Peruvian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. As of 2026, you simply show up at the airport in Nouakchott, pay the fee in cash, and receive your visa. No need to apply in advance.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Mauritania eVisa
Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of onward travel
Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they may check it before stamping your passport.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 for it if you cannot clearly state where you are staying.Recommended
Proof of funds
Financial means
Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Officers rarely ask, but if you look underprepared they may request proof.Recommended
Cash only — no cards
The visa fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). ATMs are scarce at the airport, and card machines are not available at the visa counter. Bring enough crisp, undamaged bills.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is well-established. Most travellers get through in 20–30 minutes. Just have your documents ready and cash in hand.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Nouakchott International 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
A short form asking for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the cash (euros or dollars) at the payment window. Get a receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. Then go to the main passport control queue, show your visa and onward ticket, and you're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Peru Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Download PDF

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 on arrival or at Mauritanian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)

Requires embassy application; allows multiple entries for frequent travellers.

Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $218 USD)

For work or study; requires sponsor letter and approval from Mauritanian authorities.

work visa
Travail Visa (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) + employer fees
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence and multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€150 (approx. $163 USD)
For students enrolled at a Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or dollars) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport.€55 (~$60 USD)
Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure.€10 (~$11 USD) per day

Common reasons for entry denial

No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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

Peruvian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or having a layover over 24 hours, a visa on arrival is required.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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 (e.g., parts of South America or Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisRecommended
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

High risk in all regions, especially south of the Sahara. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly recommended for all travellers.

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 des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services, arrive early.

Practical information for PE 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 = 39.94 MRU
updated May 29
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is around €55–€85 (or equivalent in US dollars). It depends on your nationality and the current rate. Pay in cash at the airport — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The standard stay is 30 days. The exact duration is stamped on your visa at the airport. Make sure you check it before leaving the counter.
Visa on arrival is available at all official entry points, including land borders. The process is similar — fill a form, pay cash, get stamped. But availability can be less reliable at smaller crossings.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, yes. Otherwise, it's not required for Peru passport holders. Check with your doctor anyway.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to exit the transit area, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Overstaying can result in a fine at immigration when you leave. The amount varies but expect around 500–1000 MRU per day. Avoid it by tracking your exit date.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.