Mauritania entry requirements for Qatar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 26, 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
Qatari passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. The process is straightforward at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and other entry points. As of 2026, the visa costs around 55 EUR (or equivalent in USD) and is valid for a single entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 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 2–3 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Doha (DOH) will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott (NKC) routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or digital booking ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card available. Border officers rarely check, but you may need to show you can support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash Only for Visa Fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). There is no card payment or ATM at the immigration counter. Bring the exact amount to avoid issues.
Visa Not Extendable
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, apply for a visa at a Mauritanian embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Immigration
After landing at Nouakchott Airport (or another entry point), follow signs to the immigration hall. There will be a dedicated counter for visa on arrival.
2
Submit Documents and Pay Fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD). The officer will process the visa and affix the sticker.
3
Receive Visa and Enter
Once approved, you'll get your passport back with the visa sticker. Proceed to the passport control queue for entry stamping. Keep your boarding pass handy.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Qatar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 26, 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
CostFree (VOA) or ~$50 USD if applied in advance
Visa on arrival is free; advance application may have a fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Not commonly issued; check with Mauritanian embassy.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
For work or study; requires sponsor.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for up to 30 days. | Free (for Qatar passport holders) |
| Stay extensionExtensions may be possible at immigration offices; cost not officially published. | Unknown (estimated ~$30 USD equivalent) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
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
Qatar passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa for stays under 24 hours in the airport transit zone.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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 poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. 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 office for visa extensions and residency permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north.
Practical information for QA 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
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
As of 2026, the visa on arrival costs about 55 EUR (or equivalent in USD). Pay in cash at the immigration counter. There is no card payment option.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and at land borders (e.g., from Senegal or Morocco). However, the process is smoothest at the airport.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for a single entry and allows a stay of up to 30 days. It cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Qatar is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or entry by immigration. Renew your passport before travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, the visa fee must be paid in EUR or USD. Bring cash in one of these currencies. There are no ATMs at the immigration counter.
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime can occur in cities. Avoid travel to remote border areas (especially near Mali and Western Sahara) due to security risks. Check your government's travel advisory before going.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 26, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.