Mauritania entry requirements for Romania passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Romanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle the paperwork at the airport in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. The fee is 55 USD for a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Have cash in USD or EUR ready — the counter does not take cards.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Romanian passport needs at least 6 months of validity 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 departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a clear screenshot on your phone — they will not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — USD or EUR. There are no ATMs at the airport before immigration. Bring the exact amount.
Visa validity starts on arrival
Your 30-day visa starts counting from the day you enter Mauritania, not from the date of issue. Plan your stay accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Land at airport
You'll arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport or Nouadhibou Airport. Follow signs to immigration.
2
Queue at visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' or ask an officer. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around 55 USD (or equivalent in euros) — exact amount varies. Bring cash in USD or EUR. Credit cards are not accepted.
4
Receive visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity period — usually 30 days.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the visa sticker. Answer any questions about your stay. Then collect your luggage.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Romania Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
Cost55 EUR (~60 USD)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (~120 USD)
Requires prior application at embassy; not available on arrival.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost200 EUR (~220 USD)
For longer stays; requires sponsorship or proof of sufficient funds.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~300 EUR (~330 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~150 EUR (~165 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~500 EUR (~550 USD) plus investment proof
For individuals investing at least 50,000 EUR in a Mauritanian business. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport or border. | 55 EUR (~60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 200 EUR (~220 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | 10 EUR (~11 USD) per 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
Romania passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without a visa for up to 48 hours.
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially south of the Sahara. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, 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 overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
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 travellers in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for RO 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 = 40.08 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
The fee is approximately 55 USD or 50 EUR. You must pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Bring the exact amount in USD or EUR to avoid exchange rate issues.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Check the stamp when you receive it. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott. The process takes a few days and costs around 20–30 USD. You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Romania, it's not required. Check with your airline.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott and Nouadhibou airports. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the Mauritanian embassy if you're entering by road.
For stays over 30 days, you need to apply for a long-stay visa at the Mauritanian embassy in Bucharest before travel. The visa on arrival is only for short visits.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.