Mauritania entry requirements for Russia 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
Russian passport holders must obtain an eVisa before traveling to Mauritania in 2026. The application is completed online, and you'll need to present the approved eVisa at the border.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly — you cannot get it on arrival. Apply online before travel | Russian passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready to show at the border if asked. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to have some cash or a bank statement to prove you can support yourself. Sufficient money for stay | You may be asked to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Mauritania. Carry cash (MRU or major currencies) or bank statements. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Mauritania for Russian passport holders. | Not required |
Apply early
Don't wait until the last minute. eVisa processing can take up to a week, and any errors in your application will delay it further. Apply at least 2 weeks before your departure.
No visa on arrival
Russian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have an approved eVisa before you board your flight. Airlines will check this before allowing you to check in.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and accommodation info. Upload a digital passport photo.
2
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, so double-check your details before submitting.
3
Receive your eVisa by email
Processing typically takes a few business days. You'll receive your approved eVisa as a PDF. Print it out or save it on your phone.
4
Present your eVisa at the border
When you arrive at Nouakchott International Airport or any other entry point, show your passport and the eVisa (printed or digital) to the immigration officer. They'll stamp your passport and let you in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia 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 stay90 days per entry
ValidityUp to 1 year (multiple entry)
Cost$100–$150
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy in Moscow or via the online portal.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreigners with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and medical certificate. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable based on course duration
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Paid online at the official Mauritanian visa portal. | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if not applying online)Available at Nouakchott International Airport and land borders; cash in USD or EUR. | $55 |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
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
No transit visa needed
Russian citizens transiting through Mauritania without leaving the international zone do not require a visa. If leaving the airport, a visa is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Crew members on duty
- Holders of diplomatic or service passports
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa and South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mauritania, especially in 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
Risk is present year-round, especially in the southern regions (e.g., Guidimaka, Hodh El Gharbi). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is 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 Service)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of accommodation.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Office)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
For visa extensions and registration. Limited English; consider hiring a local fixer.
Practical information for RU 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 2-5 business days, but it can take longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee varies depending on your nationality and length of stay. Check the official portal (evisa.mr) for the exact amount. It's paid online by card.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter or check with immigration in Nouakchott for other options.
It's not strictly required, but it's highly recommended. Having a printed copy avoids any issues if your phone dies or the network is down.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Russian passport holders, so you must have the eVisa before you travel.
No, the eVisa is for a single entry. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
Yes, the eVisa is valid for entry at any official border crossing, including Nouakchott International Airport and land borders. Just present it to the immigration officer.
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.