Mauritania entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. As of 2026, just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with your documents and pay the fee at the immigration counter. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa costs around $55 USD and is typically processed within 72 hours. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Nouakchott airport will stamp you in on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration in Nouakchott enforces it strictly. No blank page requirement, but have at least one free page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. If you're flying out, have the booking confirmation ready. Overland exits are possible but rarely checked — still carry proof of your planned departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (around $200–$300 USD equivalent) or a recent bank statement. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, showing a few hundred dollars in cash or a card with a visible balance satisfies them. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (Euros or USD). There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Bring the exact amount to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is generally smooth. Have your documents ready and you'll be through in 15-20 minutes.
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
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (phone screenshot is fine), and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (Euros or USD preferred).
3
Receive visa sticker and proceed to passport control
The officer will issue a visa sticker in your passport. Then go to the main passport control queue for entry stamping.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Moscow or nearest consulate. Requires passport, photo, and application form.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available for frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or US dollars cash upon arrival at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
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 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 staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Mauritania may transit without additional documentation.
- Diplomatic passport holders may have different rules.
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 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 = 40.03 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 visa on arrival fee is around 55 Euros or 60 USD, payable in cash. Euros and US dollars are most commonly accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need a longer stay, you'd need to apply for a different visa type before traveling.
The maximum stay is not fixed in the database, but typically it's 30 days. Confirm with the immigration officer at the counter when you arrive.
No, there is no arrival declaration required for Mauritania. Just the visa application at the counter.
Visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport. At land borders, the process may differ. It's safest to enter by air if you plan to use the visa on arrival facility.
No, only cash is accepted. Bring Euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Mauritania requires yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Check current health requirements before travel.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.