Mauritania entry requirements for Rwanda 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
Rwandan passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online through the official Mauritanian eVisa portal before you travel, which is the most straightforward way to get your visa sorted.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou cannot get this visa on arrival; you must apply and pay online in advance. Apply online before travel | Rwandan passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (evisa.mr) at least several days before departure. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel. 6 months from entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking printed or on your phone. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always requested, but having proof avoids problems at entry. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statement) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCarry the official certificate; you may be asked to show it at border control. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Rwanda. | Required |
| Arrival declarationNo separate form to fill out before landing. Not required | Mauritania does not require an online arrival declaration for Rwandan passport holders. | Not required |
Apply early — don't risk it
eVisa processing can take a few business days, and there's no visa-on-arrival for Rwandan passport holders. Apply at least a week before your flight to avoid being turned away at the airport.
Keep your eVisa handy
You'll need to show your eVisa at immigration. Have a printed copy and also save it on your phone — just in case one gets lost or your battery dies.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online application
Go to the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Double-check everything before submitting.
2
Pay the eVisa fee
Pay the required fee online using a credit or debit card. The fee is non-refundable, so make sure your application is correct before paying.
3
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll receive your eVisa by email. This can take a few business days, so apply well in advance. Print a copy or save it on your phone to show at immigration.
4
Arrive in Mauritania
At the airport (likely Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and your eVisa (printed or on your phone). The officer will check your details and stamp your passport.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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
ValidityUp to 1 year
Cost$150
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy or consulate.
work visa
Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires a contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
Varies; proof of enrollment required
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter and financial proof.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; minimum investment required
For individuals investing in Mauritania's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Required for Rwandan passport holders; apply online before travel. | $120 |
| Visa extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $50 |
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
Transit visa required
Rwandan passport holders transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders may be exempt.
- Passengers with a valid Mauritanian residence permit or visa are exempt.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Mauritania, especially in the southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions; 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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the northern region.
Practical information for RW 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 times can vary, but typically it takes a few business days. It's best to apply at least a week before your planned travel to avoid any delays.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is payable online. The exact amount can change, so check the official eVisa portal for the current fee.
The eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to leave the country and reapply, or contact the Mauritanian immigration authorities for guidance.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
You will likely be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Rwandan passport holders, so you must have the eVisa before you travel.
The standard eVisa is for a single entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa each time.
Yes, the online eVisa portal is the official and only way for Rwandan passport holders to get a visa for Mauritania. There is no embassy visa option available.
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.