Mauritania entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. The application is completed online before travel, and approval typically takes 2–5 business days. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaSaudi Arabian passport holders must have an approved eVisa to enter Mauritania. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before departure. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (evisa.mr) at least a few days before your trip. The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian immigration will stamp your passport on arrival and departure. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to prove you are not planning to stay indefinitely. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Saudi Arabian passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Saudi nationals cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. The eVisa is your only option, so apply well in advance and carry a printed copy.
Passport validity is strict
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry. Airlines may refuse boarding if your passport doesn't meet this requirement, even if you have a valid eVisa.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport photo and passport data page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 2–5 business days.
2
Receive your eVisa by email
Once approved, you'll get an email with your eVisa document. Print a copy and also save it on your phone. Double-check that your name and passport number are correct.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
When you land, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and the printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the eVisa with you for the duration of your stay.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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 or residence)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/residence
Cost$150–$300 (approx.)
Requires sponsor in Mauritania and approval from Ministry of Interior.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Fee varies by nationality; payable online. | $120 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Saudi passport holders should check eligibility. | $55 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at police or immigration office in Nouakchott before expiry. | $30 (approx.) |
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
Saudi 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
- 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the 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
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. 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
For visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for SA 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 be longer. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and paid online during the application. Check the official portal for the current amount — it's typically around $50–$100 depending on your nationality.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. You must leave before the allowed stay period ends. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to exit and re-enter or contact immigration authorities before your visa expires.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Saudi Arabia is not on that list, so it's not required for direct travel, but if you transit through an affected country, you may need it.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival for Saudi nationals. Always have your eVisa approved before you fly.
The standard Mauritanian eVisa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa.
The eVisa is accepted at all international airports and land border crossings. However, it's always safer to enter through a major airport like Nouakchott if you have any doubts.
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.