Mauritania entry requirements for Senegal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 29, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Senegalese passport holders can enter Mauritania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the policy since at least 2024. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket — no application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines at departure may ask to see at least 6 months of validity remaining, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Nouakchott airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 50,000 MRU (around $1,300 USD) for a typical 2-week visit. Border officials almost never check, but it's smart to have proof. | Recommended |
No visa needed — but don't skip the basics
Visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration can still deny entry if your passport is damaged, has less than 6 months validity, or you can't show a return ticket. Have everything ready.
Overstaying is not an option
The 90-day stay cannot be extended. If you overstay, you may face a fine (around 500-1000 MRU per day) or a ban from re-entering. Set a reminder to leave on time.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the border
You'll enter Mauritania at Nouakchott International Airport (NKC), or at a land border like Rosso or Diama. At the airport, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Present your passport
Hand over your passport with at least 6 months validity and a blank page. The officer will stamp you in — no visa needed. This takes 2-5 minutes.
3
Show return ticket if asked
Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel. Have your return flight or bus ticket ready on your phone or printed.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, grab your bags from baggage claim (if flying) and walk through customs. There's no arrival form to fill out.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Senegal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 29, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Dakar; allows longer stay if needed.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost~$80 USD (estimated)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
work visa
Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrollment in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For those investing at least $50,000 in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD/day) |
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free stays; must leave and re-enter. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Senegal passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) for up to 24 hours, provided they have a confirmed onward ticket and do not leave the transit area.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid visa for Mauritania may transit without restrictions.
- Transit through land borders may require a visa.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (including Senegal).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mauritania, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern and rural areas. 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 de l'Immigration et des Frontières
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Near Port de Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles border-related issues for travellers arriving from Senegal.
Practical information for SN 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 = 39.94 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
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave the country (e.g., to Senegal or Mali) and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
If you're just changing planes at Nouakchott Airport and staying airside, you don't need a visa. But if you need to enter the country (e.g., to catch a connecting bus), you'll use the visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced at Nouakchott Airport and land borders. Renew your passport before you travel.
Yes. The main land crossings are at Rosso and Diama. Both are open daily. You'll need the same documents — passport with 6 months validity and a return ticket. The process is the same as at the airport.
No. There is no fee for Senegalese passport holders entering Mauritania for up to 90 days. You just get a free entry stamp.
Contact the Senegalese embassy in Nouakchott (Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser). They can issue an emergency travel document. You'll also need a police report from the local police station.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Senegal is not on that list). But it's still recommended to have the vaccine and carry the certificate — border officials sometimes ask.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 29, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.