Mauritania entry requirements for Thailand 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

Thai passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No need to apply in advance — just show up at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport with your documents and pay the fee. This has been the case since 2024.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
eVisa application
Mauritania eVisa (MAAVE)
Apply online at maave.gov.mr before you fly. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Print the approval email and carry it with your passport — immigration at Nouakchott airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisaRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your Thai passport needs at least 6 months of validity from your date of entry into Mauritania. Airlines at Suvarnabhumi check this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Outbound travel proof
Immigration at Nouakchott airport asks for a confirmed onward ticket before they issue the visa on arrival. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or next destination booking ready.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or bank statement
Have at least $200 USD in cash or a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay.Recommended
Cash is king at the airport
The visa on arrival counter only accepts cash — no credit or debit cards. ATMs at Nouakchott Airport are often out of service or charge high fees. Bring at least €100 in small bills (€5, €10, €20) to cover the visa and any unexpected costs.
Visa on arrival is for air arrivals only
While land border crossings sometimes issue visas, the process is unreliable and can take hours. For a smooth entry, fly into Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport. If you're entering overland, have a visa arranged in advance.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Nouakchott Airport
After landing at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — EUR or USD is preferred. Keep small denominations.
3
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–30 minutes depending on queue length. They'll stamp your passport and hand it back. No photo or biometrics required.
4
Proceed to passport control
With your visa sticker, go to the main passport control line. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're then free to collect luggage and exit.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 2026
Download PDF

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; may require invitation letter.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)

For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival entry feePayable in euros or USD at the airport; exact change recommended.€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap specified; avoid overstaying.€10 (approx. $11 USD) per day
Stay extension costExtension possible at immigration office; subject to approval.€30 (approx. $33 USD)

Common reasons for entry denial

Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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

Thailand passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk highest in southern regions.

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

Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.

Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.

Practical information for TH 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
updated May 22
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is around €55–€100 (or equivalent in USD). It varies slightly depending on your nationality and the current exchange rate. Pay in cash — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The main land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal at Rosso or from Western Sahara) sometimes issue visas, but the process is slower and less consistent. For guaranteed entry, fly into Nouakchott.
Typically 30 days. Extensions are possible but not straightforward — you'll need to visit the immigration office in Nouakchott and pay additional fees. Best to plan your trip within 30 days.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (or have transited through one), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Thailand.
Yes, but it's not easy. You'll need to go to the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott, fill out forms, pay a fee (around 1,500 MRU), and wait a few days. Overstaying is fined, so don't risk it.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) happens in markets and crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night outside cities. Register with your embassy on arrival.

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.