Mauritania entry requirements for Tunisia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 28, 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
Tunisian passport holders can enter Mauritania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy has been in place since 2024 and applies to tourism, business, and short visits. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
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 check this at check-in, and immigration officers in Nouakchott enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 50,000 MRU (about $1,250 USD) for a 90-day stay. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if you look under-prepared. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Mauritanian immigration will deny entry if your passport has less than 6 months of validity left from your arrival date. Double-check before you fly.
Keep a copy of your return ticket
Immigration officers at Nouakchott airport often ask to see proof of onward travel. A screenshot on your phone or a printed copy is fine. Don't rely on having internet access at the counter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Most Tunisian travellers fly into Nouakchott (NKC). After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. The queue can move slowly, so be patient.
2
Present your passport and boarding pass
Hand over your passport and boarding pass to the immigration officer. They will check your passport validity and may ask for your return ticket. Answer clearly and politely.
3
Receive your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day entry permit. Check the stamp before leaving the counter to make sure the dates are correct. Keep the stamp visible until you exit.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually straightforward for personal items. If you're carrying large amounts of cash or goods, declare them.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Tunisia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 28, 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 stay30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy; allows longer stay than visa-free 90 days.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (estimated)
For work or study; requires employer or institution sponsorship.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free stays; overstay fines may apply. | Unknown |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly specified; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | 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
Tunisian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
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)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
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; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main immigration office; handle visa issues and overstay fines.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Regional office for northern travellers; limited services.
Practical information for TN 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. You must leave before the 90 days are up. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to exit and re-enter, but check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy first.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Tunisia is not on that list, so you likely won't need it. But if you've recently travelled to an endemic country, bring your certificate.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before travelling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced at Nouakchott airport.
Yes, the same visa-free rules apply at land borders. The main crossings are at Rosso (Senegal) and the border near Nouadhibou (Morocco/Western Sahara). Expect similar checks on passport validity and onward tickets.
No, departure tax is included in your airline ticket. You don't need to pay anything extra at the airport.
The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates exchanging cash at banks or authorised bureaux. ATMs are available in Nouakchott but can be unreliable.
No, there's no registration requirement for Tunisian visitors. Just keep your passport with you at all times — police may ask for ID.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.