Mauritania entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport and other entry points in Mauritania. As of 2026, this is the standard procedure — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport and the required documents.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before you fly. The online form takes about 15 minutes — you'll need a passport scan, a digital photo, and a credit card. Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, so apply at least a week before departure.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your US passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Unlike some countries, Mauritania does not require 6 months of remaining validity — just enough to cover your trip. Airlines may still enforce the 6-month rule, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers in Nouakchott regularly ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready. If you're flying out overland, a bus or ferry booking may also work. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers at the border may ask where you're staying, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. A simple printout of your booking confirmation is enough. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200–$300 in cash (USD or euros) or a recent bank statement showing you can cover your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott, and credit cards are rarely accepted. Immigration rarely checks, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. ATMs at Nouakchott airport are unreliable. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and a bit extra for transport.
Visa validity starts on arrival
Your 30-day visa countdown begins the day you land, not the day you apply. Plan your stay accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Nouakchott International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter for visa issuance.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or $60. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa sticker
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. The visa is typically valid for 30 days.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage and exit through customs. Have your accommodation address handy in case asked.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For multiple visits; must be arranged before travel.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
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 multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Carte de Résident Investisseur (Investor Residence Card)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum $50,000 USD). Includes residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Nouakchott Airport for a stay up to 30 days. | Free (visa on arrival for US citizens, $0 USD) |
| Stay extensionExtensions may be possible at immigration offices; cost not officially published. | Unknown (estimated ~$30 USD equivalent) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are applied at departure; exact rates are not publicly listed. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
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
US passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit without visa applies only to Nouakchott International Airport.
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; proof of vaccination (YF certificate) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Foodborne illnessHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in the south. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for US 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 = 40.09 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €55 or $60 USD, payable in cash (euros or US dollars preferred). Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once at the immigration office in Nouakchott for an additional fee (around 5,000 MRU).
Yes, you can apply for a one-time extension at the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee. Processing takes 1–3 business days.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine and a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Otherwise, it's not required for US passport holders.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like the Senegal-Mauritania crossing at Rosso. The process is similar — have your documents ready and cash for the fee.
Yes, but it's not necessary. The visa on arrival is simpler and faster. If you prefer to apply in advance, contact the Mauritanian embassy in Washington DC — processing takes about 2 weeks.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 1,000 MRU per day) and potential issues when leaving. Extend your visa before it expires to avoid problems.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.