Mauritania entry requirements for United States passport holders
Checked daily · Last reviewed August 6, 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
US passport holders must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Mauritania. There is no visa-on-arrival option, so you need to apply online in advance. The process is straightforward, but planning ahead is essential.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | US citizens must obtain an e-visa before arriving in Mauritania. Apply at the official e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiration date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. Valid for 6 months beyond entry | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's an empty page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa/stamp page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. Proof of departure | Immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Mauritania. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can pay for your expenses while in Mauritania. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statement, credit card, cash). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for US citizens entering Mauritania. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — plan ahead
US citizens cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have an approved e-visa before you fly. Airlines may also check for it at check-in, so do not risk it.
Official e-visa portal only
Use the official Mauritanian government e-visa site (https://www.evisa.mr/). Third-party services may charge extra fees and are not always reliable.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Upload your passport bio page and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing typically takes 3-5 business days, but apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
2
Receive and print your e-visa
Once approved, you will get the e-visa as a PDF via email. Print at least two copies — one for immigration and one as a backup. Also save a digital copy on your phone.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport (or other entry points)
At immigration, present your passport, printed e-visa, and any requested documents (like your yellow fever certificate). The officer will stamp your passport and grant entry. The process is usually quick, but queues can be long during peak times.
4
Register with local authorities (if staying long-term)
If you plan to stay more than 30 days, you may need to register with the local police or immigration office in Nouakchott. This is not required for short visits, but check with your accommodation if you are staying longer.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · United States Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (e-visa)
Max stay90 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company
Long-stay visa (via embassy)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Must apply at Mauritanian embassy; multiple entries allowed
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 |
|---|---|
| e-Visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard tourist e-visa fee | $70 |
| e-Visa (single entry, 90 days)Longer validity option | $100 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; US citizens generally need e-visa | $55 |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at police or immigration office in Nouakchott | $30 |
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 citizens transiting through Mauritania (Nouakchott) do not need a visa if staying airside and departing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
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 = 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 typically takes 3-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to account for any delays. The official portal is https://www.evisa.mr/.
The fee varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee — it is payable online with a credit or debit card.
No. US citizens must have an approved e-visa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for US passport holders.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and reapply, or contact the Mauritanian immigration office in Nouakchott to discuss your options.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before applying for the e-visa. The 6-month validity is a hard requirement.
Only if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you are coming directly from the US, it is not required. But if you have traveled through Africa or South America recently, bring your certificate.
You may be denied entry. Immigration officers expect to see a printed copy. While a digital copy might be accepted in some cases, it is not guaranteed — always print it.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.