Mauritania entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Updated weekly · 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
Vietnamese passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel — it's a straightforward process that takes a few days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for MauritaniaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once you are in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Vietnamese citizens must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityMake sure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page in your passport for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight booking ready in case immigration asks for it. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a return or onward ticket proving you will leave Mauritania before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's a good idea to have some proof of money, like a bank statement, in case they ask. Sufficient money for your stay | Carry evidence of sufficient funds (cash, cards, or bank statements) to cover your expenses during your time in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for entry into Mauritania. | Not required |
Don't book non-refundable travel until your e-visa is approved
While the e-visa is usually approved without issues, there's always a small chance of delay or rejection. Wait for the approval email before you commit to flights or hotels.
Currency and time zone
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) and is on UTC+0. Cash is king in many places, so have some local currency for taxis and small purchases.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, a digital photo, and your travel information. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing usually takes a few business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the e-visa in hand.
3
Print your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of the e-visa. You'll need to show it at check-in and again when you arrive in Mauritania.
4
Arrive at the airport
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$120
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
Business visa (multiple entry, 180 days)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost$250
Requires invitation letter and proof of business activity.
Long-stay visa (work/residence)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost$300
Requires work permit and employer sponsorship; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Mauritanian institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€200 (approx. $218 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard fee for Vietnamese passport holders. | $50 |
| E-visa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays. | $100 |
| E-visa (multiple entry, 90 days)Allows multiple entries within validity. | $150 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at police station in Nouakchott; subject to approval. | $30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete 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
Transit visa required
Vietnamese citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with a valid visa for a third country and staying airside
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and rural areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Mauritania, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all travellers.
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
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (EUR/USD).
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Limited services; extensions may require travel to Nouakchott.
Practical information for VN 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 2–5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on nationality and processing speed. Check the official e-visa website (https://www.evisa.mr/) for the exact amount in US dollars or euros. Payment is made online.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new e-visa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before you go.
You'll be denied entry and sent back on the next available flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese passport holders, so don't risk it.
The e-visa is valid for entry at all international airports and land border crossings. However, it's always best to enter through a major airport like Nouakchott to avoid any confusion.
Yes, the e-visa is for a single entry. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa.
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.