Mauritania entry requirements for Vietnam passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 25, 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
Vietnamese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Fill out a short form and pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) when you land. This option has been available since 2025.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you fly. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers in Mauritania routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return or next-destination ticket ready. Airlines also enforce this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmations or a letter of invitation from a host in Mauritania can speed up the immigration process. While not always checked, having it avoids delays if asked. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing access to around $500 USD equivalent. Immigration may ask to confirm you can support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR or USD. No credit cards, no local currency. Bring enough to cover the fee (around €55–€80) plus some extra for emergencies.
Visa on arrival only at Nouakchott Airport
This facility is only available at Nouakchott International Airport. If you're entering Mauritania by land or sea, you must get a visa from a Mauritanian embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Fill out the visa application form
On arrival at Nouakchott International Airport, go to the visa on arrival counter. You'll be given a short application form. Fill it out with your passport details, flight info, and accommodation address.
2
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over your passport, completed form, and the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD). The officer will process your payment and issue the visa sticker.
3
Get your visa sticker and proceed to immigration
Once the visa is issued, you'll receive a sticker in your passport. Then join the immigration queue. Show your passport with the visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 25, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival at Nouakchott Airport; extension possible at immigration office.
Business visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity3 months
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company; apply at embassy.
Transit visa
Max stay72 hours
Validity1 month
Cost€20 (approx. $22 USD)
For airside transit only; must have confirmed onward ticket.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (multiple entry)Allows multiple entries during validity. | €80 (~$87 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo known maximum cap; avoid overstay. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
Vietnam passport holders require a transit visa to change planes in Mauritania, even if staying airside. Apply at Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid Schengen, US, UK, or Canadian visa may transit without a visa for up to 24 hours.
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 (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 = 39.94 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
The visa on arrival fee is typically around €55–€80 (or equivalent in USD). Exact amount depends on your nationality and length of stay. Pay in cash at the counter — no cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter to get a new visa.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a screenshot or printed copy ready.
Expect 30–60 minutes from landing to exiting the airport. The visa counter can get busy if multiple flights arrive at once.
The visa on arrival is only available at Nouakchott International Airport. If you're arriving by land or sea, you need to arrange a visa in advance at a Mauritanian embassy.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
No, it's not required for the visa itself. But it's strongly recommended — medical care in Mauritania can be expensive and limited.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 25, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.