Mauritania entry requirements for Zambia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Zambian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. As of 2026, just show up at Nouakchott International Airport or any land border with your passport and pay the fee. No advance application needed.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits. Approval usually takes 2–3 business days — do not book non-refundable flights until you receive the visa.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Zambian passport must be valid for at least the entire period you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Lusaka check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers occasionally ask for this at the border. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Have at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card to cover your stay. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile money. Bring crisp US dollars or euros. Old or damaged notes may be refused.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation address ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The officer will tell you the fee (usually 55–60 USD or equivalent in euros). Pay in cash — no cards accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control.
4
Pass through immigration
Present your passport with the visa sticker. They may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. Then collect your luggage and exit.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from Mauritanian embassy. Requires passport, photo, and fee.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available from Mauritanian embassy; allows multiple entries. Requires same documents as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or US dollars cash upon arrival at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airports. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Zambia passport holders transiting through Mauritania airports do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed
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; Zambia is endemic, so a certificate is mandatory.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mauritania, especially in the southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially south of the Sahara. 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 office for visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north. Limited English; consider bringing a translator.
Practical information for ZM 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
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport and all land border crossings. The process is the same — pay the fee and get the sticker.
The fee is typically 55–60 USD or the equivalent in euros. It can vary slightly, so bring a bit extra. Pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted.
The standard visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Extensions are possible but not automatic. You'll need to go to the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott, pay a fee, and provide a reason. Allow a few days for processing.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Zambia is not on the risk list, but if you've traveled recently to a risk country, carry the certificate. Otherwise, it's not required.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in markets. Avoid traveling alone at night in remote areas. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.