Mauritania entry requirements for Zambia 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
Zambian passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. Apply online before you travel; the process is straightforward if you have your documents ready.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa for MauritaniaYou must get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be obtained on arrival. Apply online before travel | Zambian passport holders must obtain an e-visa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) at least several days before departure. The e-visa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's less than 6 months away, renew it before traveling. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Zambian 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 page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be asked to show that you plan to leave Mauritania — have your flight booking handy. Proof of departure | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward flight out of Mauritania. Have a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. | Required |
| Proof of fundsIt's wise to carry proof that you can support yourself financially during your visit. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statement, cash, credit card) to cover your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any special arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Zambia passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
| E-visa application documentsGather these items before starting your e-visa application to avoid delays. Prepare for online application | When applying for the e-visa, have a digital copy of your passport bio page, a recent passport-style photo, and a valid email address. Payment is made online in MRU (Mauritanian Ouguiya). | Required |
Apply early – no visa on arrival
Zambian passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have the e-visa approved before you fly. Airlines may refuse boarding without it.
E-visa is single-entry and non-extendable
Plan your trip accordingly. If you leave Mauritania, you'll need a new e-visa to return. And if you want to stay longer, you can't extend – you'll have to exit and re-enter.
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 photo and passport details page. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card. Processing usually takes a few business days, so apply at least a week before your trip.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Once approved, you'll get the e-visa as a PDF. Print it out and also save a copy on your phone. You'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration in Mauritania.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
When you land, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed e-visa. The officer will check your details and stamp your passport. Keep your e-visa with you for the duration of your stay.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zambia 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$150
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company.
Transit visa (e-visa)
Max stay72 hours
Validity30 days from issue
Cost$25
For airside transit only; must have onward ticket.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry, 30 days)Standard fee for Zambian passport holders. | $50 |
| E-visa (multiple entry, 90 days)For longer stays or multiple visits. | $100 |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott. | $30 |
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
Transit visa required
Zambian passport holders require a transit visa even for airside transit through Mauritania.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage may be allowed to stay airside for up to 24 hours without a visa, but this is at the discretion of the border police.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
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 = 39.92 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, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week in advance to be safe.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. Check the official e-visa website for the current amount – it's usually around $50–$100, but it can change.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. You must leave the country before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to exit and re-enter with a new e-visa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Zambia is not on that list, but if you've traveled through any at-risk country in the past 10 days, you'll need the certificate. Check with your doctor.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Zambian passport holders, so don't risk it.
No, the e-visa is single-entry. If you leave Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new one to re-enter.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If it expires during your stay, you'll have trouble leaving or extending. Always renew before you travel.
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.