Mauritania entry requirements for Zimbabwe 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
Zimbabwean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No need to apply before you travel — just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents and pay the fee. This policy is active as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport | Get your visa on arrival at the airport in Nouakchott. Have a printed hotel booking confirmation and a return or onward ticket ready — the immigration officer may ask to see both. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD preferred) — around €55 for a single-entry visa.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at check-in may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Mauritania. Border officers sometimes ask for it during visa-on-arrival processing. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have around €200–€300 in cash (EUR or USD) or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask to see it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring Euros or US dollars in small denominations. ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Mauritania, so carry enough cash for your entire stay.
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Zimbabwe (or any country with yellow fever risk), you must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be quarantined or denied entry. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or land border)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders, head to the immigration office. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form asking for basic details (name, passport number, purpose of visit, length of stay). Fill it in clearly — ask an officer if you're unsure.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (Euros or US dollars). Keep the receipt — you may need it later. The officer will process your visa and stamp your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. The officer will stamp you in. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Zimbabwe 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)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; may require invitation letter.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; same requirements as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD at the airport upon arrival. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | €10 (approx. $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
No transit visa needed
Zimbabwe passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; risk highest in rural areas and during rainy season (July–October).
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–Fri 08:00–16:00
For visa extensions and overstay fines; bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:00
Limited services; extensions may require referral to Nouakchott.
Practical information for ZW 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 = 40.08 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 fee is typically between €55 and €100, payable in cash. Euros or US dollars are preferred. Bring small denominations — immigration officers may not have change. The exact amount can vary, so carry a little extra.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and at major land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal or Western Sahara). For smaller or remote border posts, check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy before you travel.
The standard stay is 30 days. Extensions are possible but not guaranteed — you'd need to visit the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires. There's no fixed extension cost, but expect to pay a fee.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Zimbabwe), you'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Carry it with your passport — border officials may check it.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling. If you can't renew in time, contact the Mauritanian embassy to ask about exceptions — but don't count on it.
Yes, but it's not automatic. You must apply at the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (immigration office) in Nouakchott before your current visa expires. Bring your passport, a completed application form, and the extension fee (cash). Processing can take a few days.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) can happen in markets and crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night in remote areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
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.