Mauritania Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Travelers entering Mauritania must navigate a straightforward but formal immigration process. All visitors require a valid passport with at least six months of remaining validity and a visa, unless they are from a visa-exempt country or eligible for a visa on arrival. The process upon arrival typically involves presenting your passport and visa to immigration officials, who may ask about the purpose and duration of your visit. It is important to ensure all documentation is in order before travel, as entry can be denied for incomplete paperwork. Travelers should be aware that land border crossings, from Mali or Algeria, can be more challenging and are subject to closures due to security concerns in the Sahel region.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Mauritania's visa policy includes visa-free access for a limited number of countries, an electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) for many, and visa-on-arrival or traditional visa requirements for others.

Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days

Nationalities that can enter Mauritania without obtaining a visa in advance.

Includes

Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member states, including Nigeria, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast, Ghana

Must hold a valid passport. Stays beyond 90 days require a residence permit.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)

Up to 30 days, single entry (can be extended locally)

Most travelers, including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia, must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) online before departure.

Includes

United States United Kingdom Canada Australia European Union member states Japan South Korea

How to Apply: Apply online via the official Mauritanian Immigration Service portal (https://evisa.mauritania.gov.mr). Requires a digital passport photo and passport scan. Processing is typically 3-5 business days.
Cost: Approximately €55-€100, depending on nationality and processing speed.

The approved eTA must be printed and presented at the port of entry. It is mandatory for air travel; travelers without it may be denied boarding.

Visa Required

Varies by visa type

Nationalities not listed above must apply for a traditional visa from a Mauritanian embassy or consulate before travel.

How to Apply: Apply in person or by mail at a Mauritanian diplomatic mission. Requires application form, passport photos, flight itinerary, proof of accommodation, and sometimes an invitation letter.

Processing times can be lengthy. Check with the specific embassy for exact requirements.

Arrival Process

Upon arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or other entry points, travelers will proceed through immigration and customs.

Immigration Check

Present your passport, printed eTA or visa, and a completed immigration form (often distributed on the plane). Your fingerprints and photo may be taken.

Questions from Officials

Be prepared to answer basic questions about your trip's purpose, duration, and accommodation.

Passport Stamping

Your passport will be stamped with an entry date. Ensure the stamp is clear and correct.

Baggage Claim & Customs

Proceed to collect luggage and pass through the green (nothing to declare) or red (goods to declare) customs channel.

Documents to Have Ready

Passport

Must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry.

Visa or eTA

Printed copy of the approved Electronic Travel Authorization or physical visa in passport.

Proof of Onward Travel

Immigration may ask to see a return ticket or ticket for onward travel.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservation or invitation letter may be requested.

Yellow Fever Certificate

Required if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents (passport, eTA, hotel info, return ticket) organized and easily accessible.

Be polite and patient with immigration officials. Answer questions clearly and concisely.

Double-check your passport for the entry stamp before leaving the immigration counter.

Carry some cash (Euros or USD) in case you need to pay for a visa on arrival (if eligible) or other unexpected fees, though the eTA system has largely replaced this.

Customs & Duty-Free

Mauritania has strict customs regulations. Declare all valuable items and restricted goods.

Alcohol

Prohibited

Importation of alcohol is strictly forbidden in accordance with national law.

Tobacco

200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco

For personal use. Must be declared.

Currency

MRO 50,000 or equivalent in foreign currency

Amounts exceeding MRO 50,000 or foreign currency equivalent to approx. €5,000 must be declared upon entry and exit.

Gifts/Goods

Reasonable personal effects

New items for commercial purposes may be subject to duties. Expensive electronics (e.g., multiple cameras, drones) may be questioned.

Prohibited Items

Alcohol and alcoholic beverages
Narcotics and illegal drugs
Pornographic materials
Firearms and ammunition without special permit
Counterfeit goods

Restricted Items

Medication - must be in original packaging with a doctor's prescription.
Drones - require prior authorization from Mauritanian authorities.
Professional film/photography equipment - may require a permit from the Ministry of Communication.
Cultural artifacts/antiquities - require an export certificate.

Health Requirements

Health requirements are focused on vaccination certificates, with no current COVID-19 testing or vaccination mandates for entry.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations (MMR, Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, Polio, Varicella)
Hepatitis A and B
Typhoid
Meningococcal (ACWY) - if traveling during dry season (Dec-June)
Rabies
Cholera (for aid workers/those in high-risk areas)

Health Insurance

Not mandatory for entry, but highly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, outside Nouakchott. Ensure your insurance covers medical evacuation.

Current Health Requirements: As of November 2024, there are no COVID-19 vaccination or testing requirements for entry to Mauritania. This is subject to change; check official sources for updates.

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Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate

Find your country's embassy or consulate in Mauritania.

Check your government's travel advisory website (e.g., US State Department, UK FCDO) for contact details and services.

Immigration Authority

Official immigration website for eTA applications and information.

https://evisa.mauritania.gov.mr (Official ETA Portal)

Emergency

Emergency services number

117 (Police), 118 (Fire), +222 4525 2525 (SAMU Ambulance Service in Nouakchott)

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport and eTA/visa. If traveling with one parent or alone, it is advisable to carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-accompanying parent(s). This is not always requested but can prevent delays.

Traveling with Pets

Requires an import permit from the Mauritanian Ministry of Rural Development. Pets need a valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 30 days before travel) and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.

Extended Stays

Tourist eTAs and visas are typically for 30 days. To extend your stay, you must apply for a visa extension at the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Police Headquarters) in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou before your current visa expires. Overstaying can result in fines and difficulties exiting the country.

Know what to pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

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