Mauritania entry requirements for Austria passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Austrian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle it at the airport in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou — no need to apply before you travel. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Austrian passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers at Nouakchott International 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 invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a credit card with available balance. Immigration rarely checks, but you may need cash for the visa-on-arrival fee if you did not get an eVisa. | Recommended |
Cash only at immigration
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). There is no ATM at the immigration counter. Bring small denominations — change is rarely available.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott and Nouadhibou airports is well-practiced. Staff are used to handling Austrian passports. Expect 10–30 minutes total.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form with basic info: name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or USD) at the counter. Keep the receipt — you'll need it to collect your passport later.
4
Wait for processing
Processing takes 10–30 minutes. You'll get your passport back with a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You'll get an entry stamp. Done.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Austria Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Vienna or nearest consulate.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Requires additional documentation and justification for multiple entries.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Austria passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider 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
Bring passport, visa application form, and fee in cash (EUR/USD).
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Limited services; extensions may require travel to Nouakchott.
Practical information for AT 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 = 40.06 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, but only at the international airports in Nouakchott (NKC) and Nouadhibou (NDB). Land borders and seaports do not offer visa on arrival for Austrian passport holders.
The fee varies. Expect around €55–€100 (or equivalent in USD). Pay in cash — no credit cards accepted. Bring small bills because change may be limited.
Typically 30 days. The exact validity is stamped on the visa sticker. It can be extended at the immigration office in Nouakchott for an additional fee.
Yes. Visit the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott. You'll need your passport, a passport photo, and a fee (around 500–1000 MRU). Processing takes 1–3 days.
Required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Austria is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it. But check current health requirements before travel.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry by Mauritanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but avoid border regions with Mali and Western Sahara. Petty crime exists in cities. Register with the Austrian embassy in Rabat (Morocco) for updates.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.