Mauritania entry requirements for Belgium 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
Belgian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle it at Nouakchott International Airport or other entry points. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the MAAVE portal before you fly. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you'll receive a PDF to show at immigration.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover your stay | Your Belgian passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Mauritania does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — your passport just needs to be valid for the duration of your stay. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Nouakchott airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight ready — airlines also check this before boarding. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter from your host in Mauritania. Border officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card statement | Have at least €200 or the equivalent in cash or a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring exact change (around €55 or $60) to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is well-established for Belgian passport holders. Just have your documents ready and expect a 15–30 minute wait.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and fee ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a short form to complete. Basic info: name, passport number, flight details, accommodation. A pen helps.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (euros or dollars). Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer stamps your passport with the visa. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim. The whole process usually takes 15–30 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Belgium 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€50 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Brussels. Requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
Available from Mauritanian embassy. Requires same documents as single entry plus travel itinerary.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For longer stays; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable annually
€200 (approx. $220 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes residency rights.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of financial support. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport or border. Exact amount may vary slightly. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. Overstay beyond 30 days may incur additional penalties. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD per day), max cap €300 (approx. $330 USD) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed and must be applied for at the immigration office in Nouakchott before the current visa expires. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) for 30-day extension |
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
Belgium passport holders transiting through Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit through other airports (e.g., Nouadhibou) may require a visa; check with airline.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions and during rainy season (July–October).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas. Mosquito bite prevention is key.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Avoid tap water, ice, and raw/undercooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers. Atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline are common options. Use insect repellent and bed nets.
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 Service)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and payment in cash (EUR or USD).
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 travellers in the north. Limited English; French or Arabic helpful.
Practical information for BE 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
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry visa. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, extensions are possible. You'll need to visit the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott before your visa expires. The extension costs around 1,000 MRU (about $25) and can add up to 30 days.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, like the one from Senegal at Diama. The process is similar — have your passport, fee, and return ticket ready. Expect longer queues at busy crossings.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Belgium is not a risk country, so you won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area.
No. The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. Bring exact change to avoid issues. ATMs are available at the airport but may not always work.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 500 MRU per day (roughly $13). You'll need to pay at immigration before leaving. It's best to extend or leave on time.
Not officially required for entry, but strongly recommended. Medical facilities are limited, and evacuation costs can be very high. Get a policy that covers medical evacuation.
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.