Mauritania entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This is the standard entry method for short visits — no need to apply in advance. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Nouakchott International Airport.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before you fly. The online form takes about 10 minutes and you need a passport scan and a digital photo. Approval usually comes within 72 hours — print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Bahrain passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport will check this before boarding — no minimum remaining validity beyond your departure date is required by Mauritanian immigration. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed booking or a digital copy on your phone ready — they may deny entry if you cannot show a confirmed departure. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a pre-arranged tour or business contact. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 50,000 Mauritanian ouguiya (about $1,250 USD) per person. Officers rarely ask, but if they do, you need to show you can pay for accommodation and expenses without working locally. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no local currency. Bring enough to cover the fee plus some extra for emergencies.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
You do not need to apply for an e-visa or visit an embassy beforehand. Just show up with your documents and cash. This applies to all Bahraini passport holders.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival — usually near the main passport control area.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (if asked), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or equivalent.
3
Receive visa and proceed
The officer stamps or sticks the visa into your passport. You then go through passport control and collect your luggage. Total time: 15–30 minutes if no queue.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
CostFree (VOA) or ~$50 USD if applied in advance
Visa on arrival is free; advance application may be needed for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Available at Mauritanian embassy; requires proof of funds and itinerary.
Long-stay visa (business/visit)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD
For longer stays; requires sponsor letter and approval.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in a local business. Requires business plan and approval.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for up to 30 days. | Free (no fee for Bahrain passport holders) |
| Stay extension (per month)Extension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | ~$30 USD (approx. 1,100 MRU) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap may apply; pay at immigration before departure. | ~$10 USD (approx. 370 MRU) |
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
Bahrain passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) for up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa required for airside transit under 24 hours.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
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.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningitis (meningococcal)Consider
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
High risk in all regions; prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north.
Practical information for BH 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €55 (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash — euros or dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted at the immigration counter.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type at a Mauritanian embassy before traveling.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity requirement is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before your trip.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Bahrain is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to one, bring your certificate.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The process is smoothest at Nouakchott International Airport. At land borders, availability and fees may vary — have cash ready and expect delays.
Euros or US dollars are best for the visa fee. For daily expenses, bring euros or dollars and exchange at a bank or hotel in Nouakchott. ATMs are scarce outside the capital.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but avoid border regions with Mali and Western Sahara. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in markets. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.