Mauritania entry requirements for Chile passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Chilean passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard process for most nationalities.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you can get it when you arrive in Mauritania. Available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport | Chilean passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points. The visa is issued at the border; no prior application is needed. The maximum stay is determined by the immigration officer at entry. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned arrival date. Minimum 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to affix the visa sticker or stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page for the visa-on-arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou are not required to show proof of onward travel, but airlines may ask for it at check-in. Not officially required | No official requirement for a return or onward ticket is specified for Chilean passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
| Proof of sufficient fundsYou do not need to show bank statements or cash upon arrival. Not officially required | No official requirement for proof of funds is specified for Chilean passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any customs or health declaration form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for entry into Mauritania. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationDo not attempt to apply for an e-visa; it is not available for your nationality. Not applicable | Mauritania does not offer an e-visa for Chilean passport holders; the visa on arrival is the standard entry method. | Not required |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). No credit cards, no ATMs at the airport before immigration. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected costs.
Passport photos recommended
While not always required, having two passport photos with you can save time. The airport may not have a photo booth, and the visa form sometimes asks for them.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before passport control. Join the queue, hand over your passport, photos, and fee. You'll get a visa sticker in your passport.
2
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa, go to the main passport control line. Present your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and any requested documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp you in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs — usually a green channel for most tourists. You're in Mauritania.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Chile Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$80 (approx 2,900 MRU)
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company; apply at embassy.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$150 (approx 5,400 MRU)
For frequent business travelers; same requirements as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR, USD, or MRU) at the airport. | $55 (approx 2,000 MRU) |
| Visa extension (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before visa expiry. | $30 (approx 1,100 MRU) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Incomplete or incorrect documents35%
Criminal record or security concerns25%
Insufficient funds20%
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
Chilean passport holders transiting through Mauritania (same airport, no exit) do not need a visa for stays up to 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required.
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 risk; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the south.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water.
Malaria risk: high
Chloroquine-resistant malaria is present; prophylaxis recommended (e.g., 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 de l'Immigration et des Passeports
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, near the Ministry of Interior
Mon-Thu 08:00-16:00, Fri 08:00-13:00
Nouadhibou
Bureau Régional de l'Immigration
Near the Port of Nouadhibou
Mon-Thu 08:00-16:00, Fri 08:00-13:00
Practical information for CL 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
The fee is typically around €55–€100, payable in cash (EUR or USD). Exact amount can vary, so bring a bit extra. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Nouakchott, but the process can be slow. It's easier to plan your trip within the initial validity.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Chileans. Check with your airline before travel.
You will be denied boarding by your airline. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions at immigration.
It's available at Nouakchott International Airport and some land borders, but the airport is the most reliable. For land crossings, confirm with the nearest Mauritanian embassy.
Yes, you can apply at a Mauritanian embassy before travel. This might be useful if you want to avoid the airport queue. The process takes a few days to a week.
EUR or USD are preferred. Avoid bringing Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) — they may not accept it. Have small denominations for exact change.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.