Mauritania entry requirements for Cameroon 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
Cameroonian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This has been the case since 2024 and applies at all international airports and land borders. You'll need to pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) and have the required documents ready.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for your Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal. 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 on arrival.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Douala and Yaoundé will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Show proof of departure | Immigration at Nouakchott International Airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked tour. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 50,000 MRU (about $1,300 USD) for a week's stay. Officers rarely ask, but it's better to have it than to scramble at the counter. | Recommended |
Cash only — no cards or local currency
The visa-on-arrival counter only accepts EUR or USD cash. No credit cards, no mobile money, no Mauritanian ouguiya. Bring crisp, undamaged bills — torn or marked notes may be rejected.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Cameroon is a yellow fever endemic country. You must show a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate (yellow card) upon arrival in Mauritania. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration counter
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or Nouadhibou Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. Pay the visa fee in cash (EUR or USD). The officer will process your visa sticker.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the sticker is in your passport, go to the main passport control line. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker intact — don't peel it off.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Cameroon 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 date
Cost55 EUR (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a job offer and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD cash at the airport. | 55 EUR (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap may apply; check with immigration. | ~$20 USD per day |
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
Cameroon passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
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 (Cameroon is endemic). Must show valid certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially during rainy season (July–October). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
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 services.
Practical information for CM 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 or $60 for a single-entry visa. Prices can change, so bring a bit extra. Pay only in EUR or USD cash — no credit cards or local currency accepted.
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, including the border with Senegal (Rosso) and Western Sahara. The process is the same: pay in cash and show your passport and return ticket.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott (near the airport). The cost is around 1,500 MRU (about $40) for a 30-day extension. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Immigration may deny your visa on arrival. It's a mandatory requirement. If you're unsure of your exit date, book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus ticket to Senegal.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Cameroon is on the list). Carry your WHO yellow card with you.
No, Mauritania does not offer an e-visa for Cameroon passport holders. The visa on arrival is your only option. No need to apply in advance.
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.