Mauritania entry requirements for Colombia 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
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No advance application needed — just show up at the airport or land border with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this policy covers tourism and short business visits.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa (MAAVE) | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before you travel. The online form takes about 10 minutes — you'll need a passport scan, a passport photo, and a credit card. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Colombian passport needs to be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Bogotá and connecting hubs will check this before letting you board — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers in Nouakchott routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready — they won't let you through without one. | 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, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Have a bank statement or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Immigration rarely asks, but it's better to have it than to get stuck at the counter. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Colombian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott airport and land borders. No need to apply in advance. Just bring the required documents and cash.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport or land border
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (the main entry point), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders, go to the immigration office.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), and accommodation confirmation. The officer will check your passport validity and blank page.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Have the exact amount ready. The officer will issue a receipt and then stamp or stick the visa into your passport.
4
Receive your visa and proceed
Once the visa is issued, you'll be allowed to enter. The visa is typically valid for 30 days. Keep the receipt in case you need to extend.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from Mauritanian embassy; standard option.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Allows multiple entries; useful for regional travel.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (e.g., work, study); apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
€300 (approx. $330 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€150 (approx. $165 USD)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeSingle entry, payable in cash (EUR or USD) at border. | 55 EUR (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap published; avoid overstay. | Unknown (estimated 10–20 EUR/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
Colombian passport holders transiting through Mauritania 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
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 transmission risk; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high nationwide, especially in rural areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for CO 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 varies by nationality and length of stay. Expect around €55–€100. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once you're in Mauritania by visiting the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, you can extend your stay. Go to the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires. The extension fee is around €30–€50, and you'll need to provide a reason (e.g., tourism, business).
The same visa on arrival policy applies at land borders. Go to the immigration office at the crossing. Have your documents ready and pay the fee in cash.
Mauritania does not require a yellow fever vaccine for entry, but it's recommended if you're coming from a country with yellow fever. Check with your doctor.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers short business visits. For longer work assignments, you may need a work visa obtained in advance from a Mauritanian embassy.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around €20–€50 per day) and possible detention. Extend your visa before it expires to avoid problems.
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.