Mauritania entry requirements for Germany 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
German passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before travel. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport photo. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you print the eVisa to show at immigration in Nouakchott.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your German passport needs to be valid for your entire stay in Mauritania — no 6-month rule applies. Airlines at departure may still check for at least 3 months validity, so verify before you fly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers in Nouakchott routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they rarely accept verbal promises. If you're overlanding, a bus ticket to Senegal or a flight out works fine. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple Booking.com confirmation works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least €200–€300 in cash (euros or US dollars) or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check, but if they do, you need to show you can cover your stay. ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready — the counter rarely has change.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
German passport holders consistently report a smooth process at Nouakchott airport. The whole thing takes 10–15 minutes. Just have your documents and cash ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
Most international flights land here. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — the counter is clearly marked.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll receive a short form on arrival. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. A pen is handy.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over the fee (EUR or USD) at the payment window. Keep the receipt — you'll need it for the next step.
4
Submit documents and receive visa sticker
Give the officer your passport, completed form, payment receipt, and return ticket. They'll stamp a visa sticker into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting the visa, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa — they'll stamp you in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany 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, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Berlin or online if available. Standard option for longer stays.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, extendable 30 days
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (3 months to 1 year)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year from issue
Cost€150 (approx. $163 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $218 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship, contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $109 USD)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Visa Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $545 USD) plus investment minimum
For those investing at least €50,000 in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and registration. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in euros or USD cash at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. Exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, 90 days)Available at major entry points; requires justification for multiple entries. | €80 (approx. $87 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. Max extension up to 90 days total. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Maximum cap of €300 (approx. $327 USD). Pay at immigration or airport exit. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
German passport holders transiting through Mauritania (e.g., Nouakchott International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Transit without visa allowed for up to 24 hours if holding a confirmed onward ticket and staying in the international transit area.
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 (e.g., parts of Africa and South America). Certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, varicella, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mauritania, especially in the 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 or boiled water, avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially south of the Sahara. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 Documentation et de l'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, visa, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Immigration Office Nouadhibou
Near Port de Nouadhibou, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers arriving by sea or from Western Sahara.
Practical information for DE 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 fee is approximately €55–60 (or equivalent in USD). Pay in cash at the airport counter — credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready as change may be limited.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the granted period (usually 30 days), you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Yellow fever vaccination is not required for entry unless you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission. However, it's recommended to check current health advisories before travel.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land border crossings, such as the border with Senegal at Rosso. The process is similar — have your passport, fee, and return ticket ready. Expect longer processing times at land borders.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers short business trips. For longer work assignments or paid employment, you'll need a work visa arranged through a Mauritanian employer before travel.
The airport is generally safe, but carrying cash is unavoidable. Keep it in a money belt or hidden pouch. Once through immigration, you can use ATMs in Nouakchott to withdraw Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU).
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling — there are no exceptions for German citizens.
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.