Mauritania entry requirements for Egypt 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
Egyptian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. Pay $55 USD in cash at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport, and you'll receive a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. This is the standard entry method for tourism or short business visits as of 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days from entry and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Egyptian passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Cairo Airport will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Keep a copy of your hotel reservation or a letter from your host. Border officers rarely ask, but having it avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card | Carry enough cash (around $200 USD equivalent) or a credit card to cover your stay. Officers may ask to see you have means to support yourself. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The $55 USD visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards, no mobile payments. Bring USD or EUR in good condition (no torn or old notes). ATMs at the airport are unreliable, so have the exact amount ready before you land.
Yellow fever vaccine required if coming from an endemic country
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk (like parts of sub-Saharan Africa), you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct flights from Egypt.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB). Follow the signs to immigration. There's no separate visa counter — just join the queue for foreign passports.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (you'll get it on the plane or at the counter), and your return ticket. The officer will ask for $55 USD in cash. Pay in USD or EUR — they don't accept Mauritanian ouguiya for the visa fee.
3
Get your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. It's valid for 30 days single entry. Check the dates before you walk away. The whole process takes 5–10 minutes if you have everything ready.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall where taxis and hotel shuttles wait.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Egypt 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
Cost55 USD (55 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or at embassy; same as VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost110 USD (110 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Cairo or neighboring country.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost200 USD (200 USD)
Requires sponsorship or invitation letter.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~150 USD (150 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer to obtain work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD) + university enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized institution in Mauritania. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD) + minimum investment of 50,000 USD
For individuals investing in Mauritania's economy. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD cash at the airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | €10 (approx. $11 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
Egyptian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, 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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and nets.
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
Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds for extension.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Smaller office; allow extra time for processing.
Practical information for EG 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
Yes, but only at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and Nouadhibou International Airport. If you arrive by land from Senegal or Mali, you'll need to get a visa beforehand at a Mauritanian embassy.
30 days single entry. You can extend it once for another 30 days at the immigration office in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou. The extension costs about $30 USD per month.
Overstay fines are $10 USD per day, with a maximum cap of $300 USD. Pay at the immigration office before you leave. Don't ignore it — overstays can affect future travel to Mauritania.
No, if you stay airside and don't pass through immigration. You can transit for up to 24 hours at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airports without a visa. If you leave the airport or stay overnight, you'll need a visa on arrival.
Yes, you can apply online at maave.gov.mr/en/. The eVisa costs the same $55 USD and takes about 72 hours to process. Apply at least 5 days before your flight. It's a good option if you want to skip the queue at immigration.
Your passport (with a blank page), a return or onward ticket, and $55 USD in cash. Proof of accommodation and funds are recommended but not always checked. The officer may ask for a hotel booking or bank statement, so have them ready.
Mauritania is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime like pickpocketing can happen in markets and crowded areas. Avoid the northern border regions due to security concerns. Always carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
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.