Mauritania entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle it at the airport in Nouakchott or Nouadhibou — no need to apply in advance. This policy is current as of 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal. Processing takes 3–5 business days. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Nouakchott Airport checks it before issuing the entry stamp.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Ethiopian passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Bole International Airport will check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will not 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 where you are staying — having a booking confirmation speeds up the process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have cash (euros or US dollars) or a bank statement showing enough funds for your stay. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, you need to show at least $100 per day of your trip. | Recommended |
Cash is king
ATMs are scarce and unreliable in Mauritania. Bring enough USD or EUR in cash to cover your visa fee, accommodation, and a few days of expenses. Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott airport is well-established. Have your documents ready, pay in cash, and you'll be through in 20–30 minutes. No need to apply online beforehand.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB). Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'.
2
Queue at the visa counter
Join the line at the visa on arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready. The officer will process your application.
3
Pay the fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or EUR preferred). Keep the receipt — you may need it later.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will place a visa sticker in your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Go to the passport control queue. Present your passport with the new visa. Answer any questions about your stay. Then collect your luggage.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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 once for 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad. Requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; same application process as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD cash at the airport. Exact amount may vary slightly. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; 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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not require a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, for landside transit or leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is needed.
Airside transitAllowed
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.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsider
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 or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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
For visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for ET 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 but is typically between 55 and 100 USD (or equivalent in euros). Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Bring small bills if possible.
It's possible at some land border crossings, but it's not guaranteed. The most reliable option is to fly into Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airports, where the visa on arrival is standard.
The standard visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Ethiopia is not on the high-risk list, but if you've traveled elsewhere recently, carry your certificate.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Nouakchott. The process takes a few days and costs around 20–30 USD. Start early — don't wait until the last day.
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid remote areas near the borders with Mali and Algeria. Register with your embassy on arrival.
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.