Mauritania entry requirements for Ghana 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
Ghanaian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. You'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have these ready before you land.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa costs around $55 USD and is typically processed within 72 hours. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport — immigration at Nouakchott airport will stamp you in.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must have at least 6 months validity | Your Ghanaian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Nouakchott airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you risk being refused entry and sent back on the next flight. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration rarely checks this for short stays, but it helps if questioned about your ability to cover expenses. | Recommended |
Cash required for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee is paid in cash (USD or euros preferred). ATMs are scarce at the airport, and card payments are not accepted at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and initial expenses.
Yellow fever vaccine mandatory
What happens at the border
1
Prepare documents before departure
Ensure your passport is valid for 6+ months, book a return ticket, and reserve your first night's accommodation. Print or save digital copies of all confirmations.
2
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
Most arrivals are at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport. Follow signs to immigration after disembarking.
3
Proceed to visa on arrival counter
At the immigration hall, look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter. Present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will process your visa and collect the fee (typically around 55 USD or equivalent in local currency, paid in cash).
4
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport. You'll then proceed to passport control for entry. Keep your documents accessible for inspection.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ghana 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
CostFree (VOA equivalent)
Obtainable at border or Mauritanian embassy; extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
CostFree (not commonly issued; check embassy)
Rarely issued; apply at Mauritanian embassy in advance.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (processing fees)
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50–100 USD
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee charged at border for Ghana passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not clearly defined; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (no official published rate; may vary) |
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
Ghana passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever transmission, including Ghana.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all areas, especially southern Mauritania. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) 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 residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited services; arrive early.
Practical information for GH 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 visa on arrival fee is typically around 55 USD (or equivalent in Mauritanian ouguiya). Bring cash in USD or euros, as card payments may not be accepted at the counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before the validity expires. If you need a longer stay, you must apply for a different visa type before traveling.
You will likely be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month requirement is strictly enforced.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travelers over 9 months old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Ghana is considered a risk country, so you must show proof of vaccination. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures, and it's best to check with the Mauritanian embassy if entering by land.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), a return or onward ticket, and proof of first night accommodation. Travel insurance is not mandatory but recommended. Keep all documents in your hand luggage.
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, but exercise caution in remote areas and avoid border regions. Register with your embassy and check travel advisories before departure.
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.