Mauritania entry requirements for Israel 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
Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. The process is straightforward at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) and other designated entry points. As of 2026, you'll need a valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you fly. The online form takes about 15 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 departure to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Israeli passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Ben Gurion will check this before boarding — if your passport expires before you leave Mauritania, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Nouakchott International Airport will ask to see a confirmed onward ticket out of Mauritania. This can be a return flight to Israel or a ticket to any other country — but it must be a real booking, not a reservation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a hotel booking or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration rarely asks for it, but if you're arriving without a clear place to stay, they may question your purpose of visit. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or euros) or a credit card to cover your stay. There's no official minimum amount, but having around $100 per day shows you can support yourself without working. | Recommended |
Cash is king
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (EUR or USD). There are no ATMs at the airport, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring enough cash for the visa and a few days of expenses.
No e-visa option
Mauritania does not offer an e-visa for Israeli passport holders. The visa on arrival is the only option for tourism. Do not apply for any online visa — it's not valid.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation proof ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and intended length of stay. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash (usually around €55 or equivalent in USD/EUR). Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. Then go to passport control, show your passport and visa, and you're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in euros or USD cash upon arrival at Nouakchott airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €200 (approx. $220 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension feeExtension of up to 30 days, subject to approval at immigration office. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
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
Israel passport holders transiting through Mauritania's airports 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider 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 immigration matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for IL 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 approximately €55 (or equivalent in USD/EUR). You must pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Bring small bills if possible.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It can be extended once at the immigration office in Nouakchott for an additional 30 days (fee applies).
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, including the border with Senegal (Rosso) and Mali. However, the process is smoother at Nouakchott Airport.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're traveling directly from Israel, you don't need it. But if you've been in any African country recently, get the shot and carry the certificate.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can extend it once at the immigration office in Nouakchott. The extension costs around €30 and gives you another 30 days. Go to the office before your current visa expires.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but check your government's travel advisories. There are no direct flights from Israel, so you'll likely transit through Europe or North Africa. Be aware of local customs and dress modestly.
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.