Mauritania entry requirements for Italy 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
Italian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. The process is straightforward at Nouakchott International Airport, but you'll need a few documents ready. Plan for a short queue and have cash in euros or ouguiyas for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Apply for a Mauritania eVisa at the MAAVE portal (maave.gov.mr/en/). Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute. Print the approval letter and carry it with your passport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Italian passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from 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 from Mauritania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show sufficient cash or card balance | Have at least €200 or equivalent in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration may ask how you plan to cover your stay — a quick bank app screenshot works. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or Mauritanian ouguiyas. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is single-entry only
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need a new visa.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Queue here.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or ouguiyas). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control desk. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker intact — it's your proof of legal stay.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, pick up your bags from the carousel. Then proceed through customs. Usually straightforward.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Italy 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)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Rome or Paris.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Requires letter of invitation or hotel booking.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€150 (approx. $165 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For foreigners with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa d'Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For those enrolled in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or USD cash at the airport or border. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Italy 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 if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
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; risk is highest in rural areas and during rainy season (July–October).
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, photo, and fee in cash for extension requests.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Limited services; extensions may require travel to Nouakchott.
Practical information for IT 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 or the equivalent in Mauritanian ouguiyas. Pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Exact change helps.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a longer-term visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry, not departure.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check current health requirements before travel.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if entering by land.
Mauritania has security risks in certain regions, especially near borders. Check your government's travel advisory. Stick to major cities and tourist areas. Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is strongly recommended.
Euros are widely accepted for the visa fee and at hotels. Bring euros in cash and exchange for ouguiyas locally. ATMs are limited outside Nouakchott.
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.