Mauritania entry requirements for Kenya 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
Kenyan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires preparation.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply online before travel | Mauritania requires all visitors to apply for an eVisa at maave.gov.mr before arrival. The online form takes about 10 minutes — upload a passport photo and your passport data page. Approval comes by email within 72 hours, print two copies to carry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your Kenyan passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp. Mauritania does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your travel dates. Airlines at JKIA may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready showing you leave Mauritania within your eVisa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or an invitation letter from your host in Mauritania. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can cover your stay | Bank statements or cash equivalent to about $100 USD per day is the informal benchmark. Immigration rarely checks, but if you look underprepared they may ask. | Recommended |
Cash is king
Mauritania is largely a cash economy. ATMs are rare and often out of order. Bring enough euros or dollars to cover the visa fee and a few days of expenses. Exchange at official bureaux — don't rely on street changers.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott airport is well-established for visa on arrival. Have your documents ready and expect a short wait. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Join the queue and have your documents ready.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (euros or dollars). The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and enter
Once approved, the visa is stamped into your passport. You'll then proceed to passport control for entry. Keep the receipt in case of questions.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Kenya 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost55 EUR (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (approx. $120 USD)
Available at Mauritanian embassy; requires justification for multiple trips.
work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is free for Kenyan passport holders as of 2025. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~10-20 USD/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
Kenya passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to leave the airport, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
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 risk (including Kenya). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the 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
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use insect repellent and sleep under mosquito 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
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
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 visitors in the north. Limited services; expect delays.
Practical information for KE 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 is typically between €55 and €100, payable in cash in euros or US dollars. Exact amounts can change, so bring a bit extra. No credit cards accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Kenya is not on the risk list, but if you've traveled elsewhere recently, check requirements.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, but use common sense. Keep cash in a money belt or hotel safe. Don't flash large amounts. Exchange only at official bureaux de change.
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 overland.
Yes, an onward ticket to any destination outside Mauritania is sufficient. It proves you'll leave within the allowed period.
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.