Mauritania entry requirements for Lebanon 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
Lebanese passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at Nouakchott airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for Lebanese travellers.
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. The process takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan and a photo, pay the fee online. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, but apply at least 5 days before your flight to be safe.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll 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 — they won't 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. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have bank statements or a credit card ready. Officers occasionally ask to see that you have enough money for your stay — around $100 per day is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There are no ATMs before immigration, and credit cards are not accepted. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward but slow
Processing can take 20–40 minutes depending on how many flights arrived at the same time. Be patient and have your documents ready. The staff are used to handling this process.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
All international flights land here. After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival processing.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form at the counter. Fill in your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Have your passport and photos ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (euros or US dollars preferred). The exact amount varies — expect around €55 or $60. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and wait
Hand over your passport, form, photos, and payment receipt. Processing takes 10–30 minutes. You'll be called when your visa is ready.
5
Collect your passport with visa sticker
Once processed, you'll get your passport back with a visa sticker. Check that the validity dates are correct. Then proceed to passport control.
6
Pass through immigration
At the immigration desk, present your passport with the visa sticker. You may be asked about your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll get an entry stamp.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Lebanon 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 (0 USD) for Lebanon passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; extension costs apply.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~50 USD (50 USD)
Available at Mauritanian embassies; not commonly issued on arrival.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~100 USD (100 USD)
Requires sponsorship and proof of sufficient funds; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~150 USD (150 USD) per year
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~100 USD (100 USD) per year
For students enrolled at a Mauritanian educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~500 USD (500 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for up to 30 days. | Free (0 USD) for Lebanon passport holders |
| Stay extension (per month)Extensions are possible at immigration offices; cost is approximate and subject to change. | ~30 USD (30 USD) per month |
| Overstay fine (per day)Overstay fines are charged daily; maximum cap may apply but is not officially published. | ~10 USD (10 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
Lebanon passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours.
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 risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
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 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 mosquito nets and repellent.
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 (DGSN) - Immigration Service
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 fee in cash (USD or MRO).
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police - Immigration Bureau
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.
Practical information for LB 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 around €55 or $60 USD, paid in cash at the airport. Exact amounts can vary slightly, so bring a little extra. Credit cards are not accepted.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at the Mauritanian embassy before travel.
You may be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers often ask to see an onward or return ticket. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Lebanon is not a risk country, but if you've recently travelled to one, you'll need the certificate. Check current health requirements before travel.
Visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — it's safer to arrange a visa in advance if entering by land.
Mauritania is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid border regions and remote areas. Register with your embassy on arrival. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Euros and US dollars are widely accepted for visa fees and at hotels. The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott, so bring enough cash for your stay.
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.