Mauritania entry requirements for Luxembourg 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
Luxembourg passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. Queue at the airport or border post, pay the fee in cash. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania MAAVE eVisa | Apply online at maave.gov.mr/en/ before you travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. 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 be valid for the duration of stay | Your Luxembourg passport needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott airport asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a pre-booked 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 asks, but it's better to be prepared — ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or US dollars). No cards, no mobile payments. Bring exact change if possible — the counter may not have change for large notes.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is well-established for Luxembourg passport holders. Expect a short queue, a simple form, and a 5–10 minute processing time. Have your documents ready and you'll be through quickly.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Join the queue and have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Mauritania. Fill it in while waiting.
3
Pay the visa fee and get your sticker
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process the payment and affix a visa sticker into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Keep your return ticket and accommodation confirmation handy in case they ask.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. Usually straightforward — just walk through the green channel if you have nothing to declare.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Luxembourg 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 date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail Salarié (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100–200 (approx. $110–220 USD) plus employer fees
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or US dollars at the airport; valid for up to 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay finePayable at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD), max €200 (approx. $220 USD) |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Must apply at immigration office before current stay expires; not guaranteed. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) for 30-day extension |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Luxembourg 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; certificate must be presented.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in 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; CDC recommends prophylaxis such as 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 overstay fines; bring passport, fee in cash, and a passport photo.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north; limited services.
Practical information for LU 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 visa-on-arrival fee is approximately €55 (or equivalent in US dollars). You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You must leave before it expires. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced from your date of entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, immigration may ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or screenshot on your phone ready.
It's available at Nouakchott International Airport and major land border crossings. For smaller border posts, check in advance. The airport is the most reliable.
It's not mandatory for the visa, but immigration may ask where you're staying. Having a booking confirmation avoids delays. You can book a refundable hotel just in case.
Euros or US dollars are accepted. Avoid other currencies. Bring small denominations — the immigration counter may not have change for large bills.
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.