Mauritania entry requirements for Morocco 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
Moroccan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll receive a 30-day tourist visa at Nouakchott International Airport or land borders. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania MAAVE eVisa | Apply for your Mauritania eVisa at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Casablanca and other hubs will check this before boarding — no exceptions. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have your hotel confirmation or host's address ready. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (around $100–$200 USD equivalent) or a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely checks this, but it helps if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring US dollars, euros, or Mauritanian ouguiya in small denominations.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is usually quick — expect 10-20 minutes. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport or land border
Head to the immigration counter. At the airport, follow signs for 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. At land borders, look for the immigration office.
2
Present your documents
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and any requested documents. The officer will process your visa on the spot.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. The cost is approximately 55 USD (or equivalent in euros or Mauritanian ouguiya). Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport with the visa. You're now cleared to enter Mauritania. Keep the visa page safe for your departure.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Morocco 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 up to 90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance at embassy. Same as visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available at Mauritanian embassy abroad. Requires justification for multiple entries.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
For longer stays; apply at embassy with proof of purpose and funds.
work visa
Travail (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
€150–300 (approx. $165–330 USD) depending on employer
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $110 USD) plus university fees
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
€500–1,000 (approx. $550–1,100 USD) depending on investment
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in a Mauritanian business. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Leads to permanent residency after 5 years.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or dollars at the border. Valid for up to 30 days. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Stay extension (per month)Apply at immigration office before current visa expires. Max extension up to 90 days. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
| Overstay fine (per day)No official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | €10 (approx. $11 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
Morocco passport holders transiting through Nouakchott International Airport do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For land or sea transit, a visa may be 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 airside.
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 (e.g., sub-Saharan Africa).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Mauritania, especially in the south and during rainy season (July–October).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance recommended.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in southern regions. 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 (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions. Bring passport, visa, 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.
Practical information for MA 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 costs approximately 55 USD. You can pay in US dollars, euros, or Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Cash only — no cards accepted. Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It is not extendable, so plan your stay accordingly.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport and most land border crossings. However, it's always best to confirm with the specific border post before traveling, as some remote crossings may have limited facilities.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity requirement is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check with your doctor or a travel clinic before departure.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you would need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania has areas with security risks, particularly in remote regions. Check your government's travel advisory before booking. Stick to major cities and tourist areas, and avoid traveling alone at night.
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.