Mauritania entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle the paperwork at Nouakchott International Airport or other entry points after landing. This policy is current as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa (MAAVE) | Apply online at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa covers tourism and business visits. 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 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 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 of your booking ready — they will check it before stamping you in. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers occasionally ask where you are staying, and having proof avoids delays. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Officers may ask to see you have enough money for your stay. Bring a recent bank statement or around 200–300 USD in cash as a safety net. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring small denominations, €10 or €20, because change may not be available.
Visa on arrival is straightforward — but have documents ready
The process at Nouakchott Airport is smooth if you have your passport, arrival card, and fee ready. Keep your return ticket and hotel booking on your phone in case they ask.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Queue up, hand over your passport and the fee. The officer will issue a visa sticker on the spot.
2
Fill out the arrival card
You'll get a small card on the plane or at the counter. Fill in your details: name, passport number, flight, hotel address. Keep it with your passport.
3
Pass through passport control
Present your passport with the visa sticker and the arrival card. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, how long you're staying, and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp you in.
4
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then proceed through customs, usually a green channel for tourists. You're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy. Requires proof of multiple trips.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or dollars) upon arrival at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Mauritania airports (e.g., Nouakchott) 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
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
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline) strongly recommended.
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
For visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, visa, and cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; French/Arabic helpful.
Practical information for MT 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 typically around €55–€100, paid in euros or US dollars. Exact amount can vary — bring small bills. Credit cards are not accepted.
Visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott International Airport and some land border crossings, such as from Senegal or Morocco. However, availability at land borders is less reliable — the airport is the safest bet.
The standard stay is up to 30 days. Extensions are possible but require a visit to the immigration office in Nouakchott. Start the process a week before your visa expires.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, or have transited through one for more than 12 hours, you need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Malta.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or entry by Mauritanian immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST) in Nouakchott. Extensions are usually granted for an additional 30 days. Cost is around 1,500 MRU, about €40. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and a letter explaining why you need more time.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in markets and crowded areas. Avoid traveling alone at night outside cities. Register with your embassy on arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.