Mauritania entry requirements for Norway 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
Norwegian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short visits in 2026. Just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with the right documents and you'll be processed on the spot.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before you 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 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 onward travel | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport ask for a confirmed return or onward ticket. Budget airlines like Air Mauritanie enforce this strictly — have a printed copy or a screenshot ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the immigration counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing available funds. Immigration may ask to see it if you look underprepared — better to have it than to argue at the desk. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is the standard method
You do not need to apply for a visa before traveling. Just show up at Nouakchott International Airport with your documents and you'll be processed on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated visa-on-arrival counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Basic personal details and travel info. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. Euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or $60. Have exact change if possible.
4
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport and issue the visa sticker. You're then free to proceed to baggage claim and customs. The whole process usually takes 15-30 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad. Same as VoA 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.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires invitation letter or work permit. Apply at embassy.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Norway 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)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 Documentation et de l'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, photos, and fee in euros.
Nouadhibou
Immigration Office Nouadhibou
Near Port de Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English spoken.
Practical information for NO 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 fee is approximately €55 or $60 USD. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Have exact change if possible, as change may not always be available.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll need to apply for a different visa type before your trip or leave and re-enter.
The visa on arrival is typically issued for a short stay — usually up to 30 days. The exact duration is at the discretion of the immigration officer at the airport.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Norway is not a risk country, so you generally don't need it unless you've recently traveled to an endemic area. Check with your doctor.
Immigration at Nouakchott may deny entry if you cannot show a confirmed onward or return ticket. It's a standard requirement. Book a refundable ticket if you're unsure of your plans.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures. Check with the Mauritanian embassy if you plan to enter by road.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and occasional security concerns exist. Register with the Norwegian embassy in Rabat or the nearest consulate. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.