Mauritania entry requirements for Norway passport holders

Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
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 need an eVisa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online through the official Mauritanian eVisa portal before you travel — it's straightforward and saves you from embassy visits. Plan ahead, as the eVisa is not issued on arrival.

Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Mauritania eVisaYou must get this visa online before you travel; it cannot be obtained on arrival.
Apply online before travel
Norwegian passport holders must obtain an eVisa before arrival. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (evisa.mr). The eVisa is not extendable.Required
Passport validityMake sure your passport doesn't expire within 6 months of your arrival date.
At least 6 months beyond entry
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania.Required
Blank passport pagesYou need a clean page for the immigration officer to stamp.
At least 1 blank page
Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps.Required
Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary ready in case they ask.
Proof of departure
Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania.Required
Proof of fundsNot always asked, but good to have in case.
Sufficient for stay
Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash.Recommended
Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form.
Not required
No arrival declaration is required for Mauritania.Not required
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Norwegian citizens cannot get a Mauritanian visa on arrival. The eVisa is your only option, and processing can take up to a week or more. Apply well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
Use the official eVisa portal only
The only official site for the Mauritanian eVisa is https://www.evisa.mr/. Be wary of third-party sites that charge extra fees — they're not official and may not be reliable.

What happens at the border

1
Apply for the eVisa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Enter your passport details, travel dates, and upload your photo. Double-check everything before submitting — mistakes can cause delays.
2
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the eVisa fee online with your card. Processing times vary, so apply at least a week before your trip. You'll receive the approved eVisa by email — check your spam folder too.
3
Print your eVisa
Print a physical copy of the approved eVisa. Keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and to Mauritanian immigration on arrival.
4
Arrive at the airport in Mauritania
At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or any other entry point), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport — you're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Norway Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study
Cost$100–$200

Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy.

Other fees
ServiceCost
Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; valid for 30 days from issue.$60
Visa extension (up to 30 additional days)Apply at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott; subject to approval.$40
Exit fee (if applicable)Most international flights include departure tax; verify with airline.Included in airfare

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

Transit visa required

Norwegian citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and depart within 24 hours.

Exceptions & conditions
  • Diplomatic or official passport holders
  • Crew members on duty
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
updated Jul 3
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
Police117
Medical118
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

No. The eVisa is the only way to get a visa for Mauritania for Norwegian passport holders. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival facility for this nationality.
Processing times vary, but it's wise to apply at least 7–10 days before your trip. Some applications are approved in a few days, others can take longer. Don't leave it to the last minute.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. Check the official eVisa portal for the current amount — it's typically around $50–$100, but confirm at evisa.mr.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with Mauritanian immigration authorities about other options before your visa expires.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're flying directly from Norway, it's not required, but check your full itinerary — if you transit through a risk country, you'll need the certificate.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry by Mauritanian immigration. Always print a copy — don't rely on showing it on your phone, as airport systems may not have reliable internet access.
The standard Mauritanian eVisa is typically single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter, you'll need to apply for a new eVisa each time. Check the eVisa portal for the exact terms of your approval.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.