Mauritania entry requirements for New Zealand 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at Nouakchott Airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry process for Kiwis visiting for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport | New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Have a printed copy of your hotel booking and return ticket ready — the immigration officer will ask for both. The visa costs around 55 EUR or 60 USD, payable in cash (bring exact change in euros or dollars).Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your intended stay in Mauritania. Airlines at check-in may enforce a 6-month validity rule — if your passport expires sooner, call your airline before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Nouakchott will ask to see a confirmed return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they don't always accept digital copies. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration officers at Nouakchott routinely ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (euros or dollars) to cover your stay — ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott. A bank statement showing recent transactions can help if asked, though it's rarely checked. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no ATM nearby. Bring small bills to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is well-established for tourists. Have your documents ready, be patient, and you'll be through in under an hour.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, purpose of visit, length of stay. Fill it out while queuing.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash (EUR or USD). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is stuck into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You may be asked about your return ticket or accommodation.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand 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
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival; no advance application needed for New Zealand passport holders.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (approx. $100 USD)
Available on arrival; allows multiple entries within validity.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
Varies (employer-sponsored)
For New Zealanders with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
Duration of studies, renewable
Varies (institution-specific)
For those enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or USD) upon arrival at Nouakchott airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying the visa-free period may result in fines; avoid by leaving on time. | Unknown (varies; typically per day) |
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 AEssentialTyphoidEssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high nationwide, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is 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
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions for travellers in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for NZ 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 €55–€85 (or equivalent in USD). It depends on your nationality and the length of stay. Pay in cash — cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. For direct travel from New Zealand, it's not mandatory, but check current health advice before you go.
Visa on arrival is available at most land borders, but the process can be slower and less predictable. The airport in Nouakchott is the most reliable place to get it. Carry extra cash and patience.
If you're transiting and not leaving the airport, you don't need a visa. But if you plan to enter the country, even for a short stop, you'll need the visa on arrival.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid remote areas near the borders with Mali and Algeria. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Bring euros or US dollars in cash. The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU), but you can exchange at banks or hotels. Cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels.
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.