Mauritania entry requirements for Pakistan 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

Pakistan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This is the standard entry method for tourism and short business visits. As of 2026, the process is straightforward at Nouakchott International Airport.

Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get your visa on arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) — have exact change ready. The process takes 15–30 minutes depending on queue length.Apply onlineRequired
Valid passport
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this before boarding — 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 onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone. Without one, you may be refused entry.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or invitation letter
Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it during the visa-on-arrival process. A simple booking confirmation works.Recommended
Proof of funds
Sufficient cash or bank statement
Have at least 200 USD in cash (EUR also accepted) or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of financial means.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — 55 USD or equivalent euros. Credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid problems with change.
Visa on arrival is standard
Pakistan passport holders do not need to apply for a visa in advance. The visa on arrival at Nouakchott Airport is the normal entry method. No need to visit an embassy beforehand.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
Most international flights land at Nouakchott (NKC). After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. The queue is usually short.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and address in Mauritania. Have your accommodation address ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa fee in cash. As of 2026, the fee is around 55 USD or equivalent in euros. Credit cards are not accepted. Have exact change if possible.
4
Submit your documents and receive visa
Hand over your passport, completed form, and payment. The officer will process and return your passport with a visa sticker. The whole process takes 10-20 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
After getting your visa, go to the passport control counter. Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You'll be stamped in.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your checked luggage from the carousel. Then proceed through customs (usually a green channel for most tourists) and exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Pakistan Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Download PDF

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
Cost55 EUR (~$60 USD)

Apply at Mauritanian embassy or on arrival. Extension possible at immigration office.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost110 EUR (~$120 USD)

Available at embassy; requires justification for multiple entries.

work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$50 USD (processing fee)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival entry feePayable in cash (EUR or USD) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport.55 EUR (approx. $60 USD)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying.Unknown (likely 5-10 EUR/day)

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

Transit visa required

Pakistan passport holders need a transit visa to change planes in Mauritania, even if staying airside. Apply at embassy before travel.

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)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 Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00

Bring passport, visa, and fee in cash (EUR/USD).

Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00

Limited services; best to handle extensions in Nouakchott.

Practical information for PK 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

The visa on arrival fee is approximately 55 USD (or equivalent in euros). You must pay in cash — credit cards are not accepted. Have the exact amount ready to avoid change issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
Yes, you must have a booked return or onward ticket. Immigration may ask to see it. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
No, travel insurance is not mandatory for entry. However, it is strongly recommended because medical costs can be high and evacuation may be necessary. Some airlines may ask for proof of insurance.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures. It's best to check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if you plan to enter by land.
You need your valid passport (6+ months validity), completed visa application form, cash for the fee, and your return/onward ticket. Having your accommodation booking and travel insurance handy is helpful but not always required.

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.