Mauritania entry requirements for Rwanda 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
Rwandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Bring your passport and cash for the fee. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method — no advance application needed.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Apply online at the MAAVE eVisa portal before 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 routinely ask for a confirmed onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone showing your departure flight from Mauritania. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for this during the visa-on-arrival process, especially if you are staying in Nouakchott. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Have a recent bank statement or at least $200 USD in cash to show you can support yourself. This is rarely checked but can be requested at the border. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — no cards accepted. Bring Euros or US dollars. ATMs at the airport are unreliable, so arrive with enough cash.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is simple and well-established for Rwandan passport holders. No need to apply in advance. Just have your documents and cash ready.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form — name, passport number, flight details, where you're staying. Fill it out while in line.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over the fee in cash (Euros or USD). The officer will issue a receipt and process your visa. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Get your passport stamped
The visa sticker is placed in your passport, and you're stamped in. Collect your passport and proceed to baggage claim.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Rwanda 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 stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
CostFree (Visa on arrival)
Rwanda passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival for tourism.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
CostNot available for visa on arrival; apply at embassy
Multiple entry visas are not issued on arrival; contact Mauritanian embassy.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
CostVaries; contact embassy
For work, study, or family reunification; requires prior approval.
work visa
Work Permit (Autorisation de Travail)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For foreign workers with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires a contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
Varies; proof of enrollment required
For students enrolled in a recognized educational institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter and financial proof.
investor visa
Investor Visa
1–2 years, renewable
Varies; minimum investment required
For individuals investing in Mauritania's economy. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feeVisa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 90 days. | Free (no fee for Rwanda passport holders) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/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
No transit visa needed
Rwanda 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) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is prevalent throughout Mauritania, especially in the southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Risk of diarrhea, cholera, and hepatitis A from contaminated food/water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions; prophylaxis recommended (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline).
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–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for the northern region.
Practical information for RW 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 fee is typically around €55 or $60 USD. Pay in cash — Euros or US dollars are preferred. Have the exact amount if possible to avoid change issues.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get a single entry for the duration granted at the border. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Rwanda is not on the risk list, but if you've recently traveled to an endemic country, bring your certificate.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if entering overland.
No, there is no e-visa system for Mauritania. The visa on arrival is the standard method for Rwandan passport holders.
Have your passport, return ticket (printed or on phone), hotel booking confirmation, and cash for the visa fee. A printed copy of your itinerary helps too.
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.