Mauritania entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This has been the case for several years and remains the standard entry method in 2026. You'll handle the process at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or other border entry points.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport | Saudi 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 may ask to see both. The visa costs around 55 USD (cash only, bring crisp US 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 stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Jeddah and Riyadh may enforce a 6-month validity rule — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for visa on arrival | Immigration at Nouakchott will ask for proof of a return or onward ticket before issuing the visa on arrival. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone — they're strict about this. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Bring a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers sometimes ask for it during the visa on arrival process. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry at least 200 USD in cash or have a bank statement showing sufficient funds. Immigration may ask how you'll support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Credit and debit cards are not accepted. Bring US dollars, euros, or Mauritanian ouguiya. ATMs at the airport are unreliable.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
Saudi passport holders have been getting visa on arrival in Mauritania for years. The process at Nouakchott Airport usually takes 15–30 minutes. No prior application or approval needed.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Nouakchott Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the visa on arrival fee in cash. The fee is approximately 55 USD (or equivalent in euros or Mauritanian ouguiya). Credit cards are not accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. The visa is typically valid for 30 days.
4
Proceed to baggage claim
After clearing immigration, collect your luggage. Then head to customs (usually a quick bag scan). Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia 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
Cost55 EUR (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable on arrival or in advance from Mauritanian embassy. Extension possible at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per stay
Validity6 months from issue
Cost110 EUR (approx. $120 USD)
Available from Mauritanian embassy; allows multiple entries. Not available on arrival.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD
Requires sponsorship and application at embassy. Suitable for longer stays.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For those enrolled in a Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of investment. Leads to permanent residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival feePayable in cash (euros or dollars) upon arrival at Nouakchott airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | Unknown (estimated €10–20/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
Saudi Arabian passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area, a visa on arrival is required (cost 55 EUR).
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 transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially southern Mauritania. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
For visa extensions and residency permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions for visitors in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for SA 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 USD. You can pay in US dollars, euros, or Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Credit cards are not accepted, so bring cash.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. Check the validity dates stamped in your passport before leaving the immigration counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than 30 days, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Saudi Arabia is not a risk country, so you likely won't need it unless you've recently traveled to an affected area.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
The visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) and at major land border crossings. For smaller or remote crossings, check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, including the Rosso border with Senegal and the Néma border with Mali. Have cash (USD or MRU) ready for the fee.
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.