Mauritania entry requirements for Singapore 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
Singapore passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You pay the fee and receive the visa at Nouakchott International Airport. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the official MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Approval typically takes 2–3 business days — do not book flights until you receive the confirmation email.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for entire stay | Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. No minimum validity beyond departure is required by law, but airlines may enforce 6 months — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott International Airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they will not accept verbal promises. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Officers rarely ask, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Bank statement or cash | Keep a recent bank statement or enough cash (around $200 USD equivalent) to cover your stay. Immigration does not routinely check, but you may be asked if you look underprepared. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There are no ATMs or card machines before passport control. Bring enough cash for the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Visa on arrival is single-entry
The visa you get at the airport is valid for one entry only. If you leave Mauritania and want to return, you'll need to get another visa on arrival (and pay again).
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 before passport control.
2
Submit documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (provided on the plane), and cash. The officer will process your visa.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
Once the visa is issued, go to the passport control booth. The officer will stamp you in. Keep the visa sticker safe — you'll need it when you leave.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Singapore 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, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; similar to visa on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsor or specific purpose (e.g., work, study).
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~€200 (approx. $220 USD) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work.
investor visa
Investor Residence Permit
2 years, renewable
~€500 (approx. $550 USD) plus investment
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of funds. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (euros or USD) at entry point. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Singapore passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 48 hours airside.
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)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; 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 during rainy season (July–October). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil or 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
Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for SG 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 varies but is typically around €55–€100 (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash at the counter — no cards accepted. Exact amount depends on your nationality and length of stay.
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.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Singapore passport holders. Check with your doctor before travel.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6 months are counted from your entry date, not your departure.
This policy applies specifically to Nouakchott International Airport. For land crossings, check with the Mauritanian embassy — rules may differ.
Yes, you'll receive a landing card on the plane. Fill it out before you reach the visa counter. Keep it with your passport.
No, but it's strongly recommended. Medical care in Mauritania is limited and can be expensive. A basic travel insurance policy covers emergencies.
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.