Mauritania entry requirements for Tanzania 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
Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You'll handle it at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport — no need to apply in advance. This policy has been in place since 2024.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Obtain at Nouakchott International Airport | Tanzanian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott Airport. Have 60–120 USD in cash (exact amount varies by nationality) and a passport photo ready. The process takes 10–20 minutes at the visa counter before immigration.Check eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport needs to be valid for at least the length of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Dar es Salaam may ask for 6 months validity — carry a printout of the Mauritanian visa policy page if they push back. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport regularly asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready — they may check it before stamping your visa on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation 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 | Have at least 200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers may ask how you plan to support yourself during your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There is no ATM or card payment at the visa counter. Bring small denominations to avoid change issues.
Visa on arrival is single-entry
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry. If you leave Mauritania (even to Senegal or Western Sahara), you'll need a new visa to re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
The fee is paid in cash at the counter. Exact amount varies — bring euros or US dollars. As of 2025, expect around €55 or $60. Keep small bills.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. The process takes 10–15 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa and your boarding pass. You'll be asked your purpose of visit and length of stay. Answer clearly.
5
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Then walk through customs — green channel if nothing to declare. You're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Tanzania 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; same as visa on arrival but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days total, 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Available from Mauritanian embassy; requires justification for multiple entries.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
€100–200 (approx. $110–220 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€50 (approx. $55 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD cash at entry; exact amount may vary. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstay. | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per 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
Tanzania passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, check airline requirements.
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 transmission (Tanzania is endemic). Must show certificate.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mauritania, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; 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
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for TZ 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
As of 2025, the fee is around €55 or $60 USD. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Small bills help. The exact amount can change, so bring a little extra.
No. The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or check with the immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires.
You'll be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. Tanzania is not on that list, but if you've traveled to a risk country recently, bring your certificate.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The main land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal or Western Sahara) may have visa-on-arrival facilities, but the process is slower and less consistent. Flying into Nouakchott is the safest bet.
Your passport, a printed or digital copy of your return/onward ticket, and proof of accommodation for your first night. Some travellers report being asked for a hotel booking, others not — better to have it.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid remote areas near the Mali border. Register with your embassy on arrival. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
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.