Mauritania entry requirements for Ukraine 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
Ukrainian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This has been the case for 2026, so no need to apply in advance. Just show up at the airport in Nouakchott with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa (MAAVE) | Apply for your Mauritania eVisa at maave.gov.mr before you travel. The online form takes about 15 minutes — upload your passport scan and a passport-style photo. Approval usually comes within 72 hours, and you'll receive a PDF to print and carry.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the entire stay | Your Ukrainian passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Kyiv Boryspil may ask to see at least 6 months of validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration at Nouakchott International Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot ready on your phone — they check this before stamping you in. | 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 at the border rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays if they do. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or card for your stay | Bring enough cash (euros or US dollars) to cover your stay — there are no ATMs that reliably accept foreign cards outside Nouakchott. A daily budget of around $50–$100 per person is a safe estimate. | 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 enough cash to cover the fee and any unexpected expenses.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is simple and well-established. Have your documents ready, pay the fee, and you'll be through in under 30 minutes. No need to apply in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. Look for the 'Visa on Arrival' counter — it's usually before the main passport control booths.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, return ticket (screenshot is fine), and accommodation booking. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or equivalent.
3
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The officer will issue your visa sticker. Then go to the passport control queue, get your passport stamped, and you're in. Total time: usually 15–30 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ukraine 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$80 USD (via embassy)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Kyiv or neighboring countries; longer processing time.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost~$150 USD (via embassy)
Requires justification for multiple entries; limited availability.
Long-stay visa (work/study)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200–300 USD (via embassy)
Requires employer or educational institution sponsorship; apply well in advance.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable annually
~$200–400 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreigners with a job offer from a Mauritanian company. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labor. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100–200 USD (plus tuition)
For enrollment in a recognized Mauritanian educational institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Carte de Résident Investisseur (Investor Residence Card)
2 years, renewable
~$500–1,000 USD (plus investment)
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Mauritania (e.g., business, real estate). Requires proof of investment and business plan. Grants long-term residency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 EUR (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official maximum cap reported; avoid overstaying. | €10 EUR (~$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
Ukraine passport holders transiting through Mauritania (e.g., Nouakchott International Airport) do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of valid US, UK, or Schengen visas 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 (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Certificate must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Mauritania, especially in the southern regions (e.g., Guidimaka, Hodh El Gharbi). Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season (July–October). Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water, ice, and street food. Stick to bottled water and cooked meals.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions, especially south of the Sahara. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. Use insect repellent and bed 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 Service)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash (EUR/USD).
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited services.
Practical information for UA 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 2026, the visa on arrival fee is approximately €55 (or equivalent in US dollars). Bring cash — euros or dollars are preferred. Cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport. For land borders or other airports, check with the Mauritanian embassy in advance — policies may differ.
The visa on arrival typically allows a stay of up to 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott.
Yes, extensions are possible. Visit the immigration office in Nouakchott (near the city center) before your visa expires. The extension fee is around 1,500 MRU (about €35) for an additional 30 days.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk, you may need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Check the latest health requirements before you travel.
Mauritania is generally safe for travelers, but check your government's travel advisory for the latest security information. Avoid border regions and remote areas without a guide.
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.