Mauritania entry requirements for Uganda 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
Ugandan passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. No need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport in Nouakchott with the right documents and cash for the fee. This policy is active as of 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport and other entry points. Have 55 USD (or euros) in cash for the fee — the ATM at the airport is unreliable. The visa is valid for 30 days and is not extendable.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | 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 routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready — they may not accept a verbal explanation. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Mauritania. Officers at Nouakchott airport sometimes ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have at least 200 USD in cash or a credit card statement showing available funds. Immigration 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 (USD or euros). No credit cards, no mobile money. Bring small bills — the officer may not have change.
Yellow fever certificate recommended
If you're coming from Uganda (or any country with yellow fever), carry your vaccination certificate. Immigration may ask for it at entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Queue up, present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or euros accepted — have small bills).
2
Receive your visa and enter
The officer will stamp your passport and issue a visa sticker. Check the validity dates before leaving the counter. Then proceed to baggage claim and customs.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Uganda 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 date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
Requires application at embassy; suitable for frequent travellers.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) upon arrival at Nouakchott Airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo maximum cap known; avoid overstaying. | €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
Uganda 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)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Uganda is endemic, so certificate is mandatory.
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, 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. CDC recommends prophylaxis (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–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 la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for UG 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 fee is around 55 USD or 50 EUR, payable in cash. Have exact change in small bills — the officer may not have change for large notes.
The standard stay is 30 days. It's not extendable, so plan your trip accordingly. If you need longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
Yes, but it's less reliable. The main land border crossings (e.g., from Senegal at Rosso or from Western Sahara) may process visa on arrival, but the process can be slower and less consistent. Best to use the airport in Nouakchott.
You will likely be denied entry. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Uganda is on the list). Carry your yellow fever certificate — immigration may ask to see it.
No. Only cash is accepted. Bring USD or euros in small denominations. ATMs are available in Nouakchott but not at the airport.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 500 MRU per day (roughly 13 USD). It's best to leave on time or contact immigration in Nouakchott if you have an emergency.
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.