Mauritania entry requirements for United States 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
US passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport and other entry points in Mauritania. As of 2026, this is the standard procedure — no need to apply in advance. Just show up with your passport and the required documents.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) upon arrival. Pay the fee in cash — USD or EUR accepted, around $55–$60 for a single-entry tourist visa. Have two passport photos ready.Apply online | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your US passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines and immigration officers at NKC enforce this strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport will ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed copy or show it on your phone. Without one, you may be refused boarding or entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration rarely asks, but having it printed smooths things out if questioned. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry enough cash (USD or EUR) for your stay — credit cards are rarely accepted outside Nouakchott. A bank statement or ATM card showing available funds works too. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. ATMs at Nouakchott airport are unreliable. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and a bit extra for transport.
Visa validity starts on arrival
Your 30-day visa countdown begins the day you land, not the day you apply. Plan your stay accordingly.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at immigration
At Nouakchott International Airport, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a separate counter for visa issuance.
2
Present documents and pay fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (if provided), and return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or $60. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive visa sticker
The officer will stamp or affix a visa sticker in 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 and exit through customs. Have your accommodation address handy in case asked.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · United States 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)
Obtainable at Mauritanian embassy abroad; allows one entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For multiple visits; must be arranged before travel.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
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 multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
investor visa
Carte de Résident Investisseur (Investor Residence Card)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum $50,000 USD). Includes residency and work rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or USD cash at the airport; exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent issues. | Unknown per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
US passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit 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, a visa on arrival is required.
- Transit without visa applies only to Nouakchott International Airport.
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; proof of vaccination (YF certificate) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; use mosquito repellent.
Foodborne illnessHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in the south. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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 Documentation et de l'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
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
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 US 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
As of 2026, the fee is approximately €55 or $60 USD, payable in cash (euros or US dollars preferred). Have exact change if possible.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. You can extend it once at the immigration office in Nouakchott for an additional fee (around 5,000 MRU).
Yes, you can apply for a one-time extension at the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott. Bring your passport, a passport photo, and the extension fee. Processing takes 1–3 business days.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine and a valid International Certificate of Vaccination. Otherwise, it's not required for US passport holders.
Visa on arrival is also available at major land borders like the Senegal-Mauritania crossing at Rosso. The process is similar — have your documents ready and cash for the fee.
Yes, but it's not necessary. The visa on arrival is simpler and faster. If you prefer to apply in advance, contact the Mauritanian embassy in Washington DC — processing takes about 2 weeks.
Overstaying can result in a fine (around 1,000 MRU per day) and potential issues when leaving. Extend your visa before it expires to avoid problems.
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.