Mauritania entry requirements for Uruguay passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Uruguayan passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Bring your documents and pay the fee in cash. This policy has been in place since at least 2024.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou will get your visa when you land or cross the border, not before you travel. Available at entry points | Uruguayan passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at any Mauritanian port of entry. The visa is issued at the border; no prior application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel to avoid being denied entry. Minimum 6 months | Your Uruguay passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe blank page cannot be an endorsement page; it must be a full visa page. At least 1 page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank visa page for the visa-on-arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a booked flight out of Mauritania can prevent issues at check-in or immigration. Proof of departure | While not explicitly required by Mauritanian regulations, airlines and border officials may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to carry one. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry cash (e.g., euros or US dollars) or a credit card to show you can support yourself. Financial means | No specific amount is mandated, but you should be able to demonstrate sufficient funds for your stay if asked by immigration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any online or paper declaration before arriving. Not required | Mauritania does not require an arrival declaration form for Uruguayan passport holders. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationYou cannot apply for an e-visa; just get the visa when you arrive. Not applicable | No e-visa is available or required for Uruguayan passport holders; the visa on arrival is the standard method. | Not required |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (euros or Mauritanian ouguiya). No credit cards. Exchange money at the airport before reaching immigration.
Visa on arrival only at the airport
This facility is only available at Nouakchott International Airport. If you enter by land, you need a visa in advance.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and hotel booking ready.
2
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (Mauritanian ouguiya or euros — check current rates). Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa stamp
The officer will stamp your passport. The visa is usually valid for 30 days. Double-check the dates before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After immigration, collect your bags and pass through customs. There's usually no further checks unless you're carrying restricted items.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Uruguay Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company; apply at embassy.
Business visa (multiple entry, 1 year)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost$200
Requires company sponsorship and embassy application.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in cash (USD or MRU) at the airport. | $55 (approx. 2,000 MRU) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, up to 90 days)Payable in cash at the airport. | $80 (approx. 2,900 MRU) |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott before visa expires. | $30 (approx. 1,100 MRU) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Incomplete or incorrect documentation25%
No confirmed return/onward ticket20%
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing through immigration do not need a visa. However, if you need to leave the transit area or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa on arrival or in advance.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward tickets and no checked luggage may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
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; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the south; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Avoid swimming in fresh water.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travelers, especially in rural areas and during rainy season (July–October).
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 Office)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, near the Ministry of Interior
Mon-Thu 08:00-16:00, Fri 08:00-13:00
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la République, near the port
Mon-Thu 08:00-16:00, Fri 08:00-13:00
Practical information for UY 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 fee varies. As of 2025, it's around 55–60 euros or equivalent in Mauritanian ouguiya. Bring cash in euros or dollars to exchange at the airport.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at Nouakchott International Airport. If you're entering by land from Senegal or Mali, you need to arrange a visa in advance at a Mauritanian embassy.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need the vaccine and a certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for Uruguayans.
No, only cash. Bring euros or dollars and exchange at the airport. ATMs are unreliable in Mauritania.
Usually 15–30 minutes, depending on the queue. It's straightforward — just have your documents ready.
You'll be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.