Mauritania

🇲🇷

Phone Code

+222

Capital

Nouakchott

Population

4.7 Million

Native Name

موريتانيا

Region

Africa

Western Africa

Timezone

Greenwich Mean Time

UTC±00

On This Page

Money & CurrencyVisa OverviewVisa TypesImportant NotesCitiesEmbassies abroadEmbassies in country

Mauritania is a vast West African country, 90% covered by Sahara Desert, bridging Arab North Africa and sub-Saharan West Africa. Named after ancient Berber kingdom of Mauretania, modern Mauritania is an Islamic republic where Arabic and French are official languages. Nouakchott, the capital on the Atlantic coast, was a tiny village of 15,000 in 1960 at independence and has grown to over 1 million. Mauritania has complex demographics: Arab-Berber Moors (majority) and sub-Saharan African groups with historical tensions over slavery (officially abolished 1981, criminalized 2007, but persists). Visitors (mostly adventurous overland travelers) are drawn to ancient caravan cities of Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata (UNESCO sites with medieval libraries and manuscripts), Banc d'Arguin National Park coastal wetlands (UNESCO, millions of migratory birds), Richat Structure 'Eye of the Sahara' geological formation, iron ore train (world's longest train, 2.5km), Sahara Desert landscapes, Adrar Plateau, and desert camping. Mauritania offers authentic Saharan adventure and ancient Islamic culture, though tourism is limited by infrastructure and regional security concerns.

Visa Requirements for Mauritania

Mauritania offers visa on arrival for most nationalities at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, costing approximately $120 USD (or €60) for single-entry tourist visa valid 30 days. Payment accepted in Euros or US Dollars cash. E-visas are also available through the government portal for same cost, allowing pre-approval and faster entry. African Union member citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Passport must be valid for 6 months with blank pages. Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from endemic countries. Visa on arrival is straightforward but immigration can be slow. Extensions available at police headquarters in Nouakchott. Mauritania's visa costs are high by African standards but process is relatively efficient. Security concerns in border regions with Mali and Algeria mean some areas require travel permits. Overland travel from Morocco (via Western Sahara) or Senegal is popular route for trans-Africa travelers. Note: Mauritania borders Western Sahara (disputed territory) - entry from Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara possible but complex.

Common Visa Types

Visa on Arrival (Tourist)

30 days single entry; costs $120 USD or €60 (cash only); available at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport; requires passport (valid 6 months), yellow fever certificate (if from endemic area), return ticket, accommodation proof; processing 30-60 minutes; extendable.

For tourism for most nationalities, obtained at Nouakchott Airport upon arrival.

E-Visa (Tourist/Business)

30 days single entry; costs $120 USD; apply through Mauritanian government e-visa portal; processing 5-7 business days; requires passport scan, photo, travel itinerary, yellow fever certificate (if applicable); print e-visa approval; faster entry at airport.

For tourism or business, applied for online before travel to speed up arrival process.

African Union Visa-Free Entry

Up to 90 days; no visa required; passport valid 6 months required; yellow fever certificate if from endemic area; part of African Union integration; extendable; covers tourism, business, family visits.

For citizens of African Union member states who can enter without visa.

Visa Extension / Travel Permits

Extensions up to 90 days total possible; apply at Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (police HQ) in Nouakchott; costs vary; requires passport, application, fees; some remote areas require separate travel permits due to security concerns (especially near Mali/Algeria borders).

For tourists extending stay beyond 30 days or requiring permits for certain regions.

Important Travel Information

Security concerns in border regions: Northern and eastern border areas near Mali and Algeria have terrorism risk due to Al-Qaeda affiliates. Some regions require travel permits. Nouakchott and main tourist routes (Chinguetti, Atar) relatively safe. Check current advisories before travel.

Yellow fever certificate: Required if arriving from yellow fever endemic countries (most of sub-Saharan Africa). Not required if arriving from Europe or North Africa. Strictly enforced. Bring physical certificate.

Passport validity: Must be valid for at least 6 months from entry date. Blank pages required for stamps and permits.

Cities with missions

Where this country maintains embassies or consulates

Nouakchott
States & Regions in Mauritania

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Hosted missions

Embassies in Mauritania

These foreign embassies and consulates are based here. Choose a mission to open its in-depth guide and contact details.

Key origin countries

United Kingdom in Mauritania
United States in Mauritania

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