Nouakchott Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Holders of diplomatic, service or ordinary passports from Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Syria, Tunisia and Yemen.
The immigration officer may ask for proof of accommodation in Nouakchott. An address and phone number are sufficient.
All other nationalities, including United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, EU Schengen states, Brazil, Japan, China and India, must obtain an eVisa before arrival.
Cost: €55 single-entry; €110 multiple-entry
Print the PDF visa approval. Mobile copies are not accepted at the airline check-in counter outside Mauritania.
Travelers whose nationality cannot access the online platform (rare) or persons already in West Africa without internet access may apply at the Mauritanian embassy.
Processing time 5, 7 working days. Some embassies issue only single-entry visas.
Arrival Process
Immigration at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy is straightforward but can be slow when multiple flights land. Have documents ready in the order below.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Customs uses the green/red channel system. Electronics for personal use are admitted freely; high-value items such as drones and satellite phones must be declared.
Prohibited Items
- Alcohol and pork products, illegal to import
- Remote-controlled drones without prior Interior Ministry permit
- Books or DVDs critical of Islam, can be seized
Restricted Items
- Satellite phones, require Ministry of Telecommunications approval on arrival
- Archaeological artefacts, export permit needed when leaving
Health Requirements
Yellow-fever vaccination is compulsory for travelers older than 9 months arriving from endemic countries. No COVID-19 test is currently requested.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever (if arriving from risk country)
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A
- Typhoid
- Meningococcal meningitis ( during dry season)
- Polio booster
- Rabies pre-exposure for long stays
Health Insurance
Travel health insurance is not mandatory but strongly advised; Nouakchott's private clinics require payment up-front for serious cases.
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Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Carry the child's birth certificate. If only one parent is present, bring a notarized consent letter from the other parent or proof of sole custody.
Obtain a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and a rabies vaccination certificate ≥ 30 days but < 12 months old. Pets are inspected on arrival at Nouakchott airport.
Visit the DGDI office on Avenue de l'Amitié in Nouakchott before your visa expires. Bring two photos and a letter from a local sponsor to apply for a 30-day extension (renewable once).