The Republic of Mauritania is facing a critical political condition. So due to many reasons, including threats, and terrorism, particularly against Western interests, it is better to avoid traveling to Mauritania if you do not have any essential reason.
However, travelers who must travel to Mauritania and want to know more about its visa policy can read the article below.
Who Needs a Visa for Mauritania?
Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to enter and visit Mauritania for 90 days:
- Algeria
- Mali
- Ivory Coast
- Niger
- Gambia
- Senegal
- Libya
- Tunisia
Other Visa Exemptions
Here are some other nations that do not need a visa to enter the country if they fulfill some of the following criteria.
Diplomatic and service passport holders to the following countries do not need a visa to enter the country:
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- China
- Egypt
- Guinea-Bissau
- Iran
- Morocco
- Turkey
*Diplomatic passport holders from the Republic of Italy do not need a visa to enter the country.
How to Apply for a Mauritania Visa?
A Mauritania visa is issued either at the port of entry or at the Mauritania embassy or consulate.
At the Port of Entry (Visa on Arrival)
A visa on arrival is issued at the Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and is available for everyone. However, Syrian passport holders need a prior request approval from the Direction General of National Security to apply for a Mauritania visa.
Applicants who apply for a visa on arrival must have a passport valid for at least six months after the return date and an accommodation proof document.
Keep in mind that other documents may be required depending on the purpose of your visit to Mauritania.
At the Embassy or Consulate of Mauritania
Follow these instructions to apply for a Mauritania visa:
- Contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mauritania in your home country and book a visa appointment.
- Fill out the Mauritania visa application form and sign it at the end. Make sure you fully complete the application form without leaving any blank spaces.
- Gather all the required documents. See ‘Mauritania Visa Requirements’ for further information.
- Submit the required documents to your home country’s nearest embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Attend your visa application interview. In your visa application interview, you must explain the purpose of your visit to the country, the duration of your stay, and your travel itinerary in detail. The embassy or consulate may ask you other personal questions and questions regarding your trip to Mauritius; however, you must be sure to respond to all of them with sincere and correct information.
- Finish the applicable visa fee payment and attach the receipt of your visa fee payment to your visa application form.
- Wait until you receive a response from the embassy or consulate regarding your visa application result.
Mauritania Visa Requirements
To apply for a Mauritania visa, submit the following documents:
- A passport with validity for at least six months after the date of return. The passport must have at least two blank pages.
- A passport-sized photograph in line with Mauritania visa photo requirements.
- A fully completed and signed Mauritania visa application form.
- A fee payment receipt of your visa application.
- An accommodation proof document; this document can be a rental agreement, a hotel reservation, or a letter of invitation.
- A letter of invitation. Letter of invitation can be issued from a friend or a family member residing in Mauritania.
- A criminal record issued by the police authorization in your home country.
- A health insurance that is valid in Mauritania.
- A bank statement document, this document must prove that you are financially stable and can financially support yourself while in Mauritania.
- A birth certificate (if applicable).
- A marriage certificate (if applicable).
Note: The embassy or consulate of Mauritania may request other documents to support your visa application request, depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
Mauritania Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Mauritania visa is approximately two weeks and a month. However, the processing time depends on several factors, such as:
- The time you submit your visa application.
- In your case.
- If there is any missing or incorrect information.
- The country you are applying from.
- Your age.
Note: Make sure you submit your visa application form at least one month before your planned trip to Mauritania. If the processing time for your visa application takes longer than one month, you can contact the embassy or consulate of Mauritania and ask them regarding your visa application result.
Duration of a Mauritania Visa
The duration of your visa depends on the time the embassy or consulate of Mauritania issues you the visa. For example, if the embassy states that your visa is valid for six months, you can stay in Mauritania for six months.
So the duration of your Mauritania visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for, the purpose of your visit, and how long the embassy or consulate will issue you the visa.
Mauritania Visa Fees
The Mauritania visa fee depends on several factors, such as:
- The type of visa you are applying for.
- The country you are applying from.
However, for further information regarding the visa fee payment, you must contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Mauritania and ask them regarding your visa application fee payment you must finish.
Traveling Tips to Mauritania?
Due to its critical political condition, here are a few traveling tips you should consider before entering the Republic of Mauritania:
- Stay vigilant and avoid open places, bars, cafes, and terraces, especially during sensitive times. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Always travel with a companion or in a group, day or night, as a safety precaution against petty crimes, pickpocketing, and potential kidnappings,
- Seek permission before taking pictures or videos of military zones, airports, government buildings, and religious sites.
- Exercise caution and avoid traveling to remote desert areas with higher kidnapping risks. Stick to well-traveled routes and populated areas.
- Be cautious about online friendships, relationships, dating, and marriage schemes. Verify the authenticity of the person you are communicating with before making any travel plans.
- Minimize carrying valuable items and avoid displaying them openly. Store them securely in a concealed manner to deter potential thieves.
- Keep your car doors locked to prevent potential attacks, even when inside the vehicle.
- Do not use or carry illegal drugs.
- Be prepared to use cash for most transactions since Mauritania is predominantly a cash-based economy. Exchange your currency for Mauritanian Ouguiyas when needed.
- Observe conservative dress standards, especially for women, to respect the local culture and traditions.
- Avoid public displays of physical affection, including kissing, touching, and hugging, to adhere to Mauritania’s conservative norms.
- Be aware that same-sex activities are illegal in Mauritania, so refrain from engaging in any such activities.
- Avoid participating in public and political gatherings to avoid any potential disturbances or issues.