Mauritania does not issue a dedicated transit visa. If you are passing through Mauritania on your way to another country, you must either qualify for visa-free entry (10 nationalities) or hold a valid e-Visa. Since January 2025, the e-Visa is the only visa option for all other nationalities, whether you are visiting or just transiting.
Does Mauritania Have a Transit Visa?
No. Unlike many countries that offer a specific transit visa for travelers connecting through their airports, Mauritania does not have a separate transit visa category. The Mauritanian government’s immigration system recognizes only two entry pathways:
- Visa-free entry for citizens of 10 countries
- e-Visa for all other nationalities
This means that even if you are only passing through Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) for a few hours and do not intend to leave the transit area, you may still need an e-Visa depending on your nationality.
Who Can Transit Through Mauritania Without a Visa?
Citizens of the following 10 countries can enter Mauritania without any visa for stays up to 90 days. If your passport is from one of these nations, you can transit freely:
| Country | Stay Duration |
|---|---|
| Algeria | Up to 90 days |
| Burkina Faso | Up to 90 days |
| Chad | Up to 90 days |
| Cote d’Ivoire | Up to 90 days |
| Gambia | Up to 90 days |
| Libya | Up to 90 days |
| Mali | Up to 90 days |
| Niger | Up to 90 days |
| Senegal | Up to 90 days |
| Tunisia | Up to 90 days |
In addition, holders of diplomatic or service passports from 14 countries are exempt from visa requirements: Brazil, China, Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, India, Morocco, Russia, Romania, Spain, Syria, Turkey, UAE, and Yemen.
If your country is not on either list, you need an e-Visa. See our complete guide on Mauritania visa-free countries for more details.
How to Get a Mauritania e-Visa for Transit
Since there is no transit visa, you apply for the same e-Visa that tourists and business travelers use. Here is the process:
Step 1: Apply Online at the ANRPTS Portal
Visit anrpts.gov.mr and start your application. The ANRPTS (Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Securises) manages all e-Visa processing.
Step 2: Fill in Your Details
Provide your personal information, passport details, and travel dates. Even for transit, you will need to specify your entry and exit dates. Upload a passport photo that meets the Mauritania visa photo requirements.
Step 3: Wait for Approval
Processing takes several business days. Apply well in advance – do not wait until the last minute, especially if you have a tight connection. For a full walkthrough, see our how to apply for Mauritania eVisa guide.
Step 4: Print Your e-Visa
Once approved, print a physical copy. Airlines and immigration officers at Nouakchott airport will ask to see it before you board and on arrival.
Step 5: Pay the Fee on Arrival
The e-Visa fee is paid in exact cash upon arrival in Mauritania, in Euros (EUR) or US Dollars (USD). Key rules:
- No change is given – bring the exact amount
- No receipts are issued
- Check the current Mauritania visa fees before your trip
e-Visa Duration Options for Transit
The e-Visa comes in several durations. For transit, the shortest option is usually sufficient:
| e-Visa Duration | Best For | Single/Multiple Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Short transit or one-time visit | Single entry |
| 90 days | Extended transit or multi-stop trip | Single entry |
| 360 days | Frequent travelers | Multiple entry |
| 720 days | Business travelers | Multiple entry |
If you are only transiting for a few hours or a day, the 30-day single-entry e-Visa is the most practical choice. Read more about Mauritania visa types for a full breakdown.
Do I Need a Transit Visa If I Stay in the Airport?
This is a common question. At Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, the rules are:
- Airside transit (not leaving the airport): Some nationalities may not need a visa if they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket. However, Mauritania does not formally publish a list of nationalities exempt for airside transit.
- Landside transit (leaving the airport): You absolutely need either visa-free eligibility or a valid e-Visa.
Because Mauritania does not have a formal airside transit exemption policy, the safest approach is to obtain an e-Visa even for airport transit. Airlines may refuse to board you without one if your nationality requires a visa for Mauritania.
Passport Requirements for Transit
Whether you are transiting or visiting, the same passport rules apply:
- Validity: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date
- Blank pages: You need at least 2 blank pages in your passport
- Yellow fever certificate: Required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk
For a full list of entry rules, see our Mauritania entry requirements guide.
Common Transit Routes Through Mauritania
Mauritania’s main international hub is Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC). Common transit scenarios include:
- Connecting flights between West African capitals – Nouakchott serves as a hub for regional travel
- Flights between Europe and West Africa – Many routes from Paris, Madrid, or Casablanca connect through Nouakchott
- Overland transit – Travelers crossing by road between Senegal, Mali, or Morocco may pass through Mauritania
For overland transit, the same visa rules apply. You will need either visa-free eligibility or an e-Visa to cross any Mauritanian border checkpoint.
What If My Mauritania e-Visa Is Rejected?
If your e-Visa application is rejected and you cannot transit through Mauritania, consider these alternatives:
- Reroute through another hub – Casablanca (CMN), Dakar (DSS), or Abidjan (ABJ) are major West African alternatives
- Contact the ANRPTS – Email [email protected] to ask about the reason for rejection
- Reapply – If the rejection was due to a documentation error, you can submit a corrected application
For more help, read our guide on what to do if your Mauritania eVisa is rejected.
How Long Does the e-Visa Take to Process?
For transit travelers, timing is critical. The e-Visa typically takes a few business days to process, but delays can happen. If you have a connecting flight within 48 hours and do not already have an e-Visa, you risk being denied boarding.
Recommendation: Apply for your e-Visa at least 2 weeks before your travel date. Check the current Mauritania visa processing times for the latest estimates.
FAQs About Mauritania Transit Visa
Does Mauritania have a transit visa?
No. Mauritania does not offer a dedicated transit visa. You must either qualify for visa-free entry or obtain a standard e-Visa, even if you are only transiting through the country.
Do I need a visa to transit through Nouakchott airport?
If your nationality is not on the visa-free list (10 countries), you need an e-Visa even for airport transit. Airlines may deny boarding without a valid visa.
Can I get a visa on arrival in Mauritania for transit?
No. Mauritania discontinued the visa on arrival on January 5, 2025. All visa-required travelers must apply for an e-Visa online before departure via anrpts.gov.mr.
How much does the Mauritania transit e-Visa cost?
There is no separate transit fee. The e-Visa fees are the same regardless of your purpose of visit. The fee is paid in exact cash (EUR or USD) on arrival. Check our Mauritania visa fees guide for current rates.
How long does it take to get a Mauritania e-Visa for transit?
Processing takes several business days. Apply at least 2 weeks before your travel date to avoid delays. See our Mauritania visa processing time guide for details.
Can I leave the airport during transit in Mauritania?
Yes, if you have a valid e-Visa or qualify for visa-free entry. Without a visa, you must stay in the international transit area of Nouakchott airport.
What passport validity do I need for Mauritania transit?
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date and have at least 2 blank pages, even for transit.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for transit in Mauritania?
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk. This applies even if you are only transiting.
Which countries are visa-free for Mauritania?
Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Libya, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Tunisia. Citizens of these countries do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Can I apply for a Mauritania e-Visa at the airport?
No. The e-Visa must be applied for online at anrpts.gov.mr before your trip. There is no option to apply at the airport.
Related Guides
- Mauritania eVisa Complete Guide – Full overview of the e-Visa system
- Mauritania Visa Requirements – Documents you need to enter
- Mauritania Visa Fees – Cost breakdown for all visa types
- Mauritania Entry Requirements – What to expect at the border
- How to Apply for Mauritania eVisa – Step-by-step application guide
