Mauritania Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritania for a 30-day stay at a cost of approximately USD 60, available at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport.
Canada passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Mauritania ports of entry.
A visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport for approximately USD 60 (fees may vary; confirm closer to travel date). Present your Canadian passport, a completed arrival form, the fee in USD cash, and proof of onward travel. Some nationalities must obtain a visa in advance; confirm current policy for Canadians at the Mauritanian embassy or consulate before departure. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Mauritania: What You Need to Know
Mauritania is a vast West African nation straddling the Sahara Desert and the Atlantic coast. The ancient ksar (fortified city) of Chinguetti, a former pilgrimage staging point for sub-Saharan Africa, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are the nearby ksour of Ouadane, Oualata, and Tichitt. The country is rarely visited by tourists but offers remarkable desert landscapes, historic trans-Saharan trade city ruins, and excellent windsurfing at Dakhlet Nouadhibou on the Atlantic coast. The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in most of Mauritania and avoiding all travel to eastern and northern border regions.
Practical Tips
- Check the current visa on arrival policy with the Mauritanian embassy before traveling, as entry procedures can change with limited notice.
- The Government of Canada advises against travel to the northern and eastern regions bordering Algeria, Mali, and the Western Sahara due to kidnapping and terrorism risk.
- The famous Banc d'Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Atlantic coast, hosts enormous seasonal bird populations and is accessible from Nouadhibou.
- Travel outside Nouakchott is best done with an organised tour or experienced local guide given road conditions and security considerations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Mauritania?
Canadian passport holders may obtain a visa on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport for approximately USD 60. However, confirm current policy with the Mauritanian embassy before travel, as procedures can change.
Is Mauritania safe for Canadian tourists?
The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in most of Mauritania, and advises against all travel to northern and eastern border regions due to terrorism and kidnapping risks. Review travel.gc.ca before making any travel plans.
What are the main attractions in Mauritania?
Mauritania's UNESCO World Heritage Sites include the ancient ksour (fortified cities) of Chinguetti, Ouadane, Oualata, and Tichitt, important historical centres of Islamic learning. Banc d'Arguin National Park on the Atlantic coast is a major migratory bird sanctuary.
Is a Yellow Fever certificate required for Mauritania?
A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission. It is recommended to have the vaccination regardless of your origin country to avoid any complications at the border.