Description

Swiss citizens require a visa to enter Mauritania. The most common option is the visa on arrival, available at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport and select land borders. The visa is generally issued for 30 days and can be extended through the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale in Nouakchott for longer stays.

Our Travel Authorisation Mauritania service helps Swiss travelers gather the correct documents, understand local requirements, and ensure a smooth entry process when arriving by air or land.

Visa process and timing:
The visa on arrival is processed directly at immigration counters. Travelers must present a valid Swiss passport, return or onward travel ticket, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds. A visa fee of about US $55 is payable in cash (euros or US dollars accepted). Processing is normally immediate, though queues can occur during busy arrival times. For those wishing to apply in advance, Mauritanian embassies abroad also issue tourist visas, though the visa on arrival is the preferred route for most short-term visitors.

Entry requirements for Swiss citizens include:

A Swiss passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the stay
Return or onward travel ticket
Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or host invitation)
Evidence of sufficient funds to support the stay

Health and insurance requirements:
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country. Routine vaccinations (tetanus, hepatitis A, typhoid) should be up to date. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for most regions. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, and unexpected expenses is strongly advised, as healthcare facilities can be limited outside Nouakchott.

Customs and border rules:
Personal goods are allowed for private use. Travelers must declare amounts of cash exceeding the equivalent of €10,000. Import restrictions apply to weapons, controlled substances, and certain agricultural products. Drone equipment may be subject to strict regulation and should be declared.

Stay limits and extensions:
Swiss citizens typically receive a 30-day visa on arrival. Extensions can be requested in Nouakchott if travelers wish to stay longer, with approvals generally granted in monthly increments. For work, residence, or study purposes, separate permits are required and must be arranged with Mauritanian authorities.

Mauritania offers Swiss travelers a mix of desert landscapes, historic caravan cities like Chinguetti, and a vibrant cultural heritage. With our Travel Authorisation Mauritania service, Swiss citizens receive detailed guidance on entry procedures, health and safety measures, and legal requirements for short or extended stays.