Thinking about visiting Mauritania from Pakistan but unsure about the visa process? You’re in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Mauritania visa for Pakistani citizens, including visa types, requirements, fees, and step-by-step application methods.
Whether you’re planning a budget-friendly trip or a business visit, knowing the right visa process saves time, money, and stress. Keep reading to find out if you need a visa on arrival, embassy visa, or e-visa and how to apply without any hassle.
Does a Pakistani Need a Visa for Mauritania?
Yes, Pakistani passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. However, the good news is that Mauritania offers a Visa on Arrival (VoA) for Pakistani travelers. This means you don’t need to apply in advance at an embassy—you can get your visa stamped at the airport after landing.
What Are the Visa Options for Pakistani Citizens?
Pakistani travelers can choose from the following visa types:
✅ Visa on Arrival (VoA) – Available at Nouakchott International Airport and certain land borders.
✅ Embassy Visa – Required for longer stays, business visits, or work visas.
✅ E-Visa (If Available) – Some sources mention online options, but official confirmation is needed.
👉 Traveling soon? Check out our detailed guide on How to Find Cheap Flights to Pakistan if you’re planning a round trip!
Who Can Get a Visa on Arrival?
Most Pakistani tourists and business travelers qualify for a Visa on Arrival, but you must meet the entry requirements (covered in the next section). If you’re unsure whether you qualify, it’s best to check with the Mauritanian embassy or official immigration website.
Types of Mauritania Visas for Pakistanis
Depending on your travel purpose, you can apply for different types of Mauritania visas as a Pakistani citizen. Each visa has its own requirements, validity period, and conditions, so choosing the right one is essential.
1. Tourist Visa (For Travel & Leisure)
✔ Best for: Pakistani travelers visiting Mauritania for tourism, sightseeing, or family visits.
✔ Validity: Usually 30 to 90 days.
✔ How to get it? Available as a Visa on Arrival at Nouakchott International Airport.
2. Business Visa (For Work & Meetings)
✔ Best for: Pakistani citizens traveling for business meetings, conferences, or official work.
✔ Validity: Typically 30 to 90 days, extendable for longer stays.
✔ How to get it? Apply through the Mauritanian embassy in Pakistan or request an invitation from a Mauritanian business partner.
3. Transit Visa (For Stopovers in Mauritania)
✔ Best for: Pakistani travelers making a short stopover in Mauritania while heading to another country.
✔ Validity: Usually 24 to 72 hours.
✔ How to get it? Check with your airline or apply at the airport upon arrival.
4. Work Visa & Residence Permit (For Long-Term Stay)
✔ Best for: Pakistanis moving to Mauritania for employment or long-term residence.
✔ Validity: 6 months to 2 years, renewable.
✔ How to get it? Requires an employment contract from a Mauritanian company and approval from the Mauritania immigration office.
👉 Not sure which visa you need? If you’re just visiting, the Tourist Visa on Arrival is the easiest option. But for work or business, you must apply at the Mauritanian embassy before traveling.
How to Apply for a Mauritania Visa from Pakistan
The process of getting a Mauritania visa as a Pakistani citizen depends on whether you’re applying for a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or an embassy visa. Below is a step-by-step guide for both options:
1. Applying for a Visa on Arrival (Easiest Option)
Most Pakistani travelers choose Visa on Arrival because it’s the fastest and most convenient way to enter Mauritania. Here’s how to get it:
✅ Step 1: Book a flight to Nouakchott International Airport (or another eligible entry point).
✅ Step 2: Carry the required documents (see the next section for details).
✅ Step 3: Upon arrival, go to the visa counter and submit your documents.
✅ Step 4: Pay the visa fee in cash (USD or Euros preferred).
✅ Step 5: Get your visa stamped and enter Mauritania!
📌 Processing Time: Usually 15 to 30 minutes at the airport.
⚠ Important: While Visa on Arrival is available, rules can change anytime, so it’s best to check with the Mauritanian embassy before traveling.
2. Applying for a Mauritania Visa from the Embassy
If you’re applying for a Business Visa, Work Visa, or Residence Permit, you must apply at the Mauritanian embassy before your trip. Here’s how:
✅ Step 1: Contact the Mauritanian embassy in Islamabad to confirm requirements.
✅ Step 2: Gather the required documents (passport, invitation letter, proof of funds, etc.).
✅ Step 3: Submit your application in person or through an agent.
✅ Step 4: Pay the visa processing fee.
✅ Step 5: Wait for visa approval (processing time: 7 to 15 days).
👉 Planning a budget trip? Learn How to Create a Budget Itinerary for Pakistan for cost-saving tips!
Mauritania Visa Requirements for Pakistani Citizens
To get a Mauritania visa as a Pakistani citizen, you need to meet specific entry requirements and provide the necessary documents. Whether you’re applying for a Visa on Arrival or an embassy visa, having the right paperwork avoids delays or rejections.
1. Required Documents for Visa on Arrival (VoA)
When arriving at Nouakchott International Airport, you must present:
✔ Valid Pakistani passport (at least 6 months validity and one blank page)
✔ Return flight ticket (proof that you plan to leave Mauritania)
✔ Hotel booking or invitation letter (for accommodation proof)
✔ Sufficient funds (cash, bank statement, or credit card)
✔ Visa fee (paid in cash) – Usually in USD or Euros
🚀 Tip: Carry a few extra photocopies of your passport and documents in case immigration asks.
2. Required Documents for Embassy Visa
For Business, Work, or long-term stay residence visas, Pakistani applicants need:
✔ Visa application form (filled and signed)
✔ Pakistani passport (valid for at least 6 months)
✔ Passport-size photos (recent, white background)
✔ Business invitation letter (for work or business visas)
✔ Employment contract (for work visas)
✔ Hotel booking or proof of residence
✔ Travel itinerary & return flight ticket
✔ Bank statement (last 3-6 months) (to show financial stability)
✔ Visa fee payment proof
📌 Processing Time: 7-15 working days at the Mauritanian embassy in Pakistan.
👉 Looking for more visa-free destinations? Check out our guide on Visa-Free Countries for Pakistani Passport Holders to explore hassle-free travel options!
Mauritania Visa Fees for Pakistani Citizens
The cost of a Mauritania visa depends on the type of visa you apply for. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated visa fees for Pakistani travelers:
1. Visa on Arrival (VoA) Fees
✔ Tourist Visa (30 days): $55 – $65 (paid in cash, preferably USD or Euros)
✔ Business Visa (90 days): $100 – $150
📌 Note: Visa fees can change without notice, so it’s always best to carry extra cash in case of updated charges.
2. Mauritania Embassy Visa Fees
For Pakistani travelers applying at the Mauritanian embassy, the costs are:
✔ Single-entry visa (30-90 days): $70 – $100
✔ Multiple-entry visa (6 months – 1 year): $150 – $250
✔ Work or Residence Visa: $200 – $500 (varies based on employment contract)
📌 Processing time: 7-15 working days at the Mauritanian embassy.
🚀 Pro Tip: Since visa fees must be paid in cash, make sure to carry USD or Euros, as other currencies may not be accepted at the airport or embassy.
Mauritania Visa Processing Time for Pakistani Citizens
The time required to process a Mauritania visa for Pakistani travelers depends on whether you’re getting a Visa on Arrival (VoA) or applying at the Mauritanian embassy. Below is a breakdown of how long each visa type takes:
1. Visa on Arrival Processing Time
If you’re getting a Visa on Arrival at Nouakchott International Airport, the process is quick and simple:
✔ Processing Time: 15 to 30 minutes at the airport visa counter
✔ Requirements: Submit documents, pay the fee, and receive your visa instantly
📌 Pro Tip: Arrive with all required documents to avoid delays.
2. Embassy Visa Processing Time
For Business, Work, or Residence visas, processing takes longer:
✔ Standard Processing: 7 to 15 working days
✔ Express Processing (if available): 3 to 5 working days (higher fee may apply)
📌 Note: Processing time may vary depending on the Mauritanian embassy’s workload and the type of visa you’re applying for.
🚀 Want to speed up the process? Make sure your documents are complete before submitting your application!
Mauritania Visa Extension & Overstay Rules for Pakistanis
If you plan to stay in Mauritania longer than your visa allows, you must apply for a visa extension or risk overstay penalties. Here’s everything you need to know:
1. How to Extend a Mauritania Visa
Pakistani travelers who need more time in Mauritania can apply for an extension at:
📍 Mauritanian Immigration Office in Nouakchott (main office for visa extensions)
📍 Local police stations in major cities (for short extensions)
✔ Processing Time: 2 to 7 working days
✔ Extension Fee: Varies based on visa type and duration
✔ Documents Required:
- Original passport (with valid visa)
- Visa extension request letter
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or local sponsor letter)
- Sufficient funds proof (bank statement or cash)
📌 Important: Extensions are usually granted for 30 days. If you need a longer stay, a residence permit may be required.
2. Overstaying in Mauritania Consequences
If you overstay your Mauritania visa, you may face:
❌ Fines: $5 – $10 per day of overstay
❌ Detention or Deportation: For long-term overstays without a valid reason
❌ Future Visa Issues: Overstaying can affect future visa approvals
📌 Pro Tip: If your visa is about to expire, visit the Immigration Office in Nouakchott to apply for an extension and avoid fines.
Mauritania Travel Tips for Pakistani Citizens
Traveling to Mauritania from Pakistan can be an exciting experience, but proper preparation ensures a safe and hassle-free trip. Here are some essential travel tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Best Time to Visit Mauritania
✔ Cooler months (November – March) are the best for travel.
✔ Avoid summer (May – September) due to extreme heat.
🚀 Pro Tip: If you’re visiting during Ramadan, expect limited business hours and slower services.
2. Currency & Money Exchange
✔ Local Currency: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
✔ Exchange: Best at Nouakchott Airport or local banks.
✔ ATMs & Cards: Limited outside major cities – carry cash in USD or Euros.
📌 Tip: Always check the latest exchange rates before converting your money.
3. Language & Communication
✔ Official Language: Arabic
✔ Widely Spoken: French, Hassaniya Arabic
✔ Few English speakers – Learn basic Arabic or use Google Translate.
4. Safety & Travel Precautions
✔ Stay alert in remote areas – petty crimes are rare but possible.
✔ Avoid border regions (near Mali, Algeria) due to security risks.
✔ Register with the Pakistani Embassy for emergency support.
🚀 Safety Tip: Keep multiple copies of your passport and visa in case of loss or theft.
5. Transportation & Getting Around
✔ Taxis & Rides: Available in major cities but no fixed fares – negotiate before riding.
✔ Buses: Limited but affordable for intercity travel.
✔ Renting a Car: Best for desert tours, but 4×4 vehicles are recommended.
📌 Local Tip: Traveling in the Sahara Desert? Hire a local guide for safety.
6. Food & Halal Options
✔ Halal Food: Easily available everywhere.
✔ Must-Try Dishes:
- Thieboudienne (Mauritanian fish & rice)
- Mechoui (slow-roasted lamb)
- Zrig (fermented camel milk – popular in nomadic culture)
👉 Love traveling on a budget? Read our guide on How to Find Cheap Flights to Pakistan for smart travel deals!
7. Internet & Connectivity
✔ SIM Cards Available: Mauritel, Chinguitel, Mattel
✔ Internet Speed: Slow in rural areas but stable in cities.
✔ VPN: Recommended for secure browsing.
📌 Tip: Buy a local SIM card at Nouakchott Airport for better connectivity.
Final Thoughts on mauritania visa for pakistani citizens
Getting a Mauritania visa as a Pakistani citizen is simple if you follow the right process. Whether you’re applying for a Visa on Arrival or through the Mauritanian embassy, ensure you have all required documents and carry enough cash for visa fees.
🔹 Visa on Arrival (VoA) is the easiest option for Pakistani tourists, with a quick 15-30-minute processing time at Nouakchott Airport.
🔹 Embassy visas, including business, work, and residence permits, take 7-15 days to process, so apply in advance.
🔹 Avoid overstaying, as it may lead to fines, detention, or future visa rejections.
🔹 Plan your trip smartly by choosing the best travel season, exchanging currency wisely, and following local customs for a smooth experience.
🚀 Ready to explore? Whether you’re visiting for adventure, business, or cultural experiences, Mauritania offers a unique journey filled with Saharan landscapes, nomadic traditions, and warm hospitality.
👉 Looking for more travel guides? Check out our post on Visa-Free Countries for Pakistanis to explore destinations that don’t require a visa!
