Mauritania visa requirements for Kenyans

Travel and visa requirements

Mauritanian Visa is not required for Kenyans

Stay Duration: 90 days

Entry Requirements

  • Visitors from Kenya are allowed to visit Mauritania without a visa for a period of 90 days.
  • Intending visitors can get a visa upon their arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
     in Mauritania.
  • Prospective visitors must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the expected date of arrival in Mauritania. The passport should have at least one blank page for visa stamping.
  • Kenya nationals are required to have a return or onward ticket as well as proof of enough funds to spend during their stay in Mauritania.
  • Intending visitors are expected to have proof of yellow fever vaccination. 
  • As at the time of writing this article, there is a credible terrorist threat against foreigners in Mauritania, particularly in the easternmost region.
  • Intending visitors can travel to Mauritania from any international airport in Kenya. There is an international airport in Nairobi, Kisumu and Mombasa.
  • Kenya Airways, Turkish Airways, Air France and Ethiopian Airways are some of the carriers that fly from Kenya to Mauritania.
  • The estimated flight time from Nairobi to Nouakchott, Mauritania is 16 hours, 15 minutes, 1 day, 1 hour from Kisumu, and from Mombasa, it takes 19 hours, 50 minutes.
  • The  Mauritania Ouguiya is the official currency used in Mauritania. Tourists can exchange their foreign currencies at banks and other exchange outlets in the country.
  • Languages of Mauritania mainly include  Zenaga-Berber, Tamasheq-Berber, Hassaaniya Arabic, Standard written Arabic and French. However, Hassaaniya Arabic is the most spoken of them all.
  • Most part of  Mauritania has a Sahelian climate. There is one rainy season from July to October. The best time to visit is November to February when temperatures are hot during the day, but cooler at night.
  • Transportation in Mauritania can be facilitated by buses, car rentals, bush taxis and trains.
  • Mauritania makes use of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), which puts Kenya three hours ahead in time.
  • Thieboudienne (cheb-u-jin), méchoui, whole roasted lamb, spiced fish, rice with vegetables and fish balls are some of the delicacies tourists can try while in Mauritania.
  • The constitution of Mauritania establishes the country as an Islamic republic and decrees that Islam is the religion of its citizens. However, the practice of other religions is not restricted and not entirely prohibited.
  • Kenyans travelling to Mauritania can budget an average of $45 to spend on expenses per day.
  • The power and socket plug used in Mauritania are of type C. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
  • Tourists are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities and also monitor local news broadcasts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Kenyans need a visa to enter Mauritania?

Kenyans who want to gain entry into Mauritania can obtain a visa on arrival at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport.

Do I need any vaccination to enter Mauritania??

Yes. Vaccination for yellow fever is a compulsory requirement for Kenyans who wish to visit Mauritania.

How long should my passport be valid for before travelling to Mauritania?

Kenya nationals must have a passport with a validity of at least six months upon arrival in Mauritania.

Is it safe to travel to Mauritania?

It is relatively safe to move around in the northern and eastern parts of the country but there are some concerns about the high risk of kidnapping in the western area. Visitors are generally advised to be cautious and sensitive to the environment.

Are Christians allowed in Mauritania?

Although Mauritania is an Islamic country, visitors of different religions are still welcome. However, their activities may be restricted.