Mauritania

When traveling to Mauritania, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if work authorization will be required. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Mauritania, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Attend conferences and trade shows
• » Tour a company facility
• » Develop business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Mauritania?

Most foreign nationals who intend to enter Mauritania for business purposes are required to obtain a Short Stay Visa from a Mauritanian Embassy or Consulate prior to travel.

In some cases, nationals from certain select countries, including Algeria, Gambia, and Senegal, may be eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a Short Stay Visa to perform short-term business activities in Mauritania. Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to determine eligibility for a visa waiver or Short Stay Visa.

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Mauritanian law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Mauritania, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Hands-on technical work
• » Repairs and maintenance
• » Auditing

If I am traveling to Mauritania for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

Requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Mauritania. The most common types of work authorization for Mauritania are:

• » Temporary Work Permit (short-term work authorization for assignees)
• » Work Permit (long-term work authorization)

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

There are no nationalities that are eligible for a long-term work authorization exemption in Mauritania.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.