---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Mauritania
description: Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Documents checklist and application steps.
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/mauritania
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Mauritania

Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

*Verified · last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.*

## Key facts

- **Entry route:** Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
- **How to apply:** In-person at an embassy or visa center
- **Maximum stay:** Up to 180 days
- **Entries:** Multiple entry
- **Passport validity:** At least 6 months
- **Biometrics:** Required
- **Appointment:** Required
- **Interview:** Not required
- **Onward or return ticket:** Required
- **Proof of funds:** Bank statements showing sufficient funds for stay

## How to apply

1. **Prepare documents** — Gather all required documents as per checklist
2. **Complete online application** — Fill out IMM 5257 on IRCC website and upload documents
3. **Pay fees online** — Pay visa processing fee (CAD 100) and biometrics fee (CAD 85) via IRCC portal
4. **Book biometrics appointment** — Schedule an appointment at the nearest Visa Application Centre (VAC)
5. **Attend biometrics appointment** — Visit VAC in person to provide fingerprints and photograph
6. **Submit passport (if requested)** — After approval, submit passport to VAC for visa sticker
7. **Wait for processing** — Processing time varies; check IRCC website for current estimates
8. **Collect passport** — Collect passport with visa from VAC or receive by courier
9. **Travel to Canada** — Present visa and supporting documents at port of entry
10. **Comply with conditions** — Adhere to max stay of 6 months and other visa conditions

## Documents checklist

- **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Supporting): Fill online via IRCC portal
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet Canadian photo specifications
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Flight reservations and accommodation details
- **Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, optional): From host in Canada with proof of status
- **Employment letter or proof of ties to home country** (Employment): To demonstrate intent to return
- **Biometrics fee receipt** (Supporting): Pay CAD 85 for biometrics
- **Visa application fee receipt** (Supporting): Pay CAD 100 for visitor visa
- **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Especially for US, UK, Schengen visas
- **Marriage certificate (if applicable)** (Identity, optional): For accompanying spouse
- **Birth certificate (for minors)** (Identity, optional): If traveling with children
- **Police clearance certificate (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): May be required for certain applicants
- **Medical exam report (if requested)** (Supporting, optional): For stays over 6 months or specific countries

## Proof of funds

- **Minimum balance:** Sufficient funds for entire stay (no fixed amount)
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- Pay stubs
- Sponsorship letter
- Fixed deposit certificates

Must show ability to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses

## Good to know

- Visa does not guarantee entry; final decision by CBSA officer at border
- Overstaying may result in removal and future inadmissibility
- Biometrics are valid for 10 years for subsequent applications

## Common refusal reasons

- **Insufficient financial proof** — Provide clear bank statements and proof of income
- **Weak ties to home country** — Submit employment letter, property deeds, or family ties
- **Incomplete application or missing documents** — Double-check checklist and submit all required forms
- **Criminal record or inadmissibility** — Disclose any issues and provide police clearance if needed
- **Previous visa violations** — Be honest about past travel history and provide explanation

## FAQs

### Do citizens of Mauritania need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

### How long can citizens of Mauritania stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

### What documents do citizens of Mauritania need for Canada?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; Employment letter or proof of ties to home country; and 8 more.

### How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Mauritania passport holders](/visa/passport/mauritania)