Mauritania passport → United States

United States visa for citizens of Mauritania

Embassy / VFSB1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourism & Business)

Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for the United States 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 · B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourism & Business)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Government fee	$185
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Required
Proof of funds	Evidence of sufficient funds to cover travel expenses

How to apply

1
Determine visa type
Identify the correct nonimmigrant visa category (e.g., B1/B2 for tourism/business).
2
Complete DS-160 application
Fill out the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) at ceac.state.gov/genniv/.
3
Pay visa application fee
Pay the non-refundable MRV fee (currently $185) and keep the receipt.
4
Schedule interview appointment
Use the U.S. Visa Appointment System to book an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka.
5
Prepare supporting documents
Gather all required documents including passport, photos, and evidence of ties.
6
Attend biometrics appointment
Visit the embassy or designated center for fingerprinting and photograph.
7
Attend visa interview
Appear in person at the U.S. Embassy for the consular interview.
8
Wait for visa processing
Processing can take several days to weeks; track status via CEAC.
9
Collect or receive passport
If approved, passport with visa will be returned via courier or pickup.
10
Travel to the United States
Present the visa and passport upon arrival at a U.S. port of entry.

Documents checklist

Identity

Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay)
Must have at least two blank visa pages
DS-160 confirmation page
Complete and submit the online nonimmigrant visa application
Passport-size photograph
Must meet U.S. visa photo requirements
Birth certificate
Optional
Required for some family-based visa categories
Marriage certificate
Optional
If traveling with spouse or applying as spouse

Travel

Previous U.S. visas (if any)
Optional
If previously issued, bring the old passports
Travel itinerary
Optional
Round-trip flight reservation or planned travel dates

Financial

Visa application fee payment receipt
Non-refundable fee; currently $185 for most nonimmigrant visas
Bank statements or proof of funds
Optional
To show adequate financial means for the U.S. stay

Employment

Evidence of employment or ties to home country
Optional
Such as employment letter, business registration, property deeds

Supporting

Appointment confirmation letter
Scheduled via the U.S. Visa Appointment System
Supporting documents for purpose of trip
Optional
For tourism: itinerary, hotel reservations; For business: invitation letter
Social media information (if applicable)
Optional
Certain visa categories require disclosure of social media handles
Criminal record documents
Optional
If applicable, provide court documents or police certificates

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover travel and stay (no fixed minimum)

Bank statements
Pay stubs
Letter from employer
Tax returns

Proof of funds helps demonstrate ability to cover expenses and intent to return.

Good to know

Visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
All applicants must schedule interviews in their country of residence or nationality.
Certain nationalities may face additional requirements or bonds as per Presidential Proclamations.
Be cautious of fraudulent schemes impersonating U.S. Embassy officials requesting payments.
Holiday closures and high demand can delay processing; apply well in advance.

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Provide strong evidence of employment, property, or family in Mauritania.

Incomplete or inaccurate DS-160

Double-check all entries and submit the correct application.

Failure to prove purpose of visit

Bring clear itinerary, invitations, or documentation of planned activities.

Criminal record inadmissibility

Disclose all records; seek legal advice if necessary.

Financial insufficiency

Provide substantial bank statements or sponsorship letter.

FAQ

Do citizens of Mauritania need a visa for the United States?

Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for the United States and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: B1/B2 Visitor Visa (Tourism & Business).

How long can citizens of Mauritania stay in the United States?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the United States visa cost for citizens of Mauritania?

Government fee: $185.

What documents do citizens of Mauritania need for the United States?

Passport (valid at least 6 months beyond intended stay); DS-160 confirmation page; Visa application fee payment receipt; Passport-size photograph; Appointment confirmation letter; Supporting documents for purpose of trip; and 8 more depending on your situation.

How long must my passport be valid for the United States?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

On the official site: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

Sources

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