Mauritania entry requirements for Ivory Coast passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Ivorian passport holders can enter Mauritania without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This policy is in effect as of 2026, so you can skip the embassy visit and just show up at the airport.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Mauritania. Airlines at Abidjan check this before boarding, and immigration in Nouakchott will deny entry if your passport expires before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott International Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Have a printed copy or a digital booking on your phone ready — they check this consistently. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have a bank statement or cash equivalent to roughly 50,000 MRU (about $1,300 USD) available. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if you're staying longer than a week. | Recommended |
Yellow fever vaccine required
If you're arriving from Ivory Coast (or any country with yellow fever), you must show a valid yellow fever certificate at the border. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel — no exceptions.
Currency and cash
Mauritania uses the ouguiya (MRU). Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange at the airport or local bureaux de change. ATMs exist in Nouakchott but can be unreliable.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' (usually one hall). Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport, boarding pass, and return ticket ready.
2
Present documents at the counter
Hand over your passport. The officer will check your validity, stamp a blank page, and may ask for your return ticket or hotel booking. Answer clearly. The whole process takes 2–5 minutes.
3
Collect your passport and proceed
Once stamped, you're free to go. No visa fee, no forms to fill. Head to baggage claim and then customs (usually a quick bag scan).
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ivory Coast Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)
For those who need a visa or want a longer stay; apply at Mauritanian embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; exact rates may vary. Avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mauritania
No transit visa needed
Visa-free transit is allowed for up to 24 hours if staying airside and holding a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission (Ivory Coast is endemic).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in the south. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) strongly recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nouakchott
Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale (Immigration)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles immigration matters for the northern region. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for CI travellers
Country basics
CapitalNouakchott
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.94 MRU
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No. Ivorian citizens get visa-free access for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport.
Up to 90 days. Overstaying can result in fines or trouble at departure. If you need longer, you must apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott before your 90 days expire.
Extensions are not available for visa-free entries. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a proper visa before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever (Ivory Coast is one). You'll need to show a yellow fever certificate at the border. Get the vaccine at least 10 days before travel.
No. There's no online arrival declaration or paper form required. Just your passport and onward ticket.
Yes, but land borders can be less predictable. Carry the same documents (passport, return ticket, hotel booking). Some land crossings may have additional checks or fees.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.