Mauritania entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Cyprus passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply for an e-visa online before you travel, which saves you a trip to an embassy. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou cannot get a visa on arrival; the eVisa must be arranged in advance. Apply online before travel | Cyprus passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply through the official Mauritanian eVisa portal, complete the application, pay the fee, and receive the approved eVisa by email. Print a copy to present at immigration. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your Cyprus passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see proof that you will leave the country. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing departure from Mauritania within the allowed stay period. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationImmigration may ask where you will be staying during your visit. Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania, including the address and contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsHaving proof of funds helps demonstrate you can support yourself while in the country. Financial means for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay in Mauritania. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck the latest health requirements before travel; this certificate is often requested at entry. Required if arriving from endemic area | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it is not required for direct travel from Cyprus. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any additional arrival form beyond standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration form is required for Cyprus passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
No visa-on-arrival for Cypriots
Don't assume you can get a visa at the airport – you can't. The e-visa must be approved before you fly. Airlines may refuse boarding if you don't have it.
Passport validity is non-negotiable
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it's not, you'll be turned away at the border, even with an approved e-visa.
Currency and payments
The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels in Nouakchott, but cash is king elsewhere. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange – ATMs are scarce outside the capital.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to the official Mauritanian e-visa portal and fill out the application form. You'll need to upload a scanned copy of your passport bio page and a recent passport-style photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 3–5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. If approved, you'll receive a PDF e-visa – download and save it on your phone or print a copy.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
When you land, head to the immigration hall. Present your passport, the e-visa (printed or on your phone), and your return ticket. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the e-visa with you for the duration of your stay.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/program
Cost$100–$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy before travel.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa fee (single entry, 30 days)Payable online; non-refundable. | $50 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; cash in EUR/USD. | $55 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at the National Police (Direction de la Sûreté Nationale) in Nouakchott. | $30 (approx.) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Missing return ticket25%
Incomplete vaccination proof20%
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
Transit visa required
Cyprus citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Crew members on duty
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice food and water hygiene.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Avoid swimming in fresh water.
DengueLow risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in the south. Prophylaxis 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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, near Ministry of Interior
Mon-Thu 08:00-15:30, Fri 08:00-12:00
Nouadhibou
Immigration Office Nouadhibou
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, near Port
Mon-Thu 08:00-15:30, Fri 08:00-12:00
Practical information for CY 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 = 39.92 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
Yes, you need a visa. Cyprus is not on the visa-exempt list for Mauritania. You must get an e-visa before you travel – there's no visa-on-arrival for Cypriot citizens.
Processing usually takes 3–5 business days, but it can take longer during peak periods. Apply at least two weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Check the official e-visa portal for the current fee – it's typically around €50–€100. Pay online with a credit or debit card.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
You'll be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. There's no visa-on-arrival facility for Cypriot passport holders at Mauritanian airports. Don't risk it – get the e-visa beforehand.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're coming directly from Cyprus or another non-risk country, it's not required, but it's a good idea to carry your vaccination card anyway.
Mauritania has areas with security concerns, especially near the borders with Mali and Western Sahara. Stick to the main cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, and check your government's travel advisory before booking. Always register with your embassy upon arrival.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.