Mauritania entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 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
British passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You must apply online before you travel — there's no visa-on-arrival option. The process is straightforward, but give yourself a few days for approval.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| E-visa applicationYou must obtain this visa online before you arrive; it cannot be issued on arrival. Required before travel | Apply for an e-visa online at the official Mauritanian e-visa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/) before departure. The e-visa is required for UK passport holders entering Mauritania. Ensure your application is approved and the e-visa is printed or saved on your device before travel. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied entry. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your UK passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. Check the expiry date well before you travel. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesBorder officials need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry and exit stamps. Ensure no pages are damaged or missing. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou need to show you plan to leave the country within the allowed period. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward flight ticket showing you will leave Mauritania. Immigration may ask to see this on arrival. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry proof of financial means in case immigration asks. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your stay in Mauritania. The amount is not fixed but should match your planned activities and duration. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra form before arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for UK passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
| Visa extensionPlan your trip to fit within the visa validity period. Not possible | The Mauritanian e-visa cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than your visa allows, you must leave and re-apply. | Not required |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
There is no visa-on-arrival for British passport holders. If you arrive without an approved e-visa, you'll be sent back on the next flight. Apply at least a week before departure.
Passport validity is critical
Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive in Mauritania. Even if you're only staying a few days, the 6-month rule applies. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking anything.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for the e-visa online
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. You'll need your passport details, travel dates, and a digital photo. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for approval
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have it.
3
Print your e-visa
Once approved, print a copy of the e-visa. Keep it with your passport — you'll need to show it at check-in and at immigration.
4
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, head to the immigration hall. Present your passport, printed e-visa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passing immigration, collect your bags from the carousel and proceed through customs. Have your documents ready in case customs officers ask to see them.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (90 days)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from issue
Cost$180 (approx.)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in London; requires invitation letter and proof of accommodation.
Business visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per visit
Validity6 months
Cost$250 (approx.)
Requires company letter and Mauritanian business partner invitation; issued by embassy.
work visa
Travail (Work Visa)
1 year, renewable
Varies; employer-sponsored
For those with a job offer in Mauritania. Requires employer sponsorship and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
Varies; proof of enrollment required
For students enrolled at a Mauritanian educational institution. Must provide acceptance letter and financial proof.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| E-visa (single entry, 30 days)Paid online before travel; non-refundable. | $120 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport; cash in EUR/USD. | $55 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (30 days)Apply at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott; requires passport photos and proof of funds. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeNo separate airport tax for international departures. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
UK passport holders transiting through Mauritania without leaving the international transit area do not need a visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport or stay overnight in a hotel, you must obtain a visa in advance.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and undercooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Mauritania, especially in rural areas. 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 office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north.
Practical information for GB 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
Typically 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe. The official site is https://www.evisa.mr/.
No. The e-visa is the only option for British passport holders. You must have it approved before you travel.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and paid online during the application. Check the e-visa website for the current amount — it's usually around $50-80, but can change.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply, or check with the immigration office in Nouakchott for other options.
You'll be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. If your passport is close to expiring, renew it before applying for the e-visa.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from the UK, you don't need it. But if you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America in the days before, bring the certificate.
The local currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). You can exchange money at the airport, but it's easier to have some euros or US dollars to change. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but not everywhere.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.