Mauritania entry requirements for United Kingdom passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
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 can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply before you travel — just show up at Nouakchott airport with the right documents and cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward but requires some preparation.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania MAAVE eVisa | Apply online at maave.gov.mr before travel. The eVisa is valid for a single entry and allows stays up to 30 days. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not book flights until approved.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines enforce this strictly — check your passport expiry before booking. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or digital version ready. Overland exit plans are not accepted — you need a flight booking. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration may ask for it at the border, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or bank statement | Have at least €100 or equivalent in cash per day of your stay. A recent bank statement or credit card showing available funds also works. ATMs are scarce outside Nouakchott. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring enough to cover the fee (around €55 or US$60) plus a little extra in case of exchange rate fluctuations.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is well-established for British passport holders. Expect to spend 15–30 minutes at the visa counter. Have your documents ready to speed things up.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to immigration. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic details: name, passport number, flight info, and where you're staying. Fill it out in clear capital letters.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
The visa on arrival costs around €55 or US$60 (exact amount may vary). Pay in euros or US dollars — no credit cards accepted. Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
Once payment is processed, your visa sticker is placed in your passport. Then join the passport control queue. The officer will stamp you in. Total time: 15–30 minutes.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply in advance.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in euros or USD cash at the airport; exact change recommended. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstaying is not recommended; fines are assessed at immigration offices. | Unknown (varies; may be per day) |
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 do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
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 = 40.09 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
Around €55 or US$60. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. No credit or debit cards. The exact amount can vary slightly, so bring a little extra.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get a single entry for the duration of your stay. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before travelling.
Yellow fever vaccination is required if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
Yes, visa on arrival is also available at some land border crossings, but the process is less predictable. The airport in Nouakchott is the most reliable place to get it.
The Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). ATMs are available in Nouakchott but may not accept all international cards. Bring some euros or US dollars as backup.
Mauritania is generally safe for travellers, but petty crime can occur in cities. Avoid travelling alone at night in remote areas. Check your government's travel advice before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.