Mauritania entry requirements for Ireland 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
Irish passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania, but the good news is you can get it online before you travel. The eVisa process is straightforward and typically takes 2-5 business days, so you can sort it from your sofa in 2026.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou cannot get this visa on arrival; you must apply and be approved before you fly. Apply online before travel | Irish passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/), 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 Irish passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. Check the expiry date before booking. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesImmigration officers need a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page (unmarked) for the entry stamp. Ensure no pages are torn or damaged. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou must show you plan to leave Mauritania, not stay indefinitely. Proof of departure | Carry a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket showing departure from Mauritania within the allowed stay period. Immigration may ask to see it. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but having proof avoids problems if asked. Sufficient for your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as recent bank statements, credit cards, or cash. The amount is not fixed but should cover accommodation and living expenses. | Recommended |
| Accommodation detailsShows you have a place to stay, which supports your visit purpose. Hotel booking or host address | Have your hotel reservation or the address of where you will stay in Mauritania ready. Immigration may request this information on arrival. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateOnly needed if your travel itinerary includes a yellow-fever-risk country. If arriving from an endemic country | 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 Ireland. | Optional |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any arrival form beyond the standard immigration card. Not required | Mauritania does not require an arrival declaration form for Irish passport holders. No separate online or paper declaration is needed. | Not required |
Apply early — don't leave it to the last minute
eVisa processing can take up to 5 business days, and there's no visa on arrival for Irish citizens. Submit your application at least a week before departure to avoid stress.
Print your eVisa — digital copies may not work
Immigration at Nouakchott Airport expects a paper copy of your eVisa. Having it on your phone is not reliable — print two copies, keep one in your carry-on and one in your luggage.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Scan your passport bio page and have a digital photo ready. Check your passport has at least 6 months validity and 1 blank page. Have your flight and hotel details handy.
2
Apply online for the eVisa
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the application form. Enter your personal details, passport info, and travel plans. Upload your photo and passport scan. Double-check everything before submitting.
3
Pay the fee and wait for approval
Pay the eVisa fee with your card. Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. You'll receive an email with your approved eVisa (PDF). Print it out — you'll need a physical copy to show at immigration.
4
Travel to Mauritania
On arrival at Nouakchott International Airport (or other entry points), go to the immigration desk. Present your passport and printed eVisa. The officer will stamp your passport and let you through. Keep the eVisa with you during your stay.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Ireland 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/study
Cost$100–$200 (approx.)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Fee varies by nationality; check official portal. | $70 (approx.) |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only at Nouakchott International Airport; not all nationalities. | $55 (approx.) |
| Extension of stay (up to 30 days)Apply at police headquarters in Nouakchott. | $30 (approx.) |
| Exit feeMost airlines collect departure tax with ticket. | Included in airfare |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa 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
Transit visa required
Irish citizens transiting through Mauritania require a visa unless they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic passport holders
- Crew members with valid airline ID
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)EssentialRabiesRecommendedMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; consider atovaquone-proguanil or doxycycline.
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 de l'Immigration et des Passeports
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
For visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles extensions for visitors in the north; limited English spoken.
Practical information for IE 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. The official portal at https://www.evisa.mr/ may offer expedited processing for an extra fee. Apply at least a week before your trip to be safe.
No, Irish passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must have an approved eVisa before you travel. Without it, you'll be denied boarding and entry.
The fee varies depending on processing speed, but expect to pay roughly €50-€80. The exact amount is shown on the eVisa portal before you pay.
The standard Mauritanian eVisa is single-entry. If you leave Mauritania, you'll need a new visa to re-enter. Check your eVisa approval for specific conditions.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date. If it expires during your stay, you could face fines or difficulties leaving. Renew your passport before applying for the eVisa.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. If you're travelling directly from Ireland or Europe, it's not required, but check your full itinerary.
No, the eVisa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and apply for a new visa. Plan your trip accordingly.
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.