Mauritania entry requirements for Iceland 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
Icelandic passport holders need a visa to enter Mauritania, but you can get an e-Visa online before you travel. The process is straightforward and typically takes a few business days, so you can handle it from home before your trip.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaYou need to get this visa online before you fly; it cannot be extended once in Mauritania. Apply online before travel | Icelandic passport holders must obtain an eVisa prior to arrival. Apply at the official Mauritania eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — it must not expire within 6 months of your arrival. At least 6 months beyond entry | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a free page for the border officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry/exit stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketBorder officials may ask to see proof that you're leaving the country. Proof of departure | Have a confirmed return or onward ticket showing you will leave Mauritania before your visa or stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always asked, but it's wise to carry proof you can support yourself. Sufficient for stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your intended stay (e.g., bank statements, cash, credit cards). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any extra arrival form beyond the standard immigration procedures. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Iceland passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
Apply early — don't rely on last-minute
The e-Visa system is reliable but not instant. Processing can take up to 5 business days, and there's no expedited option. Apply at least 2 weeks before your flight to avoid stress.
e-Visa is not extendable
Your e-Visa is valid for a fixed period (usually 30 days). If you overstay, you'll face fines and potential deportation. Plan your exit date carefully.
Everything is online
You don't need to visit an embassy or consulate. The entire e-Visa process is done through the official portal — just upload your documents and pay online.
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, a digital photo, and your travel plans. Pay the fee online with a credit or debit card.
2
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 2-5 business days. Check your email for the approval notification. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have the e-Visa in hand.
3
Print your e-Visa approval
Once approved, print the e-Visa document. Keep it with your passport. You'll need to show it at check-in and to Mauritanian immigration on arrival.
4
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport
After landing, head to immigration control. Present your passport, printed e-Visa, and any supporting documents (return ticket, accommodation). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
5
Proceed to baggage claim and customs
After clearing immigration, collect your bags and walk through customs. Declare any items if required. Then you're free to enter Mauritania.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland 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, family)
Max stayUp to 1 year
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; renewable
Cost$100–$200
Requires sponsorship and approval from Mauritanian authorities; apply at embassy in advance.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; processing takes 3-5 business days. | $50 |
| Visa on arrival (if eligible)Only for certain nationalities; Icelanders are advised to obtain eVisa in advance. | $55 |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Immigration Department in Nouakchott before current visa expires. | $30 |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete visa on arrival20%
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
Icelandic citizens transiting through Mauritania (e.g., at Nouakchott International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport transit area or staying overnight, a visa is required.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in the southern regions.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural and southern areas. Use mosquito repellent and bed nets.
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 Service)
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions and overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard des Pêcheurs, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
For visa extensions and entry permits. Limited English; consider hiring a local fixer.
Practical information for IS 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
Processing usually takes 2-5 business days. Apply at least a week before your departure to be safe. The system is online, so you'll get an email when it's approved.
The fee varies depending on the type of visa (single entry, multiple entry) and is paid online during the application. Expect to pay around $50–$100 USD. Check the official e-Visa portal for the exact current fee.
No, the e-Visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-enter with a new visa, or contact the Mauritanian immigration office in Nouakchott before your visa expires to ask about other options.
You'll likely be denied entry and sent back on the next flight. There's no visa-on-arrival for Icelandic passport holders. Don't risk it — get the e-Visa before you fly.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (most of sub-Saharan Africa). If you're flying directly from Iceland or Europe, you don't need it. But if you've been traveling in Africa before Mauritania, bring the certificate.
The e-Visa is primarily for entry via Nouakchott airport. If you plan to enter overland from Senegal or Mali, check with the Mauritanian embassy — land border procedures can differ, and you might need a traditional visa sticker.
If rejected, you'll get an email explaining why. You can reapply with corrected information, or contact the Mauritanian embassy in your region for help. Don't book non-refundable travel until you have approval.
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.