Mauritania entry requirements for Poland passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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
Polish passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. As of 2026, you'll receive a single-entry visa at Nouakchott International Airport or other land borders. The process is straightforward but requires a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania MAAVE eVisa | Apply online at maave.gov.mr before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Approval takes 24–72 hours — do not book flights until you receive it.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Polish passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Mauritania. Airlines check this before boarding. | 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 a screenshot ready on your phone. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Border officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Sufficient cash or card for your stay | Have at least $200 USD equivalent in cash or a credit card available. Immigration may ask how you plan to support yourself during your visit. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in exact cash — euros or US dollars. No credit cards, no ATMs before immigration. Bring €60 in small bills to be safe.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott Airport is quick — usually under 15 minutes. Have your documents ready and you'll be through without hassle.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's usually a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to complete — name, passport number, purpose of visit, duration. Keep it simple.
3
Pay the visa fee in cash
Hand over €55-€60 in cash (euros or USD). No change given, so bring exact amount. Keep the receipt.
4
Submit documents and get visa
Give the officer your passport, form, payment receipt, return ticket, and accommodation proof. They'll stamp and issue the visa on the spot. Takes 5-10 minutes.
5
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in your passport, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. You're in.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Poland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€80 (approx. $87 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy in Warsaw or nearest consulate. Requires invitation letter or hotel booking.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days per visit, non-extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€120 (approx. $131 USD)
For frequent travellers. Same application process as single entry.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $163 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires a work contract and approval from the Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
€100 (approx. $109 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognized Mauritanian institution. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with permission.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 per day (approx. $11 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
Incomplete travel 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
Poland passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
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, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to poor sanitation. Drink bottled or boiled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is present year-round, especially in southern regions. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis.
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
For visa extensions or overstay payment. Bring passport, visa, and cash.
Nouadhibou
Commissariat de Police (Immigration Section)
Boulevard de la Résistance, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Handles visa extensions for travellers in the north. Limited English; bring a translator if needed.
Practical information for PL 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 = 40.06 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, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, including the border with Senegal at Rosso and with Mali. The process is similar to the airport — cash payment and documents required.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Nouakchott, but it's not guaranteed.
You must pay in exact cash — euros or US dollars. There are no ATMs or currency exchange desks before immigration. If you don't have the right amount, you might be turned away. Bring €60 in small bills.
Extensions are possible but not guaranteed. You need to visit the Direction de l'Immigration in Nouakchott (near the airport) before your visa expires. The cost is around 500 MRU (about €12) per month. Bring passport photos and cash.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including parts of Africa and South America), you'll need a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Otherwise, it's not required for direct travel from Poland.
Overstaying can result in a fine of about 500 MRU per day (around €12) and potential issues when leaving. It's best to apply for an extension or leave on time.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but avoid border regions with Mali and Western Sahara due to security risks. Stick to the main tourist areas like Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, and the Banc d'Arguin National Park. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.