Mauritania entry requirements for Portugal 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
Portuguese passport holders need an e-visa to enter Mauritania. You can apply online before you travel — it's straightforward and saves you a trip to the embassy. Plan ahead and have your documents ready.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisaPortuguese citizens need a pre-approved eVisa to enter Mauritania; apply online before you travel. Apply online before travel | You must obtain an eVisa before departure. Apply at the official Mauritanian eVisa portal (https://www.evisa.mr/). The eVisa is not extendable. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your arrival date. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMauritanian border 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. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketYou may be asked to show that you plan to leave Mauritania before your visa expires. Proof of departure | Have a printed or digital copy of your return or onward flight ticket, as immigration may request it. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationHaving proof of where you will stay helps satisfy immigration officers if asked. Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host in Mauritania, including their contact details. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask how you will support yourself while in Mauritania. For your stay | Be ready to show evidence of sufficient funds (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) to cover your expenses during your stay. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateThis applies only if your travel originates from or transits through a yellow-fever-endemic area. If arriving from an endemic country | If you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission, you must present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. | Required |
| Travel insuranceHealthcare in Mauritania may be limited; insurance protects you from high costs. Medical coverage | Although not mandatory for visa issuance, travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly advised. | Recommended |
Apply early — no visa on arrival
Portuguese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You must have your e-visa approved before you fly. Apply at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Print your e-visa
Don't rely on your phone. Print a physical copy of your approved e-visa and keep it with your passport. Immigration officers expect to see a paper copy.
Currency and time zone
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU) and is on UTC+0. Cash is king outside Nouakchott, so carry some local currency for taxis and small purchases.
What happens at the border
1
Complete the online e-visa application
Go to https://www.evisa.mr/ and fill out the form with your passport details, travel dates, and personal information. Upload your photo and pay the fee online. Double-check everything before submitting.
2
Receive your e-visa by email
Processing typically takes a few business days. You'll get an email with your approved e-visa. Print a copy — you'll need it to show at the airport and at immigration.
3
Arrive at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (or other entry point)
When you land, go to the immigration desk. Present your passport, the printed e-visa, and any supporting documents (like hotel bookings). The officer will stamp your passport and let you through.
4
Keep your e-visa with you during your stay
Carry a copy of your e-visa and passport at all times. Local authorities may ask to see them, especially if you travel outside the capital.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Mauritania eVisa (90-day single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity90 days from date of issue
Cost$80 (approx.)
For longer stays than the standard 30-day eVisa; apply online before arrival.
Visa extension (on arrival)
Max stayUp to 90 days total
ValidityRenewable monthly
Cost$30 per month (approx.)
Extensions are granted at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott; must apply before current visa expires.
work visa
Travail Salarié Visa
1 year, renewable
€150 (approx. $165 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer from a Mauritanian employer. Requires work permit approval and employer sponsorship.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable
€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For enrolment in a recognised educational institution in Mauritania. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
€500 (approx. $550 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of €50,000 in Mauritania. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 30 days)Apply online before travel; fees vary by nationality and processing time. | $50 (approx.) |
| Mauritania eVisa (single entry, 90 days)For longer stays; apply online. | $80 (approx.) |
| Visa extension (per month)Available at the Police des Étrangers in Nouakchott; apply before current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Airport departure taxMost international flights include departure tax in ticket price. | 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
Portuguese citizens transiting through Mauritania (e.g., at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport) do not require a visa if staying airside and continuing on the same or connecting flight within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the international transit area or staying overnight in a hotel, a visa is required.
- If the connecting flight is on a separate ticket or involves a change of airport, 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 yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in 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 areas. Use mosquito repellent and 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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds for extension requests.
Nouadhibou
Bureau de l'Immigration de Nouadhibou
Rue de la Plage, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Limited services; extensions may require travel to Nouakchott.
Practical information for PT 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 3–5 business days, but it can be longer during peak times. Apply at least a week before you travel to be safe.
The fee is set by the Mauritanian government and is paid online during the application. Check the e-visa portal for the current amount — it's typically around €50–€100, but it can change.
No. Portuguese citizens must have an approved e-visa before arriving. There is no visa-on-arrival option for you.
The standard e-visa is usually single-entry. If you plan to leave and re-enter Mauritania, you'll need to apply for a new e-visa each time.
If your application is denied, you'll need to contact the Mauritanian embassy or consulate to apply for a traditional visa. Don't book non-refundable flights until you have your e-visa approved.
Only if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're flying directly from Portugal, you don't need it. If you've been in sub-Saharan Africa or South America recently, bring the certificate.
No, the e-visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave the country and re-apply for a new e-visa.
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.