Mauritania entry requirements for Cyprus passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed July 3, 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
Cyprus passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania in 2026. You'll pay the fee in cash at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. Have your documents ready — the process is straightforward but can be slow.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrivalYou do not need to apply for a visa before traveling; you can get it when you land. Obtain at Nouakchott International Airport | Cyprus passport holders can obtain a visa on arrival at designated entry points. The visa is issued at the airport in Nouakchott. No prior application is needed. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date to ensure it meets the 6-month validity rule. Minimum 6 months remaining | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of entry into Mauritania. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure you have a completely empty page for the entry stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank visa page (not including endorsement pages) for the visa on arrival stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHaving a return flight booking can speed up entry and avoid questioning. Proof of onward travel | Immigration officials may request proof of a return or onward ticket. It is strongly recommended to have a confirmed booking. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsCarry some cash (e.g., euros or US dollars) or a credit card to show you can support yourself. No fixed amount specified | While no specific amount is required by law, you should be able to demonstrate you have enough funds for your stay (e.g., cash, credit card, or bank statement). | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any special arrival form. Not required | No arrival declaration form is required for Cyprus passport holders entering Mauritania. | Not required |
| E-visa applicationDo not attempt to apply for an e-visa; it is not available for your nationality. Not applicable | Mauritania does not offer an e-visa for Cyprus passport holders; the visa on arrival is the standard method. | Not required |
Cash only at the visa counter
The visa fee must be paid in cash. ATMs at the airport are unreliable. Bring euros or US dollars in small denominations — no change given for large bills.
Visa on arrival is not extendable
The visa you get on arrival is for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa before traveling or leave and re-enter.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
Land at Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) or Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB). Follow signs to immigration.
2
Queue at the visa-on-arrival counter
Look for the counter marked 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Tourist Visa'. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are accepted. The fee is around €55–€60 (or equivalent). Keep the receipt.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa to the immigration officer. They may ask a few questions — answer clearly and politely.
6
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, collect your bags and head through customs. You're in Mauritania.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Cyprus Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated July 3, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Business visa
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months
Cost$100
Requires invitation letter from Mauritanian company; apply at embassy before travel.
Long-stay visitor visa
Max stay180 days
Validity6 months
Cost$150
Available only through Mauritanian embassy; proof of sufficient funds required.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at airport | $55 |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry)Payable in cash at airport | $80 |
| Extension of stay (per month)Apply at immigration office in Nouakchott | $30 |
| Exit fee (if overstay)Paid at airport before departure | $20 per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
Missing return ticket25%
Incomplete vaccination proof20%
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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa. If leaving the airport, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Cyprus passport holders can transit without visa for up to 24 hours at Nouakchott International Airport.
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) · Nouadhibou International Airport (NDB)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired for all travelers over 1 year old arriving from endemic countries or if traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis ARecommendedTyphoidRecommendedPolioRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
CholeraModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; practice food and water hygiene.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Avoid swimming in fresh water.
DengueLow risk
Mosquito-borne; use repellent.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present throughout the country, especially in the south. Prophylaxis 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 Documentation et de l'Immigration
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, near Ministry of Interior
Mon-Thu 08:00-15:30, Fri 08:00-12:00
Nouadhibou
Immigration Office Nouadhibou
Boulevard de l'Indépendance, near Port
Mon-Thu 08:00-15:30, Fri 08:00-12:00
Practical information for CY 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
The fee is approximately €55–€60 (or equivalent in US dollars). Pay in cash at the visa counter. Euros and dollars are accepted — don't rely on Mauritanian ouguiya.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a different visa type before travel or leave and re-enter.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6 months are counted from your date of entry into Mauritania.
Yes — you need proof of onward travel out of Mauritania. A bus ticket or flight booking to the next country works. Immigration may ask to see it.
No, it's not mandatory for the visa. But it's strongly recommended — medical costs in Mauritania can be high, and evacuation is expensive.
The visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott and Nouadhibou airports. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Mauritanian embassy if entering by road.
Keep the receipt safe — you may need it to prove you paid. If lost, the immigration office at the airport can reissue it, but it will cause delays.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on July 3, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.