Mauritania entry requirements for Iceland passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Icelandic passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. You don't need to apply in advance — just show up at the airport with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for short tourist visits.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Mauritania offers a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport for Icelandic passport holders. The fee is 55 EUR or 60 USD (cash only, bring exact change). You can also apply for an eVisa in advance at the MAAVE portal to save time at the border — the eVisa costs 55 USD and is processed within 72 hours.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Icelandic passport must be valid for the entire period you plan to stay in Mauritania. Unlike some countries, Mauritania does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it doesn't expire before you leave. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket before granting entry. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready — they may check it at the visa-on-arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | While not always checked, having a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from a host in Mauritania can speed up the visa-on-arrival process. If you're staying with friends, ask them to write a simple letter with their address and phone number. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (EUR or USD) to cover your stay — there are no ATMs that reliably accept foreign cards outside Nouakchott. A bank statement showing a balance of at least 500 USD is a good safety net if asked. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. There is no ATM or card payment at the immigration counter. Bring enough to cover the fee plus some extra for unexpected costs.
Visa on arrival is for short stays only
This visa is intended for tourism or short business visits. It cannot be extended. If you plan to stay longer than 30 days, consider applying for a visa at a Mauritanian embassy before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Have your passport, return ticket, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying. Fill it out in capital letters.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is affixed to a blank page in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control for entry stamp.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Iceland Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad. Requires passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers. Same requirements as single entry.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in euros or US dollars at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. Cash only. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (~$330 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | €10 (~$11 USD) per day |
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
Iceland passport holders transiting through Mauritania's airports do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- No visa needed for airside transit up to 24 hours with onward ticket.
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 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
The fee is typically around €55–€100 depending on the duration of stay and current rates. Pay in cash — euros or US dollars are preferred. Cards are not accepted.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need a vaccination certificate. For direct travel from Iceland, it's not required, but check your itinerary for any transit stops.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at Nouadhibou Airport and some land borders, but the process is smoothest at Nouakchott. For land borders, confirm availability in advance.
Immigration may refuse entry. Always have a confirmed onward or return ticket. A screenshot on your phone is acceptable.
Mauritania is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime exists in cities. Avoid remote areas near borders. Register with your embassy and keep copies of your documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.