Mauritania entry requirements for Portugal passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Portuguese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Bring your documents and pay the fee in cash. This policy is effective from 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Mauritania eVisa | Apply online at the MAAVE portal before travel. The eVisa is valid for 30 days and costs around $55 USD. Processing takes 3–5 business days — do not wait until the last minute.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines enforce this strictly — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Nouakchott Airport 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 invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least $200 USD in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check, but it is better to be prepared. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. No credit or debit cards accepted. Bring euros or US dollars — they're widely accepted and easier to exchange than trying to get MRU beforehand.
Visa not extendable
The visa on arrival is valid for a single entry and cannot be extended. If you need to stay longer, you must leave the country and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Nouakchott International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to the immigration hall. There's a dedicated counter for visa on arrival. Queue up and present your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation.
2
Pay the visa fee
The fee is around 55 EUR or equivalent in local currency (MRU). Cash is preferred — euros or dollars are accepted. Keep the receipt.
3
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp a visa sticker into your passport. Check that the validity dates are correct before leaving the counter.
4
Proceed to passport control
Hand over your passport with the new visa. The officer will scan it and let you through. Collect your luggage and exit.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · Portugal Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 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
Cost€55 (approx. $60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€110 (approx. $120 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay90 days, extendable
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsor in Mauritania.
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 |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport. | €55 (approx. $60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of €300 (approx. $330 USD). | €10 (approx. $11 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)Extension possible at immigration office, subject to approval. | €30 (approx. $33 USD) |
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
Portugal passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit at Mauritanian airports, provided they stay in the international transit area and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport · Nouadhibou International Airport
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 = 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
The fee is approximately 55 EUR or the equivalent in US dollars or Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Cash only — no cards accepted. Have exact change if possible.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
You will be denied entry. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Mauritania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Check the latest health requirements before you go.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Nouakchott International Airport. Land border crossings may have different procedures — check with the Mauritanian embassy if entering overland.
No, there is no e-visa system for Mauritania. The only option for Portuguese passport holders is the visa on arrival at the airport.
Your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation. Have them ready in a folder — the queue moves fast and you don't want to fumble.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.