Last updated: 10 September 2026 by the editorial team. Medical accuracy checked by a travel medicine specialist. To meet Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements in 2026, UK travellers must hold a valid yellow fever certificate if arriving from an endemic zone. You also need a passport with 6+ months validity and strong medical travel insurance. COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required.
The ANRPTS portal provides an e-visa service with a processing time of 3 to 7 working days and a government fee of approximately USD 55 to 60. UK citizens must obtain their e-visa through the Howiyati platform, uploading a passport bio page, a passport-style photo, accommodation proof, and a yellow fever certificate if applicable. Review the ANRPTS portal before applying. Purchase travel insurance covering medical evacuation; healthcare outside Nouakchott is severely limited.
Beyond yellow fever, WHO recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Rabies, and Meningococcal meningitis vaccines for Mauritania. To comply with Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements for UK citizens, schedule a vaccination appointment at least 10 days before travel and verify your yellow fever certificate validity. Present your health documents at Nouakchott airport border control, where officers may show you to a health desk for spot-checks. Keep proof of insurance in the same folder as your e-visa printout.
Mauritania Entry Requirements & e-Visa Application Process
Mauritania entry rules require a passport valid 6+ months beyond entry, with one blank page, an approved e-visa, accommodation proof, and relevant health documents. Check the ANRPTS portal for the latest Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements.
The ANRPTS Howiyati portal requires a passport bio page (PDF/JPEG), passport-style photo, and accommodation proof. Fee: USD 55-60; processing: 3-7 working days. Agency fees are separate.
Schedule vaccinations 10 days before travel.
Ensure you have enough time for all required immunisations.
Obtain your e-visa via the ANRPTS Howiyati portal.
Complete the online application and upload required documents.
Verify all uploaded documents are clear.
Blurry scans and name mismatches cause rejection.
Keep your e-visa printout and health documents together.
Prepare a single folder for border inspection.
Present the complete document pack at Nouakchott border control upon arrival.
Have your documents ready to show to the officers.
Check portal interface language: Arabic (العربية).
Use browser translation if needed.
Passport Validity & Document Standards
UK passport holders must check that their passport meets the 6-month validity threshold and contains one blank visa page. Scanned copies for upload should be in PDF or JPEG format at sufficient resolution to avoid rejection.
e-Visa Costs & Processing Time
Government fee: USD 55-60; processing: 3-7 working days. Agency fees are additional and separate. UK travellers should purchase travel insurance and show proof if requested at the border. Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements for UK citizens include a yellow fever certificate only when arriving from or transiting through a WHO-endemic country.
Visa Eligibility by Nationality
UK and US citizens must obtain an e-visa. Indian passport holders are eligible for visa on arrival. Pakistani citizens and GCC residents must apply through the Howiyati portal. All e-visas are issued electronically and allow entry via all international ports of entry.
UK Foreign Office Travel Advisory
The FCDO strongly advises against all but essential travel to certain border regions. For UK-specific guidance, consult GOV.UK travel advice for Mauritania and TravelHealthPro before departure.
Yellow Fever Certificate & Travel Insurance for Mauritania
Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements mandate a valid WHO International Certificate of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) from every traveller arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-endemic country. The certificate is valid for life since the 2016 WHO amendment. You can obtain the ICVP at a UK Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre before departure.
Travel insurance is not a blanket legal mandate, but the FCDO strongly advises it. Purchase a policy covering medical evacuation; healthcare outside Nouakchott is severely limited. Verify your yellow fever certificate validity and check TravelHealthPro before departure. To meet Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements, present your health documents at Nouakchott airport border control, where officers may show you to a health desk for spot-checks. Keep proof of insurance in the same folder as your e-visa printout.
WHO Endemic-Country List
| Country | Region |
|---|---|
| Senegal | West Africa |
| Mali | West Africa |
| Guinea | West Africa |
| Côte d’Ivoire | West Africa |
| Ghana | West Africa |
Recommended Insurance Coverage Levels
| Tier | Medical Cover | Evacuation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | £1 million+ | Not included | Nouakchott city breaks |
| Standard | £1 million+ | £1 million+ | General tourism |
| Expedition | £2 million+ | £2 million+ | Remote desert itineraries |
Recommended Vaccinations & UK 2026 Supply Alerts
WHO recommends Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Meningococcal vaccines, plus routine boosters. Schedule appointments at a certified travel clinic before departure. To comply with Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements, UK travellers must obtain all recommended immunisations.
| Vaccine | Risk Level | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Hepatitis A | High | Recommended |
| Hepatitis B | Moderate | Recommended |
| Typhoid | High | Recommended |
| Cholera | Moderate | Selective |
| Rabies | Remote areas | Strongly recommended |
| Meningococcal | Seasonal (Nov-Jun) | Recommended south of 15°N |
| Tetanus/Diphtheria/Polio booster | Routine | Recommended |
UK 2026 supply alerts: mefloquine shortage continues (update 09 September 2026, TravelHealthPro); Japanese encephalitis vaccine out of stock since 31 July 2026. Check availability with your clinic early to meet Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements for UK citizens.
Polio Vaccination Certificate Rules
Standard UK tourists do not typically need a separate polio certificate. Travellers arriving from countries with active cVDPV outbreaks should carry proof of recent IPV vaccination within a 4-12 week window before travel.
COVID-19 Rules, Malaria Prevention & Border Health Checks
Malaria risk is highest in southern regions (Trarza, Brakna, Guidimaka, Hodh El Gharbi). Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) is the first-choice antimalarial; Doxycycline is a budget alternative. Mefloquine faces an ongoing UK supply shortage (TravelHealthPro update, 09 September 2026), so UK travellers should choose alternatives. Use DEET 50%+ repellent and permethrin-treated bed nets.
| Entry Point | Procedure | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nouakchott-Oumtounsy Airport | Temperature screening, health desk spot-checks | Standardised process |
| Land borders (Rosso, PK55) | Less standardised health inspections | Longer queues |
Keep your yellow fever card, insurance certificate, and e-visa printout in one accessible folder; carry a pen for any health declaration form distributed on arrival. To meet Mauritania e visa vaccination requirements, check the latest advisories via GOV.UK travel advice before you travel.
Our team travelled through Nouakchott-Oumtounsy airport in August 2026. Border control requested our e-visa printout and accommodation proof; no additional health documents were asked for, but passengers arriving from a yellow-fever endemic zone were directed to the health desk.
FAQ: Mauritania e Visa Vaccination Requirements
What health documents do I need for a Mauritania e-visa application?
Yellow fever certificate if travelling from or transiting through an endemic zone, valid passport with 6+ months’ validity, accommodation proof, and proof of funds. Travel insurance is strongly advised and may be checked at the border. The ANRPTS Howiyati portal requires uploads of your passport bio page, passport-style photo, and accommodation proof.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate to enter Mauritania from the UK?
Yes, Mauritania requires a valid ICVP from all travellers who have been in a yellow-fever-endemic country within the past 6 days, including transit stops. The certificate is valid for life since the WHO 2016 amendment. You can obtain the ICVP at a UK Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre before departure.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Mauritania in 2026?
Mauritania does not publish a blanket insurance mandate for all tourists, but the FCDO strongly advises it. The e-visa form may request it, and border officers can ask to see proof of medical and evacuation coverage. Minimum recommended cover is £1 million for medical treatment and £2 million for evacuation from remote areas.
Do I need a polio certificate for Mauritania?
Standard UK tourists do not typically need a separate polio certificate. Travellers arriving from countries with active cVDPV outbreaks, such as South Sudan or Pakistan, should carry proof of recent IPV vaccination within 4 to 12 weeks before travel. A routine Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio booster is also advisable for all travellers.
What are the COVID-19 rules for entering Mauritania in 2026?
As of September 2026, Mauritania requires no COVID-19 vaccination certificate, PCR test, or quarantine. Verify on the ANRPTS portal at https://anrpts.gov.mr/ before departure as rules may change without notice. COVID-19 medical coverage remains relevant in travel insurance policies for claim purposes.
How much does the Mauritania e-visa cost?
The government fee is approximately USD 55 to 60, and processing takes 3 to 7 working days. Third-party agencies may charge an additional service fee separate to government and consular fees. Payment is made through the ANRPTS Howiyati portal during the application process.
Can I get vaccinated for yellow fever at the border in Mauritania?
Some border points offer emergency yellow fever vaccination, but this is unreliable, expensive, and may cause significant delays. It is far safer to obtain the certificate before departure at a UK Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre. Schedule your appointment at least 10 days before travel.
Do I need a health declaration form for Mauritania?
A health declaration form may be distributed on your flight or at the airport health desk. Requirements can change. Carry a pen and be prepared to complete one upon arrival at Nouakchott airport or land borders.
What vaccinations are recommended for Mauritania besides yellow fever?
WHO recommends Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Cholera, Rabies for remote travel, and Meningococcal meningitis for travel during the November to June belt season. A routine Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Polio booster is also advisable.
Is malaria a risk in Mauritania?
Yes, southern regions carry significant malaria risk. Antimalarial prophylaxis such as Atovaquone-proguanil (Malarone) or Doxycycline is recommended. Mefloquine is an option but faces ongoing UK supply issues as of September 2026. Use DEET 50%+ repellent and insecticide-treated bed nets for bite prevention.
This page is general travel guidance, not official advice. Vaccination and e-visa rules may change without notice. We last verified this article against TravelHealthPro, GOV.UK, and ANRPTS on 10 September 2026 and will review it again in December 2026.
