Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Simplified E-Visa System
Mauritania has expanded its e-visa platform for easier online applications, allowing most travelers to apply digitally without embassy visits. The process costs around €55 and is valid for 30 days, with approvals typically within 72 hours. Always check for updates as requirements can change due to regional security.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Mauritania, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure it is in good condition, as damaged passports may be rejected at borders.
Yellow fever vaccination proof is required if arriving from endemic areas, and it's wise to carry multiple photocopies of your passport for inland travel.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of a limited number of countries, including some ECOWAS members like Senegal and Mali, can enter visa-free for short stays up to 90 days, but this is rare for Western travelers.
Most visitors, including those from the EU, US, UK, Canada, and Australia, require a visa in advance or on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport.
Visa Applications
Apply for an e-visa online via the official Mauritanian immigration portal or obtain a visa on arrival at the airport for €55, requiring a passport photo, itinerary, and proof of accommodation. For land borders, pre-approval is strongly recommended to avoid delays.
Processing for e-visas takes 3-5 days; include a yellow fever certificate and travel insurance covering evacuation, as medical facilities are limited.
Border Crossings
The main entry point is Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, where visas on arrival are available, but land borders with Senegal (at Rosso or Diama) and Mali require prior visas and can involve long waits due to security checks.
Expect thorough inspections for prohibited items like drones or certain medications; overland travel demands registration with local authorities for safety.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for visas and essential due to Mauritania's remote areas and limited healthcare; it should cover medical evacuation, which can cost thousands in the Sahara.
Policies from reputable providers start at €10/day, including coverage for adventure activities like desert trekking and 24/7 emergency support.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 30 additional days can be applied for at the Immigration Office in Nouakchott, requiring proof of funds (€50/day) and a valid reason like ongoing research or business.
Fees are approximately €30, with processing taking 5-7 days; overstaying can result in fines up to €100 or deportation, so plan ahead.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Mauritania uses the Ouguiya (MRU). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Nouakchott by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for regional flights from Europe or Africa.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at street stalls or small eateries for couscous and fish dishes under MRU 1,000, avoiding tourist camps to save up to 60% on food costs.
Local markets in Nouakchott offer fresh dates, goat meat, and spices at bargain prices, perfect for self-catering in remote areas.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for shared bush taxis or the iron ore train from Zouerat to Nouadhibou for MRU 2,000-3,000 per leg, drastically reducing overland travel expenses.
No formal passes exist, but negotiating group rides can cut costs by 40%; always confirm schedules as they are informal.
Free Attractions
Explore the free-standing dunes of the Adrar Plateau, ancient ksour ruins in Chinguetti, and coastal birdwatching at Banc d'Arguin, all without entry fees.
Many nomadic campsites offer complimentary tea ceremonies and storytelling sessions, providing authentic cultural immersion at no cost.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king outside major cities; ATMs are scarce and unreliable, so exchange euros or USD at banks for the best rates.
Carry small MRU notes for markets and tips; cards are accepted in upscale hotels but incur high fees up to 5%.
Group Tour Discounts
Join organized desert tours for shared costs starting at MRU 10,000/person for multi-day trips, which include meals and transport.
It often pays for itself by avoiding private vehicle hires and providing local guides who know cost-effective routes.
Smart Packing for Mauritania
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, long-sleeved cotton layers for sun protection and modesty in conservative areas, including loose pants and scarves for women to respect local customs.
Include quick-dry fabrics for sandstorms and a wide-brimmed hat; avoid shorts or revealing clothes outside tourist zones to prevent unwanted attention.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F), solar charger for remote areas without electricity, offline GPS maps like Maps.me, and a dust-proof camera case.
Download French/Arabic translation apps and satellite messengers like Garmin inReach for emergencies in the Sahara where cell coverage is spotty.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with rehydration salts, antibiotics, and anti-malarials, plus proof of vaccinations like hepatitis and typhoid.
Include high-SPF sunscreen (50+), lip balm, and a personal water filter; insect repellent is crucial for coastal mosquitoes and desert flies.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack with carabiners for camel treks, a collapsible water bladder (at least 3L), and a lightweight sleeping bag for overnight desert camps.
Bring multiple passport copies, a money belt, and zip-lock bags to protect items from sand; a headlamp is essential for power outages.
Footwear Strategy
Choose high-ankle desert boots with good traction for rocky wadis and sand dunes, plus lightweight sandals for hot days in cities like Atar.
Waterproof options aren't needed, but pack extra socks and foot powder to combat sand irritation during long hikes in the Tagant Plateau.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, wet wipes for water-scarce areas, and a shemagh scarf for dust protection during harmattan winds.
Opt for reef-safe toiletries if visiting coastal Banc d'Arguin, and pack electrolyte tablets to stay hydrated in the extreme heat.
When to Visit Mauritania
Cool Dry Season (October-February)
The best time with comfortable temperatures of 20-30°C (68-86°F), ideal for exploring ancient caravan towns like Ouadane and Chinguetti without excessive heat.
Fewer sandstorms allow for optimal desert trekking and stargazing; festivals like the Nouakchott International Film Festival add cultural vibrancy.
Hot Dry Season (March-June)
Intense heat reaches 35-45°C (95-113°F), best for early morning coastal visits to Nouadhibou's ship graveyard or birdwatching in Banc d'Arguin National Park.
Lower crowds but prepare for siestas; it's suitable for acclimatized adventurers focusing on shorter, shaded activities in the Adrar region.
Harmattan Season (December-February)
Dusty winds bring cooler nights (10-20°C/50-68°F) but hazy skies, perfect for indoor cultural experiences like visiting manuscript libraries in Tichitt.
Wildlife viewing improves with migratory birds; pack masks for dust, and enjoy nomadic hospitality during this traditional travel period.
Rainy Season (July-September)
Short, sporadic rains (25-35°C/77-95°F) green the Sahel, making it lush for off-road drives and rare wildflower blooms in the Aouinet Valley.
Avoid if prone to flooding risks; it's budget-friendly with fewer tourists, ideal for relaxed stays in Atar or ferrofluid salt flats.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU). Exchange euros or USD at banks; ATMs are limited and often dispense only small notes.
- Language: Arabic (official), French (widely used in business), and Hassaniya Arabic (local dialect). English is spoken in tourist areas and hotels.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC+0), no daylight saving time
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C/F plugs (European two-pin), but power is unreliable in rural areas
- Emergency Number: 18 for police, 25 for ambulance, 81 for fire; response times vary greatly outside cities
- Tipping: Expected for services; 10-15% in restaurants, MRU 100-200 for guides or drivers
- Water: Tap water is not safe; always use bottled or purified water, especially in the desert
- Pharmacies: Available in Nouakchott and major towns; stock up on essentials as supplies can be inconsistent