Mauritania

The Land of Desert
and Nomadic Spirit

Flag of Mauritania

Mauritania, located in Northwest Africa, is known for its vast Sahara Desert landscapes, including the Eye of the Sahara, a striking geological formation. Home to iconic sites like Chinguetti, an ancient desert town, the Banc d’Arguin National Park, and the coastal city of Nouakchott, Mauritania offers a unique mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage.

The country’s geography features endless dunes, rocky plateaus, and Atlantic coastline. Mauritanian culture blends Arab, Berber, and African influences, reflected in its music, poetry, and cuisine like thieboudienne (fish and rice). Known for its nomadic traditions and as a gateway to the Sahara, Mauritania is an intriguing destination for desert lovers and cultural explorers.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Mauritania.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date from Mauritania.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: No countries are fully visa-exempt for Mauritania. All travelers require a visa unless otherwise specified by diplomatic agreement with ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) countries.
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from all nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Mauritania, either through an embassy, high commission, or upon arrival at designated entry points (subject to approval).

Special Entry Provisions

  • No specific provisions exist for holders of Schengen, US, or UK visas or residence permits to enter Mauritania without a visa; a Mauritania-specific visa is required unless from an ECOWAS country.
  • Travelers must have confirmed onward or return tickets, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from a risk area.

ID Card Entry

  • The following citizens can enter Mauritania using only a valid national ID card:
    • ECOWAS member states (e.g., Senegal, Mali, Gambia)

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 3 years.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays for ECOWAS citizens are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period.
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules apply for work, study, or long-term stays; contact the nearest Mauritanian embassy or high commission.
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements (e.g., vaccination certificates or testing) via the Ministry of Health.
Toll

Driving in Mauritania

Current Toll Roads

  • As of 2025, Mauritania has no official toll roads. Major routes like the Nouakchott-Nouadhibou road are publicly funded, but tolls may be introduced on key routes in the future due to infrastructure needs.

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates: Not applicable yet; monitor updates from the Mauritania Road Authority.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) would be accepted if tolls are introduced.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Unlikely to be accepted initially; cash is king.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No system currently exists.

Driving in Mauritania

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants, though enforcement is limited.
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 110 km/h
  • Road conditions: Poor outside major cities like Nouakchott and Nouadhibou; unpaved, sandy, and unlit roads are common, especially during the rainy season (July to September). Exercise caution, particularly in desert areas.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license for stays up to 3 months; longer stays require a Mauritanian driver’s license.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Mauritania has no vignette system, but road taxes or checkpoints may apply—check locally.
  • Road Safety: Roads are hazardous due to poor maintenance, sand drifts, aggressive drivers, and occasional banditry in remote areas. Avoid night driving outside urban areas.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable in rural and desert areas; keep an updated physical map and a reliable communication device like a satellite phone.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 117 for police or 118 for ambulance (national emergency number 112 also works, but service may be limited).

Useful Links

Mauritania Currency

The official currency of Mauritania is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000 MRU
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 MRU
  • Symbol: UM

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, and major hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
  • ATMs are limited but available in major cities for direct MRU withdrawals (major UK, US, and Euro cards may be accepted).

Payment Methods

  • Cash is preferred, especially outside urban areas.
  • Credit/debit cards are rarely accepted, limited to major hotels and some businesses in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans, though card use may be unreliable.
  • Carry sufficient cash for small purchases and rural areas.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when exchanging or using cards.
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Central Bank of Mauritania website: https://www.bcm.mr/en/exchange-rates
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Mauritania

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Mauritania, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Severe penalties for possession, use, or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences or execution. No tolerance for small amounts.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is illegal and punishable by fines or detention; alcohol is prohibited under Islamic law.
    • Smoking banned in public buildings and on public transport.
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing sensitive political or religious issues, especially related to the government, Islam, or slavery, as proselytizing is illegal and apostasy carries severe penalties.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are illegal, with penalties up to death by stoning. 2SLGBTQI+ travelers should carefully consider the risks of traveling to Mauritania.
  • Photography: Restricted near government buildings, military sites, or sensitive installations. Always ask permission for portraits of locals, as it may lead to detention.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 0L spirits (prohibited) | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over $10,000 USD (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, alcohol, pornography, pork products, weapons, and certain religious materials.
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 7 days at the airport via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Mauritania Tourism Office or local police stations.

Beach Access

  • Public beaches must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated on major beaches like those in Nouadhibou.

Key Resources

Mauritania Travel Safety

Mauritania is generally safe for travellers in some areas, but with significant risks due to crime and instability in certain regions. Travellers should remain aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols. Below is a concise guide to staying safe and healthy in Mauritania.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) and violent crime (e.g., armed robbery, carjacking) are common, especially in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, and on public transport. Violent crime against tourists is less common but possible, particularly in rural or border areas near Mali and Western Sahara.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Generally safe in urban areas during the day; avoid traveling alone at night or in rural zones, especially for women, due to occasional violence and cultural norms.

Road Safety

  • Driving is risky due to poor road conditions, aggressive drivers, bandits, and sandstorms reducing visibility, especially in desert regions.
  • Avoid night driving outside major cities due to unlit roads and security risks.
  • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory, though enforcement is limited.

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled or purified water.
    • Eat well-cooked food to avoid diarrhea, cholera, or typhoid.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Required: Yellow fever (for all travelers over 1 year old).
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, typhoid, polio, hepatitis B, rabies, malaria prophylaxis, and COVID-19.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases: Malaria, dengue, and Rift Valley fever are widespread; use repellent and bed nets.
  • Altitude Sickness: Minimal risk, as no areas exceed 915 meters (Kediet ej Jill).

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like the Clinique Chiva in Nouakchott offer basic care. Rural areas often lack advanced care.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities; stock essential medications, but supplies can be limited.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation.

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 112 (works for police, ambulance, and fire).
  • Police: 117 | Ambulance: 118 | Fire: 116.
  • Tourist Police (Nouakchott): +222 45 25 30 00.

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 with local guidance for rural or desert travel; confirm insurance coverage and avoid public transport on remote routes.
  • Hiking: Avoid hiking in remote areas due to banditry and lack of infrastructure; use guides if necessary.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing sensitive political or religious issues.
  • Air Quality: Generally good, but monitor dust levels during dry seasons (October to June).

Key Links

Flying to Mauritania

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