This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mauritania’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Mauritania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mauritanian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Mauritania, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nFrom 5 January 2025, it is no longer possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritania. Before you travel, you must apply for an e-visa online via the website of the Mauritanian National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles (Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés), who can be contacted via email (contact@anrpts.gov.mr) if you face any technical difficulties with your application.
\n\nE-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash in Euros or US dollars. Change and receipts are not given. You should also print a copy of the e-visa and be ready to provide a copy on arrival in country. For information on visa lengths and fees, read guidance on the Mauritanian government’s website (in French).
\n\nYou should apply for an e-visa well in advance of your anticipated travel date to ensure that it is issued on time by the Mauritanian authorities.
\n\nThe Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas.
\n\nTo enter Mauritania, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Mauritania guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mauritania. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Mauritania cannot be ruled out.
\n\nTerrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nDemonstrations can happen at any time in Nouakchott. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities and security forces. Maintain adequate stocks of non-perishable food and water.
\n\nCrime levels are moderate but steadily increasing.
\n\nThere have been burglaries in areas where foreign nationals live and robberies during daylight.
\n\nThere have been thefts and robberies at knifepoint during the day and night on the unlit and isolated beaches in Nouakchott and in the ‘Le Cinquième’, ‘Dar Naim’ and Citè Plage districts. Be particularly careful in these places.
\n\nReport crime to the police by dialling 117 or visiting a police station.
\n\nYou should always carry copies of your photo ID, especially outside Nouakchott where there are police checkpoints. Follow any directions from the police or other Mauritanian security forces.
\n\nMauritania recognises Islam as the only religion of its citizens and the state. It is illegal to participate in non-Islamic gatherings and activities that have not been authorised by the Mauritanian authorities. Attempting to convert people to other religions is illegal – those caught doing this can be arrested or deported. Blasphemy is a criminal offence and the maximum penalty is death. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious sites.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car.
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nIt is illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims to import or consume alcohol and pork products in Mauritania. The Mauritanian authorities scan all baggage on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport and may search vehicles at land borders. They will confiscate alcohol or pork products and arrest or fine people found carrying them.
\n\nDrug laws in Mauritania are severe. The penalties for possessing illegal drugs include imprisonment.
\n\nYou should dress modestly when not on the beach. Women should cover their shoulders and not wear short skirts. Men should not wear sleeveless tops or shorts.
\n\nPolice and members of the public can object to photography or filming if you do not get their permission. Do not photograph or film government and military sites or members of the security forces.
\n\nThere are no laws in Mauritania to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination.
\n\nUnder Mauritanian law, the maximum penalty for sexual activity between men is death. Penalties for women include a prison sentence ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt is illegal to take Mauritanian currency (ougiyas) out of the country. The Mauritanian authorities may confiscate money from people trying to do so.
\n\nYou can exchange US dollars and euros for Mauritanian ouguiyas at banks, some hotels and official bureau de change. You can exchange British pounds at some official bureau de change, but the exchange rate is very poor.
\n\nMauritania is mainly a cash-based society. A few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou accept credit cards – some hotels only accept Visa cards. Some ATMs accept foreign credit or debit cards.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Mauritania, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mauritania. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
\n\nDriving standards can be poor in Mauritania, traffic rules are rarely respected and paved roads are generally in poor condition.
\n\nOverland travel is difficult, and you should use a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and avoid travelling at night. Check the tide times on coastal roads and travel in convoy if possible. Carry out a maintenance check before you travel and make sure you have enough water and fuel on long journeys.
\n\nYou should travel in a convoy with an experienced guide if leaving urban areas, including to the tourist sites of Chinguetti and Tichit. You should carry sufficient supplies and inform family or friends of your travel plans.
\n\nPublic transport vehicles are poorly maintained, especially in the interior of the country.
\n\nCrossing the border into Mauritania can be time-consuming, and officials may ask for payments before they allow you to cross. Check local advice before travelling to neighbouring countries in case border crossings are closed or congested.
\n","customs_snippets":["E-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash in Euros or US dollars.","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious sites.","Alcohol and pork products ban","It is illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims to import or consume alcohol and pork products in Mauritania.","They will confiscate alcohol or pork products and arrest or fine people found carrying them.","It is illegal to take Mauritanian currency (ougiyas) out of the country.","Mauritania is mainly a cash-based society."]}