Country guides
Africa
Electricity
Electrical outlets in Mauritania usually supply electricity at 220 volts, 50Hz. European two-pin plugs with round pins are standard.
Language
Arabic is the official language of Mauritania and Hassaniyya is the local form of Arabic spoken by the majority of the population. French is also widely spoken.
Money
The Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) is the official currency of Mauritania. Most places only accept cash and most shops and restaurants prefer local currency. Credit cards can be used at a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou; some ATMs accept foreign credit or debit cards. Euros and US dollars are both fairly easy to exchange.
Tipping
A tip of 12 to 15 percent is expected in restaurants in Mauritania if no service fee has been added to the bill. Hotel service staff and taxi drivers welcome small tips.
Health
Malaria is present in much of Mauritania, particularly in the south, so preventative medication is recommended for most travellers. Risk is low in regions such as Dakhlet-Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour. A yellow fever vaccination is only required if arriving from a country with active transmission but is recommended for travel south of the Sahara. Meningitis vaccination is advised during the dry season (November to June), especially for extended stays or rural travel. Other recommended vaccines include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies (for those in contact with animals), and routine shots such as MMR, polio, and tetanus.
Tap water isn't considered safe unless treated, and ice should be avoided. Visitors should stick to bottled water and well-cooked, hot meals. Medical facilities outside Nouakchott are limited, so travellers should have comprehensive health insurance that covers evacuation. It's best to bring any required medications in original packaging, along with a doctor's note explaining their purpose.
Safety
While crime levels in Mauritania are generally moderate, travellers are advised to stay aware of their surroundings and take sensible precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and avoiding isolated areas. Although most visits are trouble-free, occasional incidents of theft and violence have been reported. It's also best to steer clear of political gatherings or demonstrations, as a general safety measure. Some regions have an underlying risk of terrorism, so staying informed through official travel advisories is recommended.
Local customs
Mauritania is a Muslim country and visitors are encouraged to respect this fact. In particular, visitors are encouraged to be observant during the month of Ramadan, when eating, smoking and drinking in public are severely frowned upon. Conservative dress (covering the arms and legs) and reserved public behaviour are the norms, especially for women. Outside of cities, locals generally eat sitting cross-legged on the ground, and using their hands.
Doing business
Mauritania is a very poor country. Mining is the principal industry and some offshore drilling for oil and gas has begun. French is the language of business and very few executives speak English. Business etiquette is fairly formal and dress should be conservative, especially for women. Office hours are generally 8am to 3pm, Sunday to Thursday.
Duty free
Those travelling to Mauritania over the age of 18 may import the following goods duty-free: 200 cigarettes, 25 cigars or 250g of tobacco, 50g of perfume and 250ml eau de toilette. Alcohol is prohibited, and firearms require an import and gun license prior to arrival.
Communications
Mauritania's dialling code is +222. Landline use is limited, but mobile adoption is growing, with coverage mainly in urban areas. No major roaming agreements exist. Local SIMs require a residency card, though tourists can buy pricier unofficial ones. Some hotels offer WiFi, but it's often unreliable; mobile data is a better option where coverage is available.
Passport & Visa
Since 5 January 2025, Mauritania no longer issues visas on arrival, and most travellers must obtain an e-visa online before departure unless they hold citizenship of a visa-exempt country such as Senegal, Mali and Tunisia. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond entry. A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged one year or older arriving from risk countries and recommended for those nine months or older travelling south of the Sahara.
Entry requirements
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for a minimum of six months from the date of arrival. A visa is required.