Landmarks and scenery of Mauritania
All destinations

Travel Guide · Africa

Mauritania

Where the Sahara meets the Atlantic — iron ore trains, Chinguetti's desert libraries, and the Banc d'Arguin bird coast.

Entry Requirements

Visa requirements for Mauritania depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.

Check if you need a visa for Mauritania

Emergency Numbers

Police
117
Ambulance
118

Currency

Name
Mauritanian Ouguiya
Code
MRU
Symbol
UM

One of the few non-decimal currencies — divided into 5 khoums. Cash economy.

Power Outlets

Outlet type
Type C
Voltage
220V
Frequency
50Hz

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) — no daylight saving

Best Time to Visit

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The cool dry season November to February is the only sensible time to visit the Saharan interior.

Major Airports

  • NKC

    Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport

    Nouakchott · main international hub

  • NDB

    Nouadhibou International Airport

    Nouadhibou

Tipping Customs

Restaurants10%
GuidesUSD 20+ per day for desert trips

Dress Code

What "modest dress" usually means

Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).

  • Modest dress essential — Mauritania is an Islamic republic
  • Cover shoulders and knees; a headscarf is advisable for women

Social Etiquette

  • Arabic is the official language; French and Pulaar are widely spoken
  • The iron ore train from Zouérat to Nouadhibou is one of the world's great railway journeys — 700 km across the Sahara on an open flatcar
  • Chinguetti's ancient libraries hold Islamic manuscripts dating back to the 13th century

Local Laws

Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.

  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
  • Alcohol is illegal
  • Homosexuality is criminalised
  • Photography of government, military and public infrastructure prohibited

Common Phrases

EnglishLocalPronunciation
Hello (Arabic)Salam alaykumsah-LAHM ah-LAY-koom
Thank you (Arabic)ShukranSHOOK-rahn

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Mauritania?

Traveller builds your personalised packing list, checklist, and travel brief in seconds.

Plan this trip with Traveller