Mauritania Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritania for $55. The US State Department advises increased caution (Level 2) overall, with Level 4 areas near the Mali border.
United States passport holders can obtain a Visa on Arrival at Mauritania ports of entry.
Visa on arrival is available at Nouakchott airport for US citizens. Fee: approximately $55 USD (cash). Required: valid US passport, return/onward ticket, and accommodation confirmation. An advance e-visa is also available at evisa.mr. Yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required depending on recent travel.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with 6 months validity. Visa fee payable in euros.
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date with at least 2 blank pages
Passport-size Photos
Two recent color photos (2x2 inches or 35x45mm). Bring extra copies as requirements may vary
Completed Arrival Card
Immigration arrival/departure card provided on flight or at port of entry
Proof of Accommodation
Hotel reservation, booking confirmation, or address where you will be staying
Return or Onward Flight Ticket
Confirmed flight booking showing departure from the country within visa validity
Visa Fee (Cash)
Payment for visa on arrival fee - bring exact amount in USD or local currency
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Cash, credit cards, or bank statements showing adequate funds for your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended coverage for medical emergencies during your trip
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Malaria prophylaxis, Meningitis
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Mauritania has improved security but caution remains necessary. Border areas with Mali and Algeria have terrorism risks. The capital Nouakchott and tourist areas like Atar and Chinguetti are generally safe with precautions. Travel in the desert requires experienced guides. Check current advisories for specific regions.
Money & Costs
Currency
UM Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $40 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $180+
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Small tips for guides and drivers are customary.
Practical Info
Power
Type C, 220V 50Hz
Driving
Right side
Emergency
17 (Police), 18 (Fire), 101 (Medical)
Getting There
Main Airports
Atar (ATR) · Nouadhibou (NDB) · Nouakchott (NKC)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Mauritania is from November to March when temperatures are cooler (20-35°C). Avoid the extreme heat of April to September (up to 50°C in the desert). The brief rainy season (July-September) affects the south. The Saharan interior is more extreme than the Atlantic coast.
Cultural Notes
Mauritania bridges Arab North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Moors (mixed Arab-Berber) and Black African groups coexist. Traditional culture includes beautiful Moorish music, poetry, and tea ceremonies. The ancient caravan cities of Chinguetti, Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Insider Tips
Arabic is the official language; French is also widely used. The Mauritanian Ouguiya is the currency. Mauritania is a conservative Islamic society - dress modestly and respect local customs. Alcohol is prohibited. The country has limited tourist infrastructure but offers unique Saharan experiences.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Mauritania: What You Need to Know
Mauritania is a large desert country on the northwest coast of Africa, covering mostly Saharan terrain and home to ancient trans-Saharan trade cities. Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) is the main gateway with connections from Casablanca, Paris, Istanbul, Dakar, and a few other destinations. Mauritania borders Western Sahara/Morocco, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal. The country has been politically stable since a 2008 coup, with multiparty elections and a relatively functioning government under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. The US State Department advises Level 2 (Increased Caution), with Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for areas bordering Mali.
How to Get There
Casablanca (CMN) via Royal Air Maroc and Paris via Air France are the main Western connections to Nouakchott. Dakar (Senegal) is a 7-8 hour bus or shared taxi ride north along the coast. Morocco (Dakhla) in the north is accessible by road for overlanders on the trans-Saharan coastal route.
Money & Banking
Mauritania uses the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO). USD and Euros can be exchanged at banks in Nouakchott. ATMs are available but may be out of cash. Mauritania is affordable: local meals $3-6, guesthouses $20-50/night. Desert camp experiences run $50-100/person/night including meals.
Practical Tips
Chinguetti (UNESCO) is one of the holiest cities of Islam (the seventh-holiest in some traditions), a magnificent desert medieval city with ancient libraries and mosques half-buried by sand dunes. Ouadane, Tichitt, and Oualata are three other UNESCO desert trading cities. The Banc d'Arguin National Park (UNESCO) on the Atlantic coast is a globally significant migratory bird habitat, with millions of wading birds from European breeding grounds wintering here. The ancient rock art of the Adrar Plateau is extraordinary. A camel or 4WD journey through the Sahara from Atar to Chinguetti is one of North Africa's great adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinguetti and why is it significant?
Chinguetti is a medieval city in the Mauritanian Sahara that served as one of the great trans-Saharan trade hubs and pilgrimage staging points for West African Muslims heading to Mecca. It is sometimes listed as the seventh holiest city of Islam. Chinguetti has remarkable 13th-17th century mosque minarets and libraries containing thousands of ancient Islamic manuscripts. The city is being slowly engulfed by sand dunes and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is it safe to drive the Mauritanian coast road from Morocco to Senegal?
The coastal route from Western Sahara through Mauritania to Senegal (via Nouadhibou-Nouakchott-Rosso border) is a classic overlander route. The coast road itself is generally safe during daylight. Avoid the eastern interior regions near Mali. The Mauritania-Senegal crossing at Rosso can be bureaucratically challenging. Many overland travelers and motorcyclists have completed this route successfully with proper preparation.
What is Banc d'Arguin National Park?
Banc d'Arguin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Mauritania's Atlantic coast where the Sahara meets the sea. The park consists of shallow sandbanks, lagoons, and mangroves supporting one of the world's most significant concentrations of migratory birds -- over 2 million birds including dunlins, sandpipers, spoonbills, flamingos, and other species winter here from European and Arctic breeding grounds. Traditional Imraguen fishing communities use sail and hand to catch mullet.