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Before you go to Mauritania: what to know

Must know

  • Apply for an e-visa before travelling; visas on arrival are no longer available. Print the approval and carry exact euros or US dollars for the fee on arrival.
  • Most places require cash; cards are not widely used. Use official banks or exchange centres and avoid street exchangers.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Apply for an e-visa before travelling; visas on arrival are no longer available. Print the approval and carry exact euros or US dollars for the fee on arrival. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Online arrival forms and permits

  • Mauritania e-Visa ↗ required
    Obtain approval before travelling; pay the fee in exact cash on arrival · British visitors

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, anrpts.gov.mr ↗

Money

Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Most places require cash; cards are not widely used. Use official banks or exchange centres and avoid street exchangers.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: smartraveller.gov.au ↗, bcm.mr ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Check customs restrictions before bringing medicines, drones or wildlife products.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Islamic traditions strongly influence local customs and laws.

Clothing: Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

Very hot and dry overall. July–October is the main rainy-season window, with possible flooding and road damage.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: tcs.ch ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.