Customs regulations and required documents
Personal effects import regulations
Mauritania
Customs regulations
Local laws reflect the fact that Mauritania is an Islamic country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. See Travelling during Ramadan.
There have been incidences of visitors receiving large fines at the airport and having their passports confiscated for trying to import pork products such as chorizo, ham and bacon.
You should dress modestly. Sale and consumption of alcohol is against the law. Police sometimes object to photography without prior permission.
Carry ID, especially when travelling outside Nouakchott (where you may encounter many police road checks). You should comply promptly with directions from the police and other Mauritanian security forces.
Homosexuality is a punishable offence in Mauritania. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
Drugs laws are severe. Those found in possession of any illegal drug may receive a prison sentence.
Used Household Goods and Personal Effects
Documents Required
- Copy of passport
- Packing list
- Original bill of lading (OBL) – or express release / air waybill (AWB)
- Original valued inventory in French, dated, and signed by the owner of the goods
- Invoice for all electrical items less than 6 months old
- Resident permit / letter from employer / diplomatic card
- Non-sale certificate (must state that client will not sell personal effects in Mauritania)
Specific Information
- Used household goods may be imported duty free.
- All containers may be checked by Customs (including diplomatic shipments).
- The OBL must be accurate and declare all import items.
The documents generally required from Mauritanian importers include the commercial invoice, the bill of lading or certificate of origin, and the certificate of inspection given by the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS). The commercial invoice should contain the name and address of the buyer and seller, the place and date the invoice was prepared, the method of shipment, the quantity, description, and price of the goods, and delivery and payment terms. Large payments are usually made by irrevocable and confirmed letters of credit or by direct bank transfer. Cash payments are also frequently used for smaller purchases. Importers require pre-shipment inspection and quality control. The certificate of inspection should accompany imported goods.
Restricted/Dutiable Items
In accordance with Islamic strictures, Mauritanians are prohibited from importing alcoholic drinks, pork and sexually explicit material. Some international companies operating in Mauritania have received government permission to import alcohol for consumption by their expatriate staff. Import of firearms requires special licenses.
- Sporting guns may be temporarily admitted (authorization from the Home Ministry prior to arrival is required in addition to gun and import licenses).
- The following items may be imported duty free with the limits indicated:
- Cigarettes (200), cigars (25), tobacco (1 lb.)
- Perfume (50 grams), eau-de-cologne (1/4 liter)
Prohibited Items
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pork and pork products
Miscellaneous (Pets, Motors, and others.)
Pets:
Rabies vaccination certificate and a health certificate from the country of origin are required. Dogs and cats of less than 3 months old are accepted without complying with sanitary regulations.
Baggage Clearance regulations:
Baggage is cleared at the first airport of entry in Mauritania (Nouakchott International Airport ).
Exempt: baggage of transit passengers with a destination outside of Mauritania.
Currency
Currency Import regulations:
Local currency (Mauritanian Ouguiya-MRU): prohibited.
Foreign currencies: unlimited if declared on arrival.
Currency Export regulations:
Residents:
Local currency (Mauritanian Ouguiya-MRU): prohibited.
Foreign currencies: equivalent of MRU 10,000.- per year (children under 10 years: MRU 5,000.-).
Non-residents:
Local currency (Mauritanian Ouguiya-MRU): prohibited.
Foreign currencies: up to the amount imported and declared.
Motor Vehicles
Documents Required
- Original registration card
- Insurance certificate
- Change of residence certificate
- Copy of passport
Specific Information
- Vehicles older than 8 years cannot be imported.
- Import taxes depend on the age of the vehicle as outlined:
- New vehicle: 78% of the car value
- Used vehicle: 50% of the car value
- Duty free for diplomatic vehicles or temporary admission.
- Chassis number, engine number, and weight of the vehicle must be stated on the OBL.
- Documents must be received by agent 1 week prior to importation.
Pets
Documents Required
- Rabies vaccination certificate
- Health certificate
Specific Information
- Rabies vaccination certificate and health certificate are required from the country or origin.
Dogs and cats of less than 3 months old are exempt from sanitary regulation requirements.
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No airport tax is levied on passengers upon embarkation at the airport.
Entry requirements
The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.
The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)
Entry to Mauritania
As of 10 September 2020, some international flights to and from Mauritania have resumed.
The Mauritanian authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the risk of travellers spreading COVID-19 on arrival in Mauritania.
- You must take a PCR test 72 hours before arrival and show evidence of the negative test result, with the date of the test clearly labelled. You should not use the NHS testing service to facilitate your travel to another country. You should take a private test.
- Non-Mauritanian nationals that arrive without a PCR test will not be allowed to enter the country and will be obliged to immediately return to their country of origin.
- You must wear a face-mask on arrival.
- You must complete an individual health declaration on arrival.
- You will undergo a contactless temperature check on arrival. If you have a temperature upon arrival, you must agree to a PCR or rapid antigen test. While waiting for the test result you must self-isolate at you must quarantine at your own expense in a hotel or your place of residence for 14 days.
- If you are arriving from the UK, South Africa, Brazil, or another country identified as a source of new COVID-19 variants, you must quarantine at your own expense in a hotel or your place of residence for 14 days. You must then take a PCR test in Mauritania, and if this is negative, you can exit quarantine. See the Coronavirus section for more information.
Screening on arrival
You must present evidence of a negative COVID-19 PCR test, which must be taken within 72 hours before your arrival. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.
If you have a temperature upon arrival, you must agree to a PCR or rapid antigen test. While waiting for the test result you must self-isolate at your own expense in a hotel or your place of residence for 14 days.
Regular entry requirements
Visas
You need a visa to enter Mauritania. Visas are issued on arrival. The current cost is €55 (euros) or $60 (US dollars) in cash only. The visa issuing process at the border can take several hours. Visas can no longer be obtained from the Mauritanian Embassy in London.
Passport validity
Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of three months from the date of entry into Mauritania.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
UK Emergency Travel Documents
UK ETDs are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Mauritania. A valid entry visa would still be required for entry to Mauritania using an ETD.
Safety and security
Political situation
Presidential elections took place on 22 June 2019. Despite initial demonstrations by opposition supporters, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani’s victory was confirmed by the Constitutional Council on 1 July 2019 and internationally recognised. Ghazouani was inaugurated on 1 August 2019, marking the first constitutional transfer of power in Mauritania since independence in 1960. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations, and follow the advice of local authorities. Always observe instructions given by the local security forces.
Crime
Crime levels are moderate but steadily increasing. You should avoid the unlit and isolated beach at Nouakchott and ‘Le Cinquième’ district after dark. A number of thefts and violent incidents have been reported there in recent years.
Local travel
Crossing the border into Mauritania can be time-consuming and officials may ask for payments before they allow you to cross. There have been reports that some southern border crossings were closed at the height of the Ebola virus outbreak in Guinea and neighbouring countries. You should check local advice before travelling.
Road travel
The conditions of paved roads in Mauritania are generally poor, and overland travel is difficult. Use four wheel drive vehicles, check the tide times on coastal roads, travel in convoy and make sure you have adequate supplies of water and fuel. Driving standards can also be poor.
You can drive with a valid UK driving licence.
If you’re planning to hire a car, check with your car hire company for information on their requirements before you travel.
Sea travel
Sailing in the port at Nouadhibou can be dangerous because of the number of shallow shipwrecks.
