Mauritania: Travel Requirements, Health, and Medical Insurance
Mauritania connects the Maghreb with sub-Saharan Africa and is known for the Sahara Desert, the Atlantic coast of the Banc d'Arguin, and the iron ore train that runs hundreds of kilometers between Zouérat and Nouadhibou, one of the longest freight trains in the world. Most nationalities can apply for an e-Visa before the trip or get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott airport.
Several governments maintain travel advisories for desert areas in the interior and regions near the border with Mali, due to security risk linked to armed group activity in the Sahel. The capital, Nouakchott, and coastal tourist routes are not subject to the same restrictions, but it's worth checking the status of the advisory before planning an itinerary toward the interior.
Visa and health for travelers
Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott airport or apply for an e-Visa before the trip; there are travel advisories for desert areas in the interior and the border with Mali due to security risk.
Health & travel insurance: Reliable medical care is concentrated in Nouakchott; malaria risk exists outside the northern desert areas, so medical evacuation coverage is worthwhile for trips to the interior.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Most nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online before the trip or request one on arrival at Nouakchott airport, payable in cash. It's worth carrying printed documentation in addition to the digital version.
- Valid passport and visa (e-Visa or on arrival) depending on your nationality.
- Proof of accommodation and travel itinerary.
- Review of security advisories beforehand if your itinerary includes interior areas or the border with Mali.
Health, Hospitals, and Medical Insurance
The best-equipped hospitals are in Nouakchott; outside the capital, medical care is limited. Malaria risk exists in the south and in areas with more vegetation, while the desert interior presents other risks such as heatstroke and dehydration.
Assist-365 covers hospitalization, COVID-19, and 24-hour medical assistance in the areas of Mauritania where the policy applies coverage; the code MEDALLOADV2023 gives a discount when you get a quote for the plan.
Transport and Currency
The currency is the ouguiya (MRU); Mauritania is not part of the CFA franc zone and has kept its own currency since independence. Road transport is the usual option between cities, and the historic iron ore train is a tourist experience in itself for those visiting Zouérat.
When to Travel
The most pleasant time to visit Mauritania is from November to February, when desert temperatures are milder. Between May and September, heat can be extreme, especially in the Saharan interior.
Travel checklist for Mauritania
Quick list based on this guide's real data (not generic) before traveling to Mauritania.
- Check the visa requirement for Mauritania based on your passport: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival at Nouakchott airport or apply for an e-Visa before the trip; there are travel advisories for desert areas in the interior and the border with Mali due to security risk.
- Passport valid for at least 6 months from the entry date
- Travel medical insurance arranged, keeping this in mind: Reliable medical care is concentrated in Nouakchott; malaria risk exists outside the northern desert areas, so medical evacuation coverage is worthwhile for trips to the interior.
- Save Mauritania's emergency number: 117 (police) / 118 (fire department), along with your insurer's contact
- Cash or a no-fee card in Ouguiya (MRU)
- Physical and digital copies of passport, insurance and bookings
- Required or recommended vaccines up to date for the region
- eSIM or international data plan active on arrival
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Mauritania?
Yes, but most nationalities can get one as an e-Visa before the trip or on arrival at Nouakchott airport.
What's the emergency number in Mauritania?
117 for police and 118 for fire department.
Is it safe to travel to Mauritania right now?
Nouakchott and coastal routes have no specific restrictions; there are travel advisories for desert areas in the interior and border areas with Mali, so it's worth checking them before planning a route into the interior.
What currency should I use in Mauritania?
The ouguiya (MRU); Mauritania doesn't use the CFA franc of its neighbors.
