Difference between revisions of "Mauritania"

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m (Bot: Automated text replacement (-==Vehicle insurance requirements==\n +==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==\n{{Travel insurance country}}\n\n==Vehicle insurance requirements==\n))
(Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country)
 
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=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Mauritania is often considered the best location to access the vast remoteness of the Sahara Desert. As of 2016, it's not safe to venture into the South East.
  
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
 
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">July 2013</span>'''
+
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">July 2016</span>'''
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
{{visa_country}}
+
Visas can be bought at the border no problems for <price cost="55" currency="EUR"/> for one month single entry.
Mauritania recognizes the [[Carnet de Passage]] but usually do not use it. Instead they will write a lessé passé for you. So you will need your original [[Vehicle registration]] and passport, in the same name.
+
Pay in Euros.
 +
African passport holders pay 40EUR for one month visa.
 +
 
 +
==Required Paperwork==
 +
Mauritania recognizes the [[Carnet de Passage]] but usually do not use it. Instead they will write a laissez passé (temporary import permit) for you. <br/>
 +
So you will need:
 +
* Original [[Vehicle registration]]  
 +
* Passport, in the same name.
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
The main Mauritanian border is a bit confusing. You arrive at the military check post after a few horrible km no mans land from Marok. The military guys will check your car after which you are allowed to continue onwards. After 100 m or so there is a building on the right where you have to get your car papers arranged. Its hard to find the right office and person but the office to have is ground floor in the back. After paying for your papers (<price cost="15" currency="EUR" /> I think) you continue again 100 m to get to the small immigration office at the left. Having your stamp you can buy insurance 50 m further on on the left. There is a lot of hassle on this border, it will be easier and quicker if you take one of the many fixers, but discuss the price in advance and no more then <price cost="5" currency="EUR" /> to <price cost="10" currency="EUR" />. It will save you also many of the tauts who will demand presents.
+
The main Mauritanian border is a bit confusing. You arrive at the military check post after a few horrible km no mans land from [[Morocco]]. The military guys will check your car after which you are allowed to continue on wards. About 100m forward there is a building on the right where you have to get your car papers arranged. Its hard to find the right office and person but the office to have is ground floor in the back. After getting your temporary import permit you continue again 100 m to get to the small immigration office at the left to get yourself stamped into Mauritania. <br/>
 +
Once you are stamped in, proceed past the chain blocking the road, and immediately park and buy insurance on the left.
 +
 
 +
Many people suggest using one of the many fixers at this border. If you do, discuss the price in advance and no more then <price cost="5" currency="EUR" /> to <price cost="10" currency="EUR" />.
 +
 
 +
I crossed the border in mid 2016 without a fixer and found it not needed. Take your time, it's not hard.
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
You will have to pay about <price cost="15" currency="EUR" /> for your car permit. You can pay in Euro, Dollar and Mauritanian Ougya''
+
<price cost="10" currency="EUR" /> for the temporary import permit. You can pay in Euro, US Dollar and Mauritanian Ougya
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
Papers are valid for 30 days, usually.  
+
Papers are valid for 30 days, usually, sometimes only 10 days, depending on how hard you negotiate.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
I am sure they can be extended but I have no experience with this.
+
''Unknown''
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
When entering from Morocco, you will be issued a TIP for 30 days and the vehicle will be stamped in your passport. It is possible to leave your vehicle behind in Mauritania and leave and re-enter at Nouakchott airport. If you overstay (/violate) your import permit you will need permission to take the vehicle out of the country later. This is done at the Customs Department in Nouakchott, or -when lucky- the customs office at the border can pardon the overstaying of the permit.
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
If you cross into [[Senegal]] never take the Rosso border, always Diema. Exiting is painless, except for the fact that every office demands <price cost="5" currency="EUR" /> for their work. So police, customs and immigration all want their share. Other then that its straightforward, getting you car signed out and your passport stamped.  
+
If you cross into [[Senegal]] never take the Rosso border, always go to Diama if possible( the piste to Maka Diama may be blocked as soon as the raining season starts). Exiting is painless, except for the fact that every office demands 5 or 10 Euro for their work. So police, customs and immigration all want their share. Other then that its straightforward, getting you car signed out and your passport stamped. Smile, be friendly and don't pay - it's all free, apart from 500,- ouguiya for the "tax de commune". for that you will get a payment reciept.
 
Be aware that 20km before the border there's a national park guy who wants money and just before entering [[Senegal]] you have to cross a small bridge. The bridge keeper wants his money as well but will try to overcharge you.
 
Be aware that 20km before the border there's a national park guy who wants money and just before entering [[Senegal]] you have to cross a small bridge. The bridge keeper wants his money as well but will try to overcharge you.
  
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==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
About <price cost="45" currency="EUR" /> for a month for a truck in 2012.''
+
<price cost="25" currency="EUR" /> for one month for a newer 4x4 in 2016. <br/>
 +
About <price cost="45" currency="EUR" /> for a month for a truck in 2012.  
  
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
Line 52: Line 64:
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
Left side. <br />
+
Right side. <br />
LHD vehicle is no problem in {{PAGENAME}}.
+
RHD vehicle is no problem in {{PAGENAME}}.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
Line 60: Line 72:
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
The road between Nouakchot and Nouadibhou is brand new tarmac. The rest of the roads in Mauretania vary between old tarmac that is suffering from the summer heat and a lack of maintenance, potholes possible, and piste which vary in quality but may have heavy washboard.
+
The road between Nouakchott and Nouadibhou has decent tarmac but some sections with potholes. The rest of the roads in Mauritania have old tarmac that is suffering from summer heat and lack of maintenance &mdash; plenty of potholes are possible, and piste which varies in quality but may have a heavy washboard. As of 2019, between Nouakchott and Rosso you can expect a lot of detours because the whole road is being rehabilitated.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
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===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
There are no toll roads in Mauritania.
 
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Officers will probably ask for small gifts, and sometimes might ask for money simply to do their job - like stamp you out of the country. Keep a big smile on your face and play dumb. See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
There are many many checkpoints in Mauritania, all for your security as they say. It is advisable to have about 20 fiche the police to give out at the checkpoints, this will save you a lot of time since they need not enter your name and details in the big book. A fiche de police is merely a piece of paper with on it your name, passport details, car details, profession, and where you are heading. Copy it 20 times and your done. Otherwise the checkpoints are usually correct and friendly.
+
There are many many checkpoints in Mauritania, all for your security. It is advisable to prepare about 20 copies of a [[Fiche]]. This will save you a lot of time since they need not enter your name and details in the big book. The checkpoints are usually correct and friendly.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
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=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">October 2012</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">July 2016</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
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|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="1.14" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost">[http://www.mytravelcost.com/petrol-prices/ World petrol prices, gas prices, diesel prices|MyTravelCost.com]</ref>
+
| <price cost="425" currency="MRO" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="0.97" currency="EUR" unit="liter" /><ref name="Travelcost" />
+
| <price cost="385" currency="MRO" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Gasoline shortages are extremely common in Mauritania, expect many stations to be out of gasoline. Distances are vast, come prepared.
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Gasoline is known to be very low octane, expect lower than normal mileage. <br/>
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
It can be assumed diesel is high sulfur, low quality.
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night is not recommended due to animals and other road hazards, and the increased risk of bandits.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
In the larger cities, locked overnight parking is recommended.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Expect many potholes, camels on roads, poor signs and poor lane markings all throughout Mauritania.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 121: Line 129:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
There are campsites in every major town, so noudibouh, nouakchot and Atar. Some are mere parking, others have at least some facilities like shower and water or electricity.<br />
+
There are campsites in every major town, so Nouadhibou, Nouakchott and Atar. Some are mere parking, others have at least some facilities like shower and water or electricity.<br />
Camping will cost you between <price cost="2" currency="EUR" /> and <price cost="5" currency="EUR" /> per night . <br />
+
Camping will cost you between <price cost="2" currency="EUR" /> and <price cost="5" currency="EUR" /> per night. <br />
I have wildcamped, without problem.
+
Many people wildcamp, without problem.
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
Line 133: Line 141:
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
Reise Know-How are amoung the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
{{paper_maps_country}}
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
Tracks4Africa are the undisputed best GPS maps for Africa.<br/>
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
 
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
 
 
 
  
 +
Atar, Chinguetti and the Adrar region as well as the one of the world's longest iron ore railway that runs from Nouadhibou to Zouerat.
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 20:20, 20 March 2023

West Africa > Mauritania Currency to display:

Visiting Mauritania[edit]

Mauritania is often considered the best location to access the vast remoteness of the Sahara Desert. As of 2016, it's not safe to venture into the South East.

Entering Mauritania with a Car or Motorbike[edit]

Correct as of: July 2016

Travel Visa for Mauritania[edit]

Visas can be bought at the border no problems for €55.00 EUR for one month single entry. Pay in Euros. African passport holders pay 40EUR for one month visa.

Required Paperwork[edit]

Mauritania recognizes the Carnet de Passage but usually do not use it. Instead they will write a laissez passé (temporary import permit) for you.
So you will need:

Process at border[edit]

The main Mauritanian border is a bit confusing. You arrive at the military check post after a few horrible km no mans land from Morocco. The military guys will check your car after which you are allowed to continue on wards. About 100m forward there is a building on the right where you have to get your car papers arranged. Its hard to find the right office and person but the office to have is ground floor in the back. After getting your temporary import permit you continue again 100 m to get to the small immigration office at the left to get yourself stamped into Mauritania.
Once you are stamped in, proceed past the chain blocking the road, and immediately park and buy insurance on the left.

Many people suggest using one of the many fixers at this border. If you do, discuss the price in advance and no more then €5.00 EUR to €10.00 EUR.

I crossed the border in mid 2016 without a fixer and found it not needed. Take your time, it's not hard.

Cost of entry[edit]

€10.00 EUR for the temporary import permit. You can pay in Euro, US Dollar and Mauritanian Ougya

Permitted length of stay[edit]

Papers are valid for 30 days, usually, sometimes only 10 days, depending on how hard you negotiate.

Extension of stay[edit]

Unknown

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

When entering from Morocco, you will be issued a TIP for 30 days and the vehicle will be stamped in your passport. It is possible to leave your vehicle behind in Mauritania and leave and re-enter at Nouakchott airport. If you overstay (/violate) your import permit you will need permission to take the vehicle out of the country later. This is done at the Customs Department in Nouakchott, or -when lucky- the customs office at the border can pardon the overstaying of the permit.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

If you cross into Senegal never take the Rosso border, always go to Diama if possible( the piste to Maka Diama may be blocked as soon as the raining season starts). Exiting is painless, except for the fact that every office demands 5 or 10 Euro for their work. So police, customs and immigration all want their share. Other then that its straightforward, getting you car signed out and your passport stamped. Smile, be friendly and don't pay - it's all free, apart from 500,- ouguiya for the "tax de commune". for that you will get a payment reciept. Be aware that 20km before the border there's a national park guy who wants money and just before entering Senegal you have to cross a small bridge. The bridge keeper wants his money as well but will try to overcharge you.

Driving in Mauritania[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Mauritania[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet West Africa (multi Country Travel Guide)
Lonely Planet West Africa (multi Country Travel Guide)
by Tim Bewer, Jean-Bernard Carillet, Paul Clammer, Em...
From $61.48 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon
One Boy's Journey (footprint Reading Library 1300)
One Boy's Journey (footprint Reading Library 1300)
by Rob Waring
From $14.99 on Amazon

Travel insurance for Mauritania[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

Insurance is mandatory but I have never been checked for it and I have the feeling that many locals drive without.

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

€25.00 EUR for one month for a newer 4x4 in 2016.
About €45.00 EUR for a month for a truck in 2012.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

Can, and must, be bought at the border.

Driving license[edit]

Your regular, valid, drivers license should be all you need. The one time they checked mine, he was holding it upside down.

Driving side of road[edit]

Right side.
RHD vehicle is no problem in Mauritania.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

I guess the usual stuff is mandatory (i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.) but I have never ever been checked

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

The road between Nouakchott and Nouadibhou has decent tarmac but some sections with potholes. The rest of the roads in Mauritania have old tarmac that is suffering from summer heat and lack of maintenance — plenty of potholes are possible, and piste which varies in quality but may have a heavy washboard. As of 2019, between Nouakchott and Rosso you can expect a lot of detours because the whole road is being rehabilitated.

Road signs[edit]

There are not to many road signs in Mauritania, then again, there are not so many roads.

Toll roads[edit]

Bribery in Mauritania[edit]

Officers will probably ask for small gifts, and sometimes might ask for money simply to do their job - like stamp you out of the country. Keep a big smile on your face and play dumb. See the bribery tips page for advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

There are many many checkpoints in Mauritania, all for your security. It is advisable to prepare about 20 copies of a Fiche. This will save you a lot of time since they need not enter your name and details in the big book. The checkpoints are usually correct and friendly.

Traveling with pets[edit]

List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.

Gas price in Mauritania and Diesel price in Mauritania[edit]

Last updated: July 2016

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded UM425.00 MRO per Liter
Diesel UM385.00 MRO per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Gasoline shortages are extremely common in Mauritania, expect many stations to be out of gasoline. Distances are vast, come prepared.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Gasoline is known to be very low octane, expect lower than normal mileage.
It can be assumed diesel is high sulfur, low quality.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night is not recommended due to animals and other road hazards, and the increased risk of bandits.

Vehicle parking[edit]

In the larger cities, locked overnight parking is recommended.

Special driving considerations[edit]

Expect many potholes, camels on roads, poor signs and poor lane markings all throughout Mauritania.

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Mauritania[edit]

There are campsites in every major town, so Nouadhibou, Nouakchott and Atar. Some are mere parking, others have at least some facilities like shower and water or electricity.
Camping will cost you between €2.00 EUR and €5.00 EUR per night.
Many people wildcamp, without problem.

Camping guide books[edit]

List and link to books specifically for camping.

Drinking water[edit]

Water seems safe in the major cities. Outside of these, if you can find it, I have my doubts.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Mauritania

Africa West: The Sahara 1:2,200,000 Travel Map, Waterp...
Africa West: The Sahara 1:2,200,000 Travel Map, Waterp...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
Mauritania 1:2,000,000 Travel Map (international Trave...
Mauritania 1:2,000,000 Travel Map (international Trave...
by ITM Canada
From $4.99 on Amazon
Lonely Planet Africa Planning Map
Lonely Planet Africa Planning Map
by Lonely Planet Publications
From $7.99 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Mauritania[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Mauritania[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

Atar, Chinguetti and the Adrar region as well as the one of the world's longest iron ore railway that runs from Nouadhibou to Zouerat.

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Mauritania[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.