Travel guide
Mauritania
Know before you go: timing, entry, health, and logistics for Mauritania.
- When to go
- The best time to visit is during the cooler dry season from November to February, when daytime desert temperatures are comfortable and the coastal birdlife at Banc d'Arguin is at its peak. The summer months (June to September) bring intense Saharan heat and should be avoided for inland travel.
- Visa and entry
- US and EU citizens require a visa to enter Mauritania, but it can be obtained on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport and at the main land borders. The visa on arrival is typically issued for up to 30 days and paid in euros in cash; an e-visa is also available in advance. A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry is required.
- Health
- Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from a country with risk of transmission, and is recommended for most visitors. Routine vaccinations (Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio) should be up to date. Malaria risk is present, particularly in the south and during the rainy season, so prophylaxis and mosquito-bite precautions are advised. Drink only bottled or treated water.
- Currency
- Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
- Language
- Arabic; French widely used
- Getting around
- Internal travel is arranged for you: private guided road transfers and light-aircraft hops between parks and regions, with airport meet-and-greet throughout.
