GoMauritania Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

Visa Notice: The mutual visa exemption agreement between the governments of the People's Republic of China and the Islamic Republic of Mauritania has come into effect on May 15, 2017. Chinese nationals holding diplomatic, official, or ordinary official passports are exempt from visa requirements for up to 30 days upon official invitation to enter Mauritania.

Starting from January 5, 2025, the government of Mauritania has fully implemented electronic visas, and all Chinese citizens who need to apply for visas to enter Mauritania should apply for electronic visas online in advance. Applicants can choose the type of visa and duration of stay according to their own needs. After the electronic visa is approved, the applicant needs to print the visa form, check it upon boarding, and complete the necessary procedures upon entry.

Website for applying for an electronic visa: https://anrpts.gov.mr/en

matters needing attention:

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months upon entry.

Please bring at least $60 or € 55 upon entry to pay the visa fee.

Electronic visa application generally takes about 3 working days. Please plan your itinerary in advance and apply for an electronic visa as early as possible.

If you need to apply for work, study or other residence in Mauritania, you should apply for a long-term residence permit at the local police station according to the requirements of the Mauritanian government, which is generally valid for one to two years. Please visit this website for detailed information: https://anrpts.gov.mr/en/service-de-lagance/residents

Entry and exit inspection process and requirements: A valid passport, printed electronic visa form, and filled out entry card are required to complete the entry procedures. It is recommended to bring the International Vaccination Certificate for reference, and the luggage must pass the scanning inspection before entering the country.

Customs epidemic prevention and control

At the port of entry, customs officials will inspect the luggage and items carried by incoming travelers for any prohibited items and whether they are subject to taxation.

Since early December 2017, Mauritanian customs have issued regulations that individuals entering Mauritania with more than 500 euros (or equivalent foreign currency) must declare in advance or hold an exchange receipt issued by a bank within Mauritania. Failure to declare will result in cash confiscation and investigation by law enforcement agencies. Individuals leaving Mauritania are not allowed to carry foreign currency exceeding 500 euros (or its equivalent). Violators will have their cash confiscated and will be investigated by law enforcement agencies. Those with minor offenses will face imprisonment and fines, while those with serious offenses will face criminal charges.

Any items carried with you that exceed a reasonable range must be declared for customs. Those who carry items in violation of regulations or fail to declare according to regulations will be confiscated and fined. If the case is more serious, imprisonment will be imposed.

Items exempt from tariffs: 1. Personal property: clothing, jewelry, cosmetics, hunting or fishing gear, cameras, portable radios, and other similar personal items worn and used by individuals, limited to personal use only. 2、 Tobacco products: Passengers can bring in one pack of cigarettes (200 cigarettes) or 50 cigars duty-free. 3、 Duty free gifts: Non residents are allowed to bring in gifts worth no more than $100 tax-free. 4、 Items purchased at duty-free shops: Items purchased at duty-free shops, on airplanes or ships that exceed the quantity or amount limit of duty-free items that individuals can carry will be subject to customs taxation.

Taxable items: Items that exceed the above tax-free range will be subject to taxation. The method of taxation is to deduct the value of the goods that should be exempted from tax and levy taxes at the applicable tax rate for the goods. Items taxed at a unified tax rate must be accompanied by the individual and only for personal use or as gifts.

Prohibited or restricted items: 1. The government prohibits the import of goods that violate Islamic rules, such as pork, alcoholic beverages, etc. 2、 Biological products: unsterilized human and animal tissues (including blood, human or animal excrement), live bacterial culture media, viruses or similar organisms, animals suspected of being infected with zoonotic diseases. 3、 Books, audiovisual materials, computer programs, and tapes: Pirated books, computer programs, and audiovisual products are not allowed to enter, and pirated products will be confiscated and destroyed. 4、 Fruits, vegetables, and plants: Fruits, vegetables, plants, branches, seeds, untreated plant products, specific endangered species, etc. are generally prohibited from import or require a license to be imported. All plants, plant products, fruits or vegetables must be declared and inspected by customs officials. 5、 Meat, livestock, and poultry: Meat, livestock, poultry, and their by-products are generally prohibited from entering the country, or restricted based on the animal disease status of their place of origin. For canned meat products, if the inspection officer can confirm that the product is cooked and commercially packaged, it is allowed to enter the country. Other canned and pickled meat products, as well as dried meat products, are strictly restricted from entering the country. 6、 Currency: If the amount of currency (including coins and currency, traveler's checks, cash drafts, and negotiable securities) brought into the country exceeds 500 euros, a form should be filled out and declared to customs proactively. Failure to truthfully declare may result in civil and criminal liability, including confiscation of currency held. 7、 Pet: Cat: It must be proven during entry inspection that it has not contracted any infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans. If the pet's health condition is significantly poor, a licensed veterinarian will conduct further examination, and the relevant expenses will be paid by the pet's owner. Dogs: During entry inspection, it must be proven that they have not contracted any infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans and have been vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days prior to arrival. Primates such as monkeys and apes are not allowed to be imported. 8、 Fish and wildlife: Fish and wildlife are also within the scope of import and export control and health and epidemic prevention requirements, mainly including wild birds, mammals, marine mammals, reptiles, crustaceans, fish and mollusks; Any part or product of the aforementioned animals, such as leather, feathers, eggs, etc.

Wild endangered species and products manufactured from them are prohibited from import and export. Ivory or ivory products are prohibited from import and export.

Epidemic prevention requirements: It is recommended to apply for an "International Vaccination Certificate" and get vaccinated when entering Maota. Several kinds of pre vaccination before leaving: 1. The following vaccines are recommended: yellow fever (effective for 10 years), meningitis (effective for 3 years), hepatitis B (effective for 5 years after the third injection). 2、 It is necessary to take anti malaria medication.

Several suggestions during the stay: Firstly, always use mosquito nets, preferably those coated with mosquito repellent. 2、 Outside of the city of Nouakchott, especially when traveling to the Senegal River basin, it is essential to take medication to prevent malaria. 3、 Drinking mineral water and tap water need to be filtered or disinfected. Do not drink water from the reservoir. 4、 Please pay attention to preventing the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases.

Residency and Naturalization

After the expiration of the visa to stay in Maota, if you need to continue staying in Maota, you need to apply for residence procedures at Etat Civil, a subsidiary of the Ministry of the Interior, or through intermediary agents or agency companies. The minimum residence period is 3 months and the maximum is 2 years.

Mauritania recognizes dual nationality, and those who marry Mauritians can apply for Mauritanian citizenship. Approval can be obtained by providing relevant proof materials to Etat Civil and paying a certain fee.

The website of the National Population Registry of Mauritania (ANRPTS): http://www.anrpts.mr/index.php/fr/

Mauritania's risk level is blue (low risk)

public security

Mauritanians believe in Islam, have a gentle personality, are warm and hospitable, and are friendly to China. The urban security situation is generally good. However, theft and robbery cases involving Chinese merchants or shops occur from time to time. The embassy reminds Chinese citizens in Mauritania to strengthen their own security precautions, avoid storing large amounts of cash at home, and preferably live in a centralized area, taking necessary safety measures. matters needing attention:

（1） Please comply with local laws and regulations for Chinese citizens in Mauritius.

（2） Please abide by local religious customs and habits among Chinese citizens in Mao, and strictly prohibit drinking and selling alcohol in public places.

（3） Do not carry large amounts of cash with you and avoid traveling to remote and sparsely populated areas. You should pay attention to finding reliable local hosts.  

natural disaster

Nearly two-thirds of Mauritania is desert, while the northwest region has a tropical desert climate with high temperatures and little rainfall. The annual average temperature is 30-35 ℃, and the annual rainfall is below 100 millimeters. There are often "Hamadan" winds and tornadoes. The southern Senegal River basin has a tropical grassland climate, with the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April of the following year, with an average annual temperature of 30 ℃. The annual rainfall ranges from 250 to 650 millimeters. Frequent sandstorms and severe salt erosion. The local area is hot all year round, with few natural disasters. There are floods during the rainy season in the central and southern regions, and occasional locust infestations throughout the country.

Due to the lack of drainage facilities and high groundwater levels in the capital city of Nouakchott, the accumulation of rainwater during the rainy season can cause partial or complete traffic paralysis. Therefore, travel should be minimized as much as possible during rainy weather.

Preventive measures; Maota has ample sunlight and strong ultraviolet rays, so it is important to pay attention to sun protection and prepare sun protection products such as sunglasses, sun hats, and sunscreen. There are many mosquitoes and flies in summer and rainy season, so attention should be paid to preventing mosquitoes and flies, and carry mosquito bite prevention equipment.

FDA

After the completion of the Nouakchott water diversion project constructed by a Chinese company, the incoming water quality of Maota has reached international standards. But the food hygiene is poor, and various infectious diseases are prevalent. It is advisable to consume cooked or packaged food as much as possible, choose regular restaurants when dining out, and carry common disease drugs, mosquito bite prevention drugs, and antimalarial drugs with you.

Urgent Help

Police hotline: 17.

Police Headquarters: 45252 159.

Fire alarm hotline: 18.

There is no emergency medical hotline available locally.

Please provide emergency contact information for consular protection at the embassy or consulate in the countryclick hereSearch.

The website of the National Population Registry of Mauritania (ANRPTS):http://www.anrpts.mr/index.php/fr/  

air traffic

There are no direct flights between China and Mauritania, and domestic airlines have not yet opened routes to Mauritania. International flights mainly include:

1. Air France (Nouakchott Paris) operates 4 flights per week.

2. Moroccan Airlines (Nouakchott Casablanca) operates 7 flights per week.

3. Türkiye Airlines (Nouakchott Istanbul) operates 5 flights a week.

4. Senegal Airlines (Nouakchott Dakar) operates 4 flights per week.

5. Tunisian Airlines (Nouakchott Tunisia) operates once a week.

6. Mauritanian Airlines (Nouakchott Dakar) operates 5 flights per week.

7. Mauritanian Airlines (Nouakchott Casablanca) operates 6 flights per week.

8. Mauritanian Airlines (Nouakchott Tunisia) operates twice a week.

9. Mauritanian Airlines (Nouakchott Bamako) operates once a week.

10. Mauritania Airlines (Nouakchott Las Palmas) operates three flights a week.

11. Bent Airlines (Nouakchott Las Palmas) runs two flights a week.

The capital city of Nouakchott Airport is about 40 kilometers away from the city center, and the main mode of transportation is taxi.  

land transport

Mauritania does not have passenger railways, and domestic transportation mainly relies on roads. The capital city of Nouakchott has roads connecting major large and medium-sized cities, but the country does not have a relatively complete road network. Most of the roads are two-way single lane, narrow, and have been in disrepair for a long time. The road conditions are poor, and some sections are still under construction, leading to frequent traffic accidents. Foreign vehicles can enter Mauritania by self driving after completing border procedures. The People's Republic of China driver's license can be used in Mauritania and must be carried with them when driving. The traffic rules are the same as those in France and China, driving on the right side first.  

water communication

Nouakchott and Nouadhibou have seaports, mainly engaged in freight and fishing. The city of Rosso, 200 kilometers south of the capital, is separated from Senegal by a river that is about 700 meters wide. There is a ferry terminal for transporting personnel and vehicles to and from the opposite bank, with one ferry departing in the morning and one in the afternoon.

Urban transportation

There are currently 4 fixed routes for large public buses in the city, as well as several private public buses. However, the condition and hygiene conditions of the buses are generally poor, and the operating hours are not fixed. The main mode of transportation in the city is through taxis.

Special reminder: Local taxis generally have poor conditions and often carry more passengers than the vehicle's capacity. If a taxi is used alone, it must pay 5-6 times the fare, and there is no meter for taxis.

major city

Nouakchott, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. Located in the central area of the western coastline of Mao, 5 kilometers away from the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature is relatively high from July to November, and it is affected by hot winds, resulting in drought throughout the year. The word 'Nouakchott' in local language means' place where water wells appear 'or' wind outlet '. Urban construction began on March 5, 1958, and after Mao's independence in 1960, Nouakchott became the political, cultural, commercial, and financial center of the country. At present, the urban population exceeds 1 million, accounting for about a quarter of the national population. It is the largest city in Mao Zedong, with nine districts under its jurisdiction. Nouakchott is a national transportation hub. The asphalt road leads south to Rosso, east to Nema, northwest to Nouadhibou, and northeast to Atal. The Friendship Port, built with Chinese aid, is the largest deep-water port in China, with an annual throughput of 1.5 million tons and undertaking 90% of the country's import and export tasks. In September 2000, Nouakchott became a sister city with Lanzhou City, China.

Nouadhibou, which began urban construction in 1906 and was named Port Etienne, was renamed Nouadhibou in 1970. It is located on the Lefrier Bay Peninsula in the northwest of Mauritius, covering an area of 17700 square kilometers. It is home to the two major economic lifelines of Mauritius - fishing and mining, and is the second largest city in the country. There are industries such as fishing and meat processing, chemistry, oil refining, and ship repair. The port has dedicated ore terminals, and its throughput ranks among the top in West Africa. The Nouadhibou area is rich in fishery resources and is a famous fishing ground in the Atlantic Ocean. There is also the only railway in Mao that leads to the iron ore production area of Zoeirat. France, Spain, Morocco, and Algeria have consulates in Nouadhibou.

Commodity prices

The local resources are scarce, with only some fish products along the coast. The mineral resources are abundant, including iron ore, gold ore, oil, copper ore, etc. Due to harsh natural conditions, there are fewer types of vegetables and fruits. The light and heavy industries are basically zero, and the vast majority of production and living materials rely on imports. Prices are relatively high.

Local currency: Mauritania has been issuing a new currency called Ugia (MRU) since 2018, with paper denominations of 1000, 500, 200, 100, 50, and 20. The original currency, Ugia (UM), has been discontinued since June 2018.

Exchange rate: On January 17, 2025, the exchange rate between Uygia and the US dollar was 39.67 Uygia per US dollar.  

The service level and efficiency of the local banking industry are relatively low, mainly due to the fact that local banks such as French owned Industrial Bank and BNP Paribas have branches in the area. Foreign currency exchange mainly accepts US dollars, euros, and West African francs.

Insurance Medical

The medical and health conditions in the capital city of Nouakchott are relatively good, while in other areas, the medical and health conditions are poor and there is a shortage of medical supplies. There are Chinese medical teams stationed in the capital and Kefa. The capital has several hospitals, pharmacies, and private clinics. Common frequently occurring diseases mainly include tuberculosis, malaria, hepatitis, enteritis, acute respiratory diseases, schistosomiasis, AIDS, etc. The main preventive measures are to pay attention to food hygiene and personal hygiene, get vaccinated and carry necessary medication, and maintain good hygiene. There is no local medical insurance program for foreigners. Generally, there are more visits to private clinics for medical treatment. After paying the registration fee, clinic staff will assist in arranging appointments with doctors. Mauritanian hospitals and clinics mainly include:

Central Hospital National

Address: BP612－NOUAKCHOTT。 Phone: 45252135.

Address of the Center National Health Center: BP695－NOUAKCHOTT。 Phone: 45253134.

Syed Hospital H ô pital Cheikh Zeyed Phone: 45298498

National Cardiology Center Centre National de Cardiology Phone: 45252550

Customs taboos

Mauritania is a conservative Muslim country that follows Muslim customs and strictly prohibits drinking alcohol and eating pork. Loud noises are not allowed in religious places, and during Ramadan, eating and drinking are not allowed in public places during the day. When going to Mao, special attention should be paid to dressing neatly, and women should avoid wearing short skirts and tops as much as possible.

Working hours and holidays: Working hours: Monday to Thursday all day and Friday morning; Public holidays: Friday afternoon, Saturday, Sunday all day; Working hours of government agencies: 8am to 5pm.

Statutory holidays: New Year's Day, May 1st Labor Day, African Unity Day on May 25th, Independence Day on November 28th, and Muslim holidays such as Pentecost, Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, Hijra, and Holy Week.

Custom: Mauritanians generally welcome distinguished guests, and are used to "Roasted whole lamb" as the most hospitable hospitality. Dining mainly depends on both hands. I really enjoy drinking green tea. When brewed, the tea is as strong as coffee, and a large amount of white sugar and fresh mint leaves are added to the tea. The taste is sweet, mellow, and slightly bitter.  

Mauritanians have the following characteristics in their dietary habits:

1、 Emphasize the freshness, tenderness, and aroma of dishes, with a focus on weight and affordability.

2、 I am accustomed to rice as my main staple food, and I am also happy to taste other types of food.

3、 I love to eat beef, lamb, chicken, duck, fish, shrimp, etc; I love to eat vegetables such as cabbage, chili, tomatoes, beans, cucumbers, onions, etc; I like to use pepper powder, chili powder, cloves, jade fruit, coconut oil, palm oil, etc. as seasonings.

Communications Power

Mauritania national telephone code: 222.

Mauritania's current mobile services are in the 3G/4G stage, with poor coverage. Fixed line access is mainly ADSL, with poor stability, and only fiber optic access services are available in the capital. Major mobile phone operators Mauritel, Mattel and Chingutel also operate Internet business. The standards of China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile are compatible with it.

The voltage of Maota is 220 volts, and the power plug is a French standard plug with 2 round legs.

Special reminder: Local SIM cards can be used normally for Chinese mobile communication standards.

contact information

Chinese aid to Mauritania medical team 41916855

Chinese Embassy in Mauritania's consular hotline 46586507

Nouakchott Police Station 45252159

Police rescues: 117

Highway Traffic Safety (GGSR) est le plus disposable): 119

Hospital Emergency (URGENCES): 101

Firefighting (Pompier): 45250018