Mauritania

Visitor Information

Climate | Latest Travel Advice | Visas & Immigration | Money | Local Time | Getting Around | Public Holidays | Electrical Power | Travel Insurance


CLIMATE

The climate, particularly in the deserts areas is hot and dry. The south has a raining season from July to October but most of Mauritania receives little or no rain. Between April and October temperatures can reach up to 40°C for the remaining part of the year temperatures range between 13°C and 29°C. The cooling sea breeze in the coastal regions keep the temperatures slightly lower.

Climate Chart for Nouakchott

For today's weather forecast see    CNN - Africa Weather Forecasts

LATEST TRAVEL ADVICE

Foreign & Commonwealth Office (London)
US State Department - Travel Warnings

VISAS & IMMIGRATION

Visas are required by all but Nationals of some African countries can enter on a national identity card.

Please Note: Visa requirements change regularly and embassies do not update us - please check with your nearest Mauritanian Embassy for the latest requirements

Embassies abroad

MONEY

Official Currency:    Mauritanian Ouguiya
Current Exchange Rate:   Today's Exchange Rate



There is no restrictions on the import of foreign currency but it must be declared on a currency form on arrival. The import or export of local currency is illegal. Credit cards are generally not accepted except for at a very few major hotels in Nouakchott. Travellers cheques can be exchanged at banks and are best taken in US Dollars.

BANKING & BUSINESS HOURS

Banking:    Sunday to Thursday: 0730-1500


LOCAL TIME

Mauritania has the same time as GMT.

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND


Domestic flights
are operated between Nouakchott, Atar, Nouâdhibou, Ayoûn el Atroûs, Tidjikka, Kaédi, Néma and Zouérat. There is a small departure tax charged for each domestic flight.

Rail:
There is a train service between Nouâdhibou and Zouérat primarily for the ore mines but there is often a passenger car attached. It is a slow and pretty uncomfortable ride.

Public Transport:
There is no bus service to speak of but trucks and land rovers operate between Nouâdhibou and Nouakchott, Atâr and Chinguetti. Road condition are very poor and travel is slow, overcrowded and uncomfortable. There are plenty of taxis around towns but these are expensive.


Self Drive / Hire Cars:

Map & Atlases for Sale

In some regions during heavy rains the roads become impassable and on lesser used unsealed routes a 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary.

There are some car hire firms in the main cities.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Electrical Power

TRAVEL INSURANCE

If you need medical care whilst in Mauritania, it is best to be aware that medical providers may not accept payment through your insurance company. In these circumstances you will have to pay in full after your treatment and file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. Therefore you should have access to cash, either from a credit card or by wire transfer. If you need assistance contact the country's local embassy or representative.

To be compensated you must be treated by licensed medical personnel and provide your insurance company with proper documentation and receipts.

It is advisable to always ensure you have a comprehensive travel insurance policy which covers you for repatriation to your home country.

You can check out the following websites which specialise in long term travellers, adventure travellers, backpackers and workers based abroad.

	Insure and Go - UK Travellers whether it's for a one off holiday or if you travel many times over the year, if you're off backpacking before university or you're retired and looking to explore the world; if you're after winter sports cover or if it's for a business trip, a wedding abroad or a golfing weekend away, we have a policy at the right price to ensure you have the peace of mind that you are covered for the unexpected while you're away.
	- UK Travellers Offering a full range of policies, single trip, young travellers, long stay, annual cover for UK residents. Get your quote and policy on-line....
	Insure My Trip - USA travellers offer 63 different travel insurance plans from 14 different companies - no other site has such product depth or comparison features. You can compare each policy giving you the information you need to make an informed decision about your travel insurance needs. .
	Downunder Insurance - UK - Australia and New Zealand Travellers offers travel insurance to travellers and residents in the UK, Australia and New Zealand. Our cover ranges from basic to highly comprehensive, with affordable policies aimed at backpackers and gap-year students, but with cover available to travellers and holiday makers up to 55 years of age.