Travel advisory · MauritaniaSome governments advise against all but essential travel to Mauritania.Advice depends on your passport. Read your own government's advice before you book.Official advice
- East of Ghallaouia–Akhreijit–Kankossa line · avoid all travel · France, Italy, UK
- Hodh Ech Chargui · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, New Zealand
- Hodh El Gharbi · avoid all travel · Canada, Germany, New Zealand, UK
- Mali border strip · avoid all travel · Germany, Spain, France, Italy, New Zealand
- North of Zouérate · avoid all travel · Germany, France, Italy
- Northeast of Zouérate–Ghallaouia line · avoid all travel · France, Italy
- Southeast of Akhreijit–Kankossa line · avoid all travel · France, Italy
- Tiris Zemmour · avoid all travel · Canada, New Zealand, UK
- Algeria border area · avoid non-essential travel · Germany, Spain, New Zealand
- Assaba · avoid non-essential travel · France, New Zealand, UK
- East of Aghouedir–Tichit line · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Gorgol · avoid non-essential travel · France, UK
- Guidimaka · avoid non-essential travel · France, New Zealand, UK
- North of Choum–Aghouedir line · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Nouadhibou to Zouérate border zone with Western Sahara · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Southeast of Tichit–Kaedi line (Assaba, Gorgol, Guidimaka) · avoid non-essential travel · France, Italy
- Western Sahara border area · avoid non-essential travel · Spain, New Zealand
Also named by one government: 25 km strip along Mali border (south, incl. Khabou) (UK), 25 km strip along northern borders, west of Zouérate–Ouadane–Tidjikdja–Kiffa–Sélibali line (Canada), Adrar (New Zealand), East of Zouérate–Ouadane–Tidjikdja–Kiffa–Sélibali line (Canada), Eastern and northern Mauritania (New Zealand), Tagant (New Zealand), Zona Prohibida (Cheggat–Ain Bentili–Dhar Tichitt–Lemreyye quadrilateral) (Spain), 25 km strip along Western Sahara border (UK), Adrar, east and northeast of Ouadane (Germany), Adrar, west of Ghallaouia–Akhreijit–Kankossa line (UK), Carretera de la Esperanza (Kiffa eastward) (Spain), East and southeast border with Mali (Italy), East of meridian 12°W (Spain), Gogui and Fassala (Mali border) (Spain), Mali border area in Assaba (Germany), Mali border area in Guidimaka (Germany), Northern region between Mauritania, Algeria and Western Sahara (Italy), Oualata (Spain), Tagant desert east of Tidjikja (Tichitt) (Germany), Tagant, west of Ghallaouia–Akhreijit–Kankossa line (UK), Western Sahara (overland travel through) (Germany), Zouérate (overland from Nouadhibou) (Spain)
| Government | Advice | Updated | Read the advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (FCDO) | No advice against the whole country; advice against parts only (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
| United States (State Dept) | Level 3: Reconsider Travel | Aug 18, 2026 | Read the advice |
| Canada (Global Affairs) | Avoid non-essential travel | – | Read the advice |
| Germany (Auswärtiges Amt) | No advice against the whole country (regional advisories) | Oct 13, 2026 | Read the advice |
| New Zealand (SafeTravel) | Avoid non-essential travel | – | Read the advice |
| France (Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs) | Vigilance renforcée (reste du territoire) (regional advisories) | – | Read the advice |
Checked daily from the governments' published advice; last checked Nov 2, 2026. RoamLedger summarises official advice; it is not advice from any government.
Nouakchott
Go to Nouakchott for a practical Atlantic coast stop, with fish markets, a sandy capital and access to the Banc d'Arguin wildlife park.
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Nouakchott is the capital of Mauritania, a country in northwest Africa, and it sits on the Atlantic coast at the edge of the Sahara. The city became the capital in the late 1950s, and today it is the country's port and seat of government. Fish is sold at the markets early in the morning, when the day's catch comes in.
Nouakchott is usually a stop rather than a destination in itself. Travelers use it as a base for day trips to Banc d'Arguin National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of sand, mudflats and seabirds, and as a starting point for trips into the interior. Plan one or two days for the markets, local food and a day out. The cooler months, roughly November to March, are the easiest time to visit. Check current government travel advice before you book, because conditions in Mauritania can change.
Nouakchott in five
- Check your visa before you book flightsMany passports need a visa for Mauritania. Confirm yours with the Mauritanian embassy or consulate before you pay for flights.Visas and entry
- Carry ouguiya cash for daily spendingCard payments are limited outside hotels. Change dollars or euros into ouguiya (MRU) and keep small notes for taxis and markets.Money and costs
- Buy a local SIM with your passportMauritel, Mattel and Chinguitel sell SIM cards. Expect to show your passport so the SIM can be registered in your name.Phones and eSIM
- Book a 4x4 and driver for any desert tripChinguetti and Ouadane are reached over sand and rough tracks. Hire a 4x4 with an experienced driver or a licensed guide, and agree the route in advance.Tours and tickets
- Dress modestly and ask before taking photosNouakchott is a conservative Muslim city. Cover shoulders and knees, and ask before you photograph people or government buildings.
Things to do in Nouakchott
See all attractions in Nouakchott
Need to know
- Currency
- Ouguiya (MRU)
- Entry
- Visa needed for many passports; check the Mauritanian embassy or consulate
- Emergency
- Not verified for this guide; ask your hotel or embassy for local numbers
- Tipping
- Not covered in this guide; ask your driver or guide what is customary
- Time
- UTC+0, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryCool, hazy
- FebruaryCool, hazy
- MarchCool, clear
- AprilDusty winds
- MayHot, dusty
- JuneHot
- JulyHot, humid
- AugustHot, humid
- SeptemberHot
- OctoberWarming up
- NovemberMild, clear
- DecemberMild, hazy
Right now in Nouakchott
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
30
- Feels like
- 33°
- Humidity
- 53%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 76%
Nouakchott
08:37 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today32°24°76%Monday: Rain. High 32°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Tue29°22°62%Tuesday: Rain. High 29°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 62%.
- Wed31°23°0%Wednesday: Cloudy. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu34°24°2%Thursday: Partly cloudy. High 34°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 2%.
- Fri36°24°0%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 36°, Low 24°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat40°26°0%Saturday: Cloudy. High 40°, Low 26°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun38°27°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 38°, Low 27°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 05:27 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 40.52 MRU
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- ChinguettiA full day by 4x4A desert oasis town with old manuscript libraries, best as an overnight stop.
- OuadaneA full day by 4x4A desert town of old stone houses, reached over sand and best as an overnight.
- NouadhibouA long day by road, best as an overnightAn Atlantic port city in the north with a busy fishing harbour.
Before you go to Nouakchott
Rules for Nouakchott, checked
- Photographing government buildings, ports and military sites is restricted. Ask before you take pictures in public places.
- Alcohol is restricted in Mauritania and public drinking is not allowed. Check current rules with your embassy before you arrive.
- During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours. Check opening times for shops and restaurants locally.
Plan around Nouakchott
Cities, desert routes and entry rules
Read the guideVisas and entryWho needs a visa and how to apply
Read the guideMoney and cardsPaying in ouguiya and carrying cash
Read the guideGetting aroundFrom the capital to the desert towns
Read the guideWhere to stayDistricts and hotels in the capital
Read the guidePhones and eSIMLocal SIMs and data for maps
Read the guideNouakchott FAQ
Is Nouakchott worth visiting?
For a day or two, mainly as a base for the desert. The city has markets, the port and Atlantic beaches, but few formal sights.
How many days do you need in Nouakchott?
One or two days covers the markets and the Ksar area. Plan the rest of the trip around desert routes.
How do you get from Nouakchott to Chinguetti?
By 4x4 with a driver or an organised tour, over sand and rough tracks. It is usually a long day or an overnight trip. Confirm the route and fuel stops with your driver before you leave.
Do I need a SIM card in Nouakchott?
Yes, if you want maps and calls. Mauritel, Mattel and Chinguitel sell local SIMs, and shops will ask for your passport.
What currency is used in Mauritania?
The ouguiya (MRU). Card payments are limited, so bring some cash.
Is Nouakchott safe for solo travellers?
Check your government's current travel advice before you book, since conditions can change. Use a driver you trust for night journeys.