Mauritania
Mauritania travel guide for Britons
Britons need an e‑visa before travel; apply online, pay about £70, and allow 3‑5 business days for processing. If you already have a visa, you can fly straight to Nouakchott. No visa‑on‑arrival option exists after January 2025. A passport valid for at least six months and a recent photo are required.
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GuideMauritania
Key facts
- Visa requiredcheck
- e‑visa, £70 (2026 estimate)
- Processing time
- 3–5 business days
- Currency
- Mauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
- Plug type
- C, E – 220 V 50 Hz
- Tipping norm
- Small amounts in restaurants, drivers and guides expect 5–10 % of service cost
Quick answer
Yes – UK nationals must obtain an e‑visa before arrival. No visa‑on‑arrival option exists after Jan 2025.
Entry requirements for UK passport holders
Apply for an e‑visa on the official Mauritanian e‑visa portal. The fee is about £70 (2026 estimate) and the usual processing time is 3‑5 business days. A passport valid for at least six months and a recent passport‑photo are required. No visa‑on‑arrival is offered.
- Passport validity: ≥6 months
- Fee: £70 (approx.)
- Processing: 3–5 days
British embassy contact
Mauritania has no UK embassy; the nearest is the British High Commission in Dakar, Senegal. Consular assistance can be arranged through the embassy in Dakar or via the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office online.
- High Commission, Dakar, Senegal – 33 Boulevard du Général de Gaulle, Dakar
- Phone: +221 33 825 30 00 (check)
- Email: [email protected] (check)
Trip cost estimate in GBP
A 10‑day itinerary (2 nights Nouakchott, 5 nights Adrar, 3 nights optional Banc d’Arguin) typically costs:
• Flights from London to Nouakchott – £600‑£800 (economy, round‑trip).
• Accommodation – £30‑£60 per night for mid‑range hotels or guesthouses.
• Guide & driver (per day) – £50‑£80.
• Meals – £10‑£20 per day.
Overall budget: £1 500‑£2 200 per person (2026 estimate).
| Item | Cost (GBP) |
|---|---|
| Round‑trip flight | £600‑£800 |
| Accommodation (10 nights) | £300‑£600 |
| Guide & driver (5 days) | £250‑£400 |
| Meals (10 days) | £100‑£200 |
Prices are approximate 2026 estimates; actual costs vary by season and provider.
Flight and time‑difference information
Direct flights from London (Heathrow) to Nouakchott are operated by Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Air France (via Paris). Typical travel time is 7‑9 hours including layover. Mauritania is UTC+0, the same as the UK in winter and one hour behind during British Summer Time.
Practical information
Plugs: Types C and E, 220 V 50 Hz – bring a universal adapter.
Tipping: Small amounts are customary in restaurants; drivers and guides expect 5‑10 % of the service fee.
Emergency numbers: Police 17, Fire 18 (check).
FAQ
Questions people ask
Do Britons need a visa for Mauritania?
Yes – you must obtain an e‑visa before travel; there is no visa‑on‑arrival.
How much does a trip to Mauritania cost in GBP?
A 10‑day trip typically costs between £1 500 and £2 200, covering flights, accommodation, guide/driver and meals.
Where is the nearest United Kingdom embassy in Mauritania?
The nearest UK diplomatic mission is the High Commission in Dakar, Senegal; Mauritania has no British embassy.
What plug type and voltage are used in Mauritania?
Types C and E plugs, 220 V at 50 Hz – bring a suitable adapter.
Is tipping expected in Mauritania?
Yes – small tips are common in restaurants and a 5‑10 % tip is customary for drivers and guides.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Mauritania
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