Mauritania Tours from UK, Flights & Travel Info
Mauritania Tours offer unique adventures for UK travelers, from desert landscapes to historic oases. Travel (Mauritania Tours from UK )
Mauritania Visa Information (Latest)
Visa Requirements
- From January 2025, visas on arrival are no longer issued in Mauritania.
- Travelers must apply online for an e-visa before departure through the official Mauritanian system.
- Visa fees are paid in cash (Euros or US dollars) upon arrival. Exact notes are required, as no change or receipts are provided.
- A printed copy of the approved e-visa must be carried and shown on entry.
- It is recommended to apply for the e-visa well before your travel date to allow enough time for processing.
Visa Extensions in Mauritania
A 30-day visa can be extended in Mauritania.
- Extension options:
- Work Contract from a recognized entity in Mauritania.
- Mauritanian Citizen Sponsor requires visiting a public notary where the sponsor signs documents.
- Each extension gives an additional 30-day visa.
- After 3 visas (90 days total), you can apply for a 1-year residency card, which works as a multiple-entry visa.
Alternative Option
- You can leave Mauritania and re-enter via the airport or land border to obtain a new 30-day visa
UK → Mauritania Flight Options & Details
| Route / Airline | Departure Airport(s) UK → Arrival in Mauritania (Nouakchott, NKC) | Stopovers / Notes | Approx Price / Duration |
| Royal Air Maroc | From London (often Gatwick) → NKC | 1 stop via Casablanca (CMN) | Cheapest fares are £452 one-way; return options vary. |
| Air France | London → NKC | Via Paris (CDG) stopover | Example round trip ~ £699 via Air France (London → NKC) option. |
| EasyJet / Other Low-Cost + Connections | London Gatwick / Stansted → NKC | Usually one stop or connecting flights, not direct | Usually one stop or connecting flights, not direct |
| Airlines Multiple Options | UK airports → NKC | Airlines seen in listings: Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, Tunis Air, Air France, Nouvelair Tunisie. | Average one-way ~8-10 hours, depending on layovers. |
Iron Ore Train Adventure
Organized Tours
● Tours can be arranged locally with a driver, 4×4 vehicle, and guide.
● Trips are well organized and cover desert driving and major highlights.
Desert Experiences Mauritania
- Desert driving includes visits to oases, Agrour, Oudane, and the Richat Structure.
- The Sahara landscapes are described as beautiful and unique.
Iron Ore Train Journey
- The iron ore train from Tmeimichatt to Nouadhibou is tough but worthwhile.
- Local guides provide important safety advice for the 10 12-hour journey.
- Travelers should carry water but also manage hydration carefully due to practical challenges on board.
- With preparation, this is considered one of the best travel experiences in Mauritania.
Value of Local Guides
- Local guides provide essential knowledge for safety and logistics.
- Booking directly in Mauritania is cheaper and ensures payment goes to those providing the services.
Banking and Money for UK Travelers
Mauritania is mostly cash-based.
Credit cards are accepted only in a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
ATMs exist in big cities, but many do not accept foreign cards or have limits.
Always keep enough cash as backup.
Daily Life and Payments
● Cash is often necessary for small purchases and services.
● Cards are accepted in supermarkets, but locals mainly rely on cash.
Border Crossing & Visa Process
- Long delays are common at the Mauritanian border due to heavy queues.
- Multiple passport checks and waiting at immigration are expected.
- Immigration officers carefully inspect passports and stamps, sometimes taking photos of visa pages.
- Tourist visas are issued at the border, but the process can be confusing and time-consuming.
Transport & Journey
- The overland bus journey from Dakhla (Western Sahara) to Mauritania takes many hours.
- Travellers often change between big buses and minibuses.
- After border clearance, the onward trip continues for another 2 hours by minibus.
Money Exchange
- Money is exchanged upon arrival in Mauritania, sometimes in small shops
- Some travelers use unofficial exchangers near borders or towns.
General Observations
- Some locals dislike being filmed, especially women.
- Initial impressions may feel dusty and desolate, but most travelers report feeling safe once settled.
Top Pros of Mauritania Trips
- Affordable flight connections via Madrid or Lanzarote.
- Unique desert landscapes and historic oases to explore.
- The Richat Structure and the iron ore train are unforgettable experiences.
- Local guides provide valuable knowledge for safety and culture.
- Booking locally is cost-effective and supports local communities.
- UK bank cards work in major supermarkets and French banks
Mauritania Travel Drawbacks
- No direct UK to Mauritania flights.
- Long border delays and multiple passport checks.
- The iron ore train is physically tough and requires preparation.
- Some UK bank cards don’t work in Mauritanian ATMs.
- Daily withdrawal limits and transaction fees with UK cards.
- Budget hotels near borders may feel unsafe.
- Locals may refuse filming, especially women.
Using UK Bank Cards in Mauritania
UK bank cards can be used in Mauritania, mainly through French banks.
Some UK cards may not work with Mauritanian ATMs.
For UK cards (e.g. Barclays):
• A 2.75% fee is charged per transaction.
• Daily withdrawal limits are approximately £350.
• Spending limits with the card are around £750 daily.Supermarkets in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou don’t usually accept credit cards
Do Travelers in Mauritania Need Cash or Cards?
Cash is often necessary for small purchases and services
Border Crossing & Visa Process
- Long delays are common at the Mauritanian border due to heavy queues.
Transport & Journey
- The overland bus journey from Dakhla (Western Sahara) to Mauritania takes many hours.
- Travellers often change between big buses and minibuses.
- After border clearance, the onward trip continues for another 2 hours by minibus.
Money Exchange
- Money is exchanged upon arrival in Mauritania, sometimes in small shops.
- Some travelers use unofficial exchangers near borders or towns
Frequently asked questions
Are British Citizens required to obtain an e-visa when travelling to Mauritania?
Yes. Since January 2025, visas on arrival no longer permitted for UK travellers; instead, they must secure and apply for an approved e-visa prior to leaving home
How long must my passport be valid before travelling from the UK to Mauritania?
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival in Mauritania; GOV.UK provides more details.