- 1 h / - 2 h during our summer time

Nouakchott

French and Arabic

• 220 volts
• A travel plug adapter for type C sockets is required

Banks

8.00 am - 5.00 pm (Mon - Thu)
8.00 am - 12.00 pm (Fri)

Shops

8.00 am - 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm - 7.00 pm (Sat - Thu)

• 1 January - New Year’s Day
• 1 May - Labour Day
• 25 May - Africa Day (African Union Day)
• 28 November - Mauritanian Independence Day
• Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast) - date varies, marking the end of Ramadan
• Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) - date varies
• Islamic New Year - date varies
• Mawlid an-Nabi (birthday of the Prophet Muhammad) - date varies

The following documents are required for entry into Mauritania:

• A Swiss passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.

• Swiss citizens require a visa. This can be applied for in advance online.

• A return or onward ticket is required, as well as valid documents for onward travel to the next country. 
• Proof of sufficient financial means to cover expenses throughout the stay.

• Minors: For minors travelling alone, with only one parent or without their parents, a travel authorisation is recommended.

As of: February 2025

• Coastal regions (e.g. Nouakchott): The climate along the coast is milder and more humid than inland. Temperatures remain moderate throughout the year, with cooler conditions and fog during the winter months. Summers are warm, but the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean provides a cooling breeze.

• Central Mauritania and inland areas: These regions have a typical desert climate, with extreme temperature differences between day and night. Summers are very hot and dry, with temperatures often rising above 40 degrees Celsius. Winter nights can become surprisingly cold, particularly in the Sahara.

• Southern Mauritania (e.g. around the Senegal River): This region has a slightly more temperate climate. It also receives most of Mauritania’s rainfall, particularly during the short rainy season from July to September, resulting in somewhat greener landscapes and supporting agricultural activity.

The ideal time to travel to Mauritania:

• Beach holidays: November to March for pleasant days on the beaches around Nouakchott.
• City trips: October to April is ideal for visiting cities such as Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.
• Desert expeditions: November to February offers the best conditions for exploring the Sahara.

• Using a mobile phone in Mauritania may incur roaming charges. It is advisable to check roaming fees before travelling and, if necessary, purchase a suitable roaming package to reduce costs.
• Free Wi-Fi is available in cafés, hotels and restaurants.
• It is recommended to purchase a prepaid SIM card or eSIM to make mobile calls and use the Internet at lower cost during your stay in Mauritania.

• Banc d'Arguin National Park - A UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich birdlife and as a breeding ground for millions of migratory birds.
• Ouadâne - A historic town in the Sahara, known for its ancient ruins and offering insights into the region’s rich trading history.
• Chinguetti - Another ancient town, often referred to as the seventh holy city of Islam, with its famous library housing ancient Islamic manuscripts.
• Nouakchott - The capital and largest city of Mauritania, known for its lively fish market and beaches.
• Adrar Plateau - Offers breathtaking desert landscapes and is ideal for trekking and exploring ancient towns such as Chinguetti and Ouadâne.
• Terjit Oasis - Known for its natural springs and picturesque surroundings, making it an ideal place to relax in nature.
• Fort Trarza - Located near Nouakchott, it offers insights into Mauritania’s colonial history.

Mauritanian cuisine is strongly influenced by local ingredients and traditional preparation methods, reflecting the country’s cultural diversity. 

• Staple foods: Couscous and rice form the basis of many dishes in Mauritania. They are often combined with vegetables or meat and are a central part of the daily diet.
• Meat and fish dishes: Goat, camel and lamb are typical sources of protein, along with the plentiful fish available along the coast. These are often grilled or prepared in hearty stews.
• Vegetables: Pumpkin, carrots and onions play an important role and are usually used in stews or served as side dishes.
• Street food: Popular snacks include "Méchoui" (meat grilled on a spit) and "Fried Fish", which are often available from street stalls.
• Sauces: Spicy and aromatic sauces are characteristic, often tomato-based or enriched with various spices, and are served alongside main dishes.
• Tea ceremony: The tea ceremony is a central part of Mauritanian culture. Sweet mint tea (Ataya) is prepared and enjoyed several times a day as part of an elaborate ritual.

• Greetings: In Mauritania, the usual form of greeting is a handshake, accompanied by friendly words and often a hand placed over the heart as a sign of sincerity. 
• Saying please and thank you: Polite expressions such as “please” and “thank you” are important in Mauritania and are always appreciated. Knowledge of Arabic is an advantage, but a friendly “shukran” (thank you) or “min fadlik” (please) is always appreciated.
• Clothing: Dress conservatively. Men should wear long trousers and shirts, while women should wear long skirts or dresses and, where appropriate, a head covering.
• Dining etiquette: It is customary to eat with the right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean. In traditional settings, people often eat together from a large shared plate.
• Smoking: Smoking is prohibited in public buildings and many public areas. It is advisable to ask permission before smoking in the presence of others, particularly near women and children.
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Mauritania, but it is appreciated, particularly in the tourism sector. A small tip in restaurants or for services may be given as a sign of appreciation.

• Tap water in Mauritania is generally not considered safe to drink. Travellers should use bottled water or boil tap water before drinking it or using it to brush their teeth. 

• No mandatory vaccinations are required for entry into Mauritania.

• Make sure that you and your children are up to date with standard vaccinations in accordance with the Swiss vaccination schedule of the Federal Office of Public Health. Additional vaccinations against yellow fever, hepatitis A, polio, diphtheria, tetanus and measles may be advisable.

• There is a risk of malaria in certain areas.

• Medical care in Mauritania can be described as basic to limited, particularly outside the capital Nouakchott and other larger cities. Access to modern medical equipment and medicines is limited. Even basic medical supplies may not always be available.
• Travellers are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel health insurance that also covers the cost of possible medical evacuation.
• Pharmacies are relatively common in urban areas, and most commonly used medicines are available there. In rural or remote areas, however, access to pharmacies and medicines may be limited. It is important to buy medicines only from licensed pharmacies and to check the expiry date and condition of the packaging.

• Before and during your trip, keep informed about the current situation through the media and remain in contact with your tour operator.

• The security situation in Mauritania is tense in certain regions. Travel to the border area with Western Sahara, the area north of the town of Ouadane and east of the Ouadane–Lexeiba line is therefore discouraged. These areas are considered particularly high-risk due to political tensions, military activity and the limited presence of security forces.
• There is a risk of terrorist attacks throughout the country.
• Petty crime, attacks on vehicles and burglaries are common in Nouakchott. Sexual offences are also reported. It is advisable not to display valuables or carry large amounts of cash openly. Women should also avoid travelling alone.

• Further information on the current security situation is available on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).

As of: February 2025

• Traffic drives on the right.
• An international driving permit is mandatory and is only valid when accompanied by a Swiss national driving licence.
• To rent a car, drivers generally need to be 25 years old. 
• Poor road conditions, undisciplined road users and stray animals significantly increase the risk of accidents. Remain alert at all times and avoid long-distance journeys at night.
• Blood alcohol limit: 0.0%

• Long-distance trains: Mauritania has only one major railway connection, known as the Mauritania Railway, which runs between the coastal city of Nouadhibou and Zouérat in the interior of the country.
• Buses: In Mauritania, buses are the main form of transport for intercity travel. Both public and private bus companies operate regular services between the major cities and to some more rural areas. Comfort and vehicle condition can vary considerably. 
• Shared taxis: Shared taxis are a common form of transport in both urban and rural areas. They operate on fixed routes but are more flexible than buses, as they depart once enough passengers have gathered. 
• Tickets: Bus and train tickets can generally be purchased directly from drivers or at bus and railway stations. It is advisable to buy tickets in advance, particularly for longer journeys.

There are no direct flights from Switzerland to Mauritania; however, connecting flights with stopovers are available. The country’s main international airport is:

• Nouakchott International Airport (NKC) – Mauritania’s main airport, located near the capital, Nouakchott.

International airlines offering flights to Mauritania include Mauritania Airlines International, Air France, Air Algérie and Royal Air Maroc, among others.

Domestic flights: Regular domestic flights connect the capital with other important cities such as Nouadhibou, Atar and Néma. However, services are limited and depend heavily on the season and demand. Due to the country’s geographical and infrastructure conditions, domestic flights should be booked well in advance and only with reliable operators.

00 41 (omit the initial zero of the Swiss number)

• Police: 117

• Ambulance: 101

• Fire brigade: 118

Ilot C Lot 454
Nouakchott

Tel. +222 45 24 28 66
Email: nouakchott@honrep.ch

• The consumption of alcohol is prohibited by law in Mauritania. 
• Critical statements about the government or Islam are punishable by law in Mauritania. It is strongly recommended to avoid political discussions and related comments, including on social media.
• Photographing government and military buildings, as well as strategically important facilities such as airports, is punishable by law in Mauritania. As some of these regulations may be unclear, always pay attention to warning signs and, if in doubt, ask local security forces for permission or refrain from taking photographs.
• Violations of drug laws are severely punished in Mauritania, even for very small quantities and regardless of the type of drug. Penalties range from lengthy prison sentences to the death penalty. It is extremely important to avoid any use or possession of drugs.
• It is important to carry your passport with you at all times so that you can identify yourself during the frequent security checks in Mauritania.