Checked on 3 November 2026 against France Diplomatie (page updated 28 September 2026) and the UK government travel advice. Rules change: always check before you leave, for your own nationality.
Where do you cross?
South of Dakhla, travellers leave Morocco at the Guerguerat post and enter Mauritania at the PK 55 post, near Nouadhibou. In between lies a buffer zone of about 4 km.
The Mauritanian visa, in two steps
Since 5 January 2025, French citizens first apply for an electronic visa authorisation on the official site anrpts.gov.mr. The visa is then issued at the border, with fingerprints taken, for €55 for 30 days, single entry. The UK government advises paying in exact cash, in euros or US dollars. Keep the authorisation: it is also checked when you leave.
Your vehicle at customs
A vehicle entering Mauritania needs a Carnet de Passages en Douane (FIA and AIT logos). Without one, customs require a deposit, refunded when the vehicle leaves the country. The vehicle is recorded in its owner's passport and must leave with them.
The no man's land and opening hours
The buffer zone can be blocked by protests. If so, France Diplomatie advises not to enter it until the blockage is lifted. On the Mauritanian side, exits are no longer possible after 6 pm, sometimes 5 pm: arrive early.
What is forbidden
Alcohol is banned in Mauritania, even in small amounts, and its discovery leads to police custody. Pork-based food and cannabis are also banned.
Safety
The north-east of the country is a military zone that requires authorisation. Check your government's travel advice and safety map before you go.
What our guide adds
We crossed this border in our own vehicle. Volume 1 of Freewheeling Across Borders covers Morocco, Mauritania and 7 more countries down to Benin, with everything to prepare: insurance, documents, steps at the post, useful contacts, health, and our tips from the road.
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