Destinations / Mauritania
Driving in Mauritania as a visitor
Usually yes. Mauritania expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Mauritania expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva |
| Valid for | 1 year |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 117 (police), 101 (ambulance) |
| Top speed limit | 90 km/h highways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in MRU. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Roads | Sand drifts across desert roads. |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Alcohol is prohibited. |
| Documents | Carry passport, IDP and home licence. |
On the road in Mauritania
At the pump
Stations sell petrol (essence) and diesel (gasoil); most in Nouakchott, Nouadhibou and Atar take major cards but rural pumps are cash-only and far apart, so keep the tank above half. Fill up at every opportunity before long desert stretches.
After a crash
A police report must be filed for any crash; if there is injury or death the drivers involved are typically detained until a judge determines responsibility. Dial 117 for police (response is slow outside Nouakchott) and do not move vehicles before officers attend where possible.
Sources: tyremap.com · internationaldriversassociation.com · automauritanie.com · travel.gc.ca
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Mauritania?
Usually yes. Mauritania expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Mauritania accept?
Mauritania recognises the 1949 Geneva format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Mauritania ask for one?
Nouakchott desks request an IDP; 4x4 essential for desert crossings.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.