Destinations / Mauritania
Driving in Mauritania as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Mauritania drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and much of the country is open Saharan desert.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Mauritania expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Mauritania drives on the right; an IDP is recommended with your home licence, and much of the country is open Saharan desert.
Which translation format is used for Mauritania?
Mauritania uses the 1949 Geneva convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Mauritania ask for a translation?
Nouakchott desks request an IDP; 4x4 essential for desert crossings.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Mauritania?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Africa
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.