Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
»
TV
Mauritania's only TV station is TVM, with programs in Hassaniyya and French, but top-end hotels have
satellite TV.
»
Newspapers
For the news (in French), pick up
Le Calame
or
Horizons.
TELEPHONE
You can make international calls and send faxes at post offices. The innumerable privately
run phone shops in the major cities and towns cost about the same and are open late. A
GSM SIM card for the Mauritel, Chinguitell or Mattel networks costs around UM2000.
There are no telephone area codes.
VISAS
Visas are required for all except nationals of Arab League countries and some African
countries. In countries where Mauritania has no diplomatic representation, including Aus-
tralia, French embassies often issue visas. For overlanders heading south, Rabat (Mo-
rocco) is a good place for visas (US$45). Visas are no longer issued at the Mo-
rocco-Mauritania border.
GOOGLE MAP
(off Ave Abdel Nasser;
8am-3pm Mon-Thu)
in Nouakchott.
Visas for Onward Travel
In Nouakchott you can get visas for most neighbouring countries.
Mali
One-month visas are issued the same day (UM6500). You need two photos and a passport
photocopy.
Morocco
Most nationalities do not require visas, and simply get an entry stamp valid for 90 days on
arrival. Nationalities that do (mostly Africans, including Mauritanians) must pay UM8700
and provide two photos and passport photocopies and (according to whim) an air ticket.
Senegal
One-month visas (UM1500) are issued in 24 hours. You need to supply four photos plus
passport photocopies.
WOMEN TRAVELLERS
Mauritania is a conservative Muslim country, but it is by no means the most extreme in
this regard. Women might receive the odd bit of sexual harassment, but it's nothing in
