Mauritania customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed October 1, 2026·Official source

Mauritania's biggest customs quirk is its strict local-currency rule: you must declare any amount over 3,000 MRU on arrival, and on exit you cannot take out more than you brought in. Customs officers at Nouakchott are known to count banknotes by hand, and the green channel is only for travellers with absolutely nothing to declare. The rules below apply to non-resident adults arriving from abroad in 2026.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
1.0 L
1 litre of spirits over 22% ABV, or 2 litres of wine or beer. Must be 18 or older. Alcohol is widely restricted in Mauritania; duty-free allowances are rarely granted outside diplomatic channels.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$3,000
3,000 MRU (about USD 75) in local currency — any amount above this must be declared on arrival. Foreign currency has no set limit but amounts over USD 10,000 equivalent should be declared to avoid seizure. Declaration is made verbally or on a customs form at the red channel.
Goods duty-free
$800
Personal effects and gifts up to 50,000 MRU (about USD 1,250) are duty-free. Above that, customs duty is assessed at variable rates (typically 5–20% depending on item category) plus VAT.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including codeine and tramadol without a valid prescription)
  • Pork and pork products
  • Alcohol (import is heavily restricted; duty-free allowance is rarely honoured for non-diplomats)
  • Firearms and ammunition without a prior permit from the Ministry of Interior
  • Counterfeit goods and Mauritanian currency over 3,000 MRU undeclared
  • Drone cameras and satellite phones without written authorisation

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Prescription medicines — must be declared and accompanied by a doctor's letter
  • Live animals and plants — require a veterinary or phytosanitary certificate
  • Cultural artefacts and antiquities — export/import permit needed
  • Professional filming equipment — requires a media accreditation from the Ministry of Communication

Arriving: red vs green channel

At Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport, you walk through a red or green channel. There is no universal arrival card, but if you have goods to declare or cash over 3,000 MRU, go to the red channel and tell the officer. If you have nothing to declare, use the green channel — but be ready for a bag search, as officers frequently pull travellers aside.

Bringing medication

Bring personal medication in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. Mauritania bans many common Western drugs, including codeine, tramadol, and certain sedatives, which are treated as narcotics. Declare all medicines at the red channel; undeclared controlled substances can lead to arrest.

Food, plants & animal products

All meat, dairy, fresh fruit, vegetables, seeds, and soil are prohibited or require an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture. Processed and packaged foods are generally allowed in small quantities for personal use but must be declared. Animal products from countries with disease outbreaks are confiscated.

Rules worth knowing

Local currency cap

You may not import or export more than 3,000 MRU in cash without declaring it. On departure, you cannot take out more local currency than you declared on arrival. Keep your arrival declaration slip.

Alcohol is effectively banned

While the law technically allows a 1-litre spirits allowance, in practice customs at Nouakchott routinely confiscates alcohol from non-diplomatic travellers. Do not rely on the duty-free allowance.

Medication crackdown

Mauritanian customs treats common painkillers containing codeine or tramadol as narcotics. Carry only what you need for your trip, with a prescription, and declare it. Unmarked pills are seized and can lead to detention.

Currency declaration on exit

If you declared foreign currency on arrival, you must show the same amount or less when leaving. Keep exchange receipts for any money changed locally.

Frequently asked questions

The official allowance is 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of wine/beer, but in practice customs at Nouakchott often confiscates alcohol from non-diplomats. If you try, declare it at the red channel and be prepared to lose it.
You can bring in up to 3,000 MRU (about USD 75) without declaring. Anything above that must be declared. On exit, you cannot take out more than you declared on arrival.
Yes. All medicines should be declared at the red channel. Bring them in original packaging with a prescription or doctor's letter. Codeine, tramadol, and many sedatives are treated as narcotics and can lead to arrest if undeclared.
No. Mauritania does not operate a tourist VAT refund scheme. You cannot claim back sales tax on purchases when leaving.
You risk a fine of up to the value of the goods plus confiscation. Customs officers frequently search bags, and penalties for false declaration can include detention. Always use the red channel if unsure.
No, not without prior written authorisation from the Mauritanian government. Drones and satellite phones are restricted items and will be confiscated at customs if you cannot show a permit.
Yes. All fresh meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables, seeds, and soil are prohibited or require an import permit. Packaged foods for personal use are generally allowed in small quantities but must be declared. Animal products from disease-affected countries are confiscated.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes (Mauritanian Customs)

For guidance only. Customs allowances and prohibited-item lists change without notice — always confirm with Direction Générale des Douanes (Mauritanian Customs) before travelling.