Mauritania customs rules & duty-free allowances
Mauritania's strict Islamic customs regime means alcohol is banned for Muslims and technically prohibited for all, though non-Muslims may bring small declared amounts. Cash declarations are mandatory above 10,000 USD. In 2026, expect thorough inspections for items that could offend Islamic norms.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, cocaine, heroin, and synthetic drugs)
- Pornography and any material offensive to Islam (including depictions of nudity or alcohol)
- Pork and pork products (including ham, bacon, sausages)
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit from the Ministry of Interior
- Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property
- Radioactive materials and hazardous waste
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Alcohol (for non-Muslims only, up to 1 liter spirits or 2 liters wine, must declare)
- Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics (require prior authorization from Ministry of Health)
- Drones and satellite phones (require a permit from the Ministry of Defense or Communications)
- Live animals and plants (require import permits and health certificates)
- Cultural artifacts and antiquities (require export permit from the Ministry of Culture)
Arriving: red vs green channel
Upon arrival at Nouakchott International Airport, proceed to the customs area. There is no separate green/red channel system; all travellers must fill out a customs declaration card (available on the plane or at the counter). If you have nothing to declare, hand the card to the officer and proceed. If you have goods exceeding allowances or restricted items, use the 'Goods to Declare' lane.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a prescription in English or French. Narcotics, psychotropics, and strong painkillers (e.g., codeine, morphine) are strictly prohibited without prior authorization from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications like Adderall are illegal. Carry original packaging and a doctor's note.
Food, plants & animal products
All food products, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy are generally prohibited unless accompanied by a phytosanitary certificate. Pork products are banned due to Islamic law.
Rules worth knowing
Alcohol import is technically prohibited
Mauritania is an Islamic republic; alcohol is banned for Muslims. Non-Muslim travellers may bring small amounts (1L spirits or 2L wine) for personal use, but it must be declared. Customs may confiscate it without penalty if deemed excessive. Do not attempt to bring alcohol in checked luggage without declaring.
Cash declaration is strictly enforced
Any amount exceeding 10,000 USD (or equivalent in any currency) must be declared on the customs form. Failure to do so can result in seizure of the entire amount and a fine of up to 50% of the value. The declaration is free and straightforward.
No duty-free shops at arrival
Mauritania has no duty-free shops for arriving passengers. All goods must be declared and duty paid if over the allowance. Plan to buy alcohol or tobacco before arrival if needed.
Religious sensitivity in luggage
Customs officers may inspect for items that could offend Islamic values, such as religious texts of other faiths (if perceived as proselytizing), alcohol-related paraphernalia, or clothing deemed immodest. These may be confiscated without compensation.