Mauritania customs rules & duty-free allowances

Last reviewed July 2, 2026

Mauritania, as an Islamic republic, strictly prohibits the import of alcohol and pork products. For 2026, non-resident adult travellers may bring personal goods up to 200,000 MRU (approx. USD 5,000) duty-free. Cash amounts equivalent to USD 10,000 or more must be declared. Tobacco allowances are limited to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 250g of tobacco for travellers aged 18 and over.

Duty-free allowances

Alcohol
0.0 L
Alcohol import is strictly prohibited for all travellers, regardless of quantity or purpose. Any alcohol found will be confiscated and may result in fines or legal action.
Tobacco
200 cigarettes
or 50 cigars / 250 g
Cash to declare
$10,000
Any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more (in any currency, including cash, traveler's checks, or negotiable instruments) must be declared on the customs arrival form. Failure to declare may result in seizure and penalties.
Goods duty-free
$5,000
Duty-free allowance for personal goods and gifts is 200,000 MRU (approximately USD 5,000). Items above this value are subject to duty and taxes. Customs officers may request receipts or proof of value for high-value items like electronics.

Prohibited — banned from import

  • Alcoholic beverages of any kind
  • Pork and all pork-derived products
  • Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (except with special authorization for medical use)
  • Firearms, ammunition, and explosives (without prior government permit)
  • Pornographic materials
  • Counterfeit currency and goods infringing intellectual property rights

Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration

  • Medicines containing narcotics or psychotropics (require a prescription and prior authorization from the Ministry of Health)
  • Plants, seeds, and agricultural products (require a phytosanitary certificate)
  • Animals and animal products (require a veterinary certificate and import permit)
  • Satellite phones and radio communication equipment (require prior approval from the telecommunications authority)
  • Cultural artifacts and antiquities (require an export permit from the Ministry of Culture)

Rules worth knowing

Strict Alcohol Ban

Mauritania is an Islamic republic; the import, sale, and consumption of alcohol are completely prohibited. Any alcohol found in luggage will be confiscated and may result in fines or legal action.

Currency Declaration

All travellers entering or leaving Mauritania must declare cash, negotiable instruments, or gold valued at 10,000 USD or more. The declaration is made on the customs form and must be accurate.

Tobacco Limits

Tobacco allowance is strictly per person: 200 cigarettes OR 50 cigars OR 250g of tobacco. Mixing is not permitted; exceeding the limit results in confiscation and possible duty.

Personal Goods Valuation

Duty-free allowance of 200,000 MRU applies to new or used personal effects. Customs officers may request receipts or proof of value for high-value items like electronics.

Frequently asked questions

No. The import of alcohol is strictly prohibited regardless of quantity or purpose. Any alcohol found will be confiscated.
Non-resident travellers may bring personal goods and gifts valued up to 200,000 MRU (approximately USD 5,000) duty-free. Items above this value are subject to customs duty.
Yes. You must declare any amount equivalent to USD 10,000 or more in cash, traveler's checks, or negotiable instruments on the customs declaration form.
Yes, for personal use, but you should carry a doctor's prescription or a medical certificate. Medications containing narcotics or psychotropics require prior authorization from the Ministry of Health.
Personal electronics for your own use are generally allowed duty-free within the 200,000 MRU allowance. However, if you bring multiple high-value items, customs may require proof they are for personal use and not for resale.
You must declare the excess value on the customs form. Duty and taxes will be assessed on the value above 200,000 MRU. Failure to declare can result in fines and confiscation.

Official source

Direction Générale des Douanes (Mauritania Customs)

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