Mauritanian Eye
Back to Guides
Border Crossing

Morocco to Mauritania Border Crossing Guide

What to prepare, what happens on each side, approximate field costs and practical checkpoint tips.

Last updated · May 2026

Information can change. Always confirm locally. Read our travel disclaimer.

Important notice

Border procedures, fees and travel rules can change. Always confirm locally before travelling. This guide is based on field experience and is not official government advice.

02

What to prepare before arriving

  • Passport (valid 6+ months)
  • Vehicle registration document (carte grise)
  • Printed Mauritanian e-visa
  • Moroccan temporary vehicle import permit
  • Copies of passport, visa, vehicle papers and route details
  • Cash in euros and MRU if available
  • Phone with a working SIM/data plan
03

Moroccan side

The Moroccan exit process is usually straightforward but can be slow if queues are long.

  • Passport exit stamp
  • Customs confirmation closing your Moroccan vehicle temporary import permit
  • Vehicle check, possible scanner inspection
  • Exit stamps may be re-verified at the final gate
  • Then you enter no man's land toward Mauritania
04

No man's land

  • Around 5 km of unpaved track between the two borders
  • Drive carefully — surface is rough in places
  • Stay on visible tracks/road at all times
  • Do not stop unnecessarily and do not leave the marked path
05

Mauritanian side

The Mauritanian entry has more steps and several small windows to visit in sequence.

  • Present your printed e-visa
  • Passport stamp at immigration
  • Vehicle paperwork and customs declaration
  • Insurance and temporary vehicle import process
  • A local helper/fixer is often available and can speed things up
  • Field note: a helper cost around €20 and helped move through the windows faster
06

Approximate field costs

Field notes — not official fees

  • Visa: around €50
  • Vehicle paperwork + insurance: around €110
  • Optional local helper: around €20

These prices can change. Always confirm before travel.

07

Timing recommendation

  • Leave Dakhla early morning
  • Aim to reach the border around midday
  • Avoid arriving late in the afternoon
  • Night driving in Mauritania can be restricted or discouraged
  • Queue length varies — allow several hours of buffer
08

SIM card

  • A Mauritanian SIM card may be available at or near the border
  • Availability is not guaranteed — have a backup plan for Nouadhibou or Nouakchott
09

Police checkpoint paper (fiche)

Mauritanian police checkpoints along main roads often ask for your details. Handing over a prepared printed sheet (a "fiche") can save significant time.

Print several copies with:
  • Full name
  • Passport number
  • Nationality
  • Vehicle registration
  • Destination
  • Planned route
  • Phone number
  • Copy of visa/passport if possible

Giving a prepared paper at checkpoints can save time and avoids re-writing the same details by hand each time.

10

Final practical tips

  • Print your visa — don't rely only on a phone screen
  • Keep cash in small denominations
  • Keep document copies ready and accessible
  • Be patient and respectful — officers respond well to calm travellers
  • Confirm local rules before relying on this guide
  • Do not rely only on old online information