Mauritania
Why Film in Mauritania?
Mauritania offers stunning desert landscapes, historic caravan towns, and vast Atlantic coastlines. Its untouched locations are perfect for historical epics, adventure films, and documentaries.
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Capital City
Nouakchott
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Main Languages
Arabic (official), French, Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof
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Currency
Ouguiya (MRU)
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Weather
Mauritania’s climate is divided into two main seasons: summer (May–October) and winter (November–April). The northern and central regions experience an arid desert climate, while the far south receives more rainfall. Nouadhibou, a coastal city, has a mild temperature range, fluctuating between 55°F–79°F (13°C–26°C) in January and 66°F–90°F (19°C–32°C) in October.
Top Filming Locations
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Tichitt & Oualata
Ancient Saharan towns with stunning architecture and historical significance.
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Banc d’Arguin National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site with striking coastal dunes and rich wildlife.
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Nouadhibou
A vibrant port city, home to the world-famous ship graveyard.
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Chinguetti
One of the oldest trading hubs in West Africa, with unique desert scenery.
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Adrar Plateau
Dramatic canyons, rock formations, and vast golden dunes.
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Nouakchott
The capital city, offering modern and traditional Mauritanian settings.
Visa Requirements
Film crews require a visa before traveling to Mauritania.
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Required Documentation
A valid passport with at least six months’ validity, four recent photos, two completed and signed visa application forms, a cover letter from the applicant’s employer, valid passport details (issue and expiry dates), confirmed flight details, a hotel confirmation, an official invitation letter, a money order, and a vaccination card.
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Timings
Visa applications must be submitted at least one month before travel. Processing typically takes 3 to 5 weeks.
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Cost
30-Day Visa: $55 / 90-Day Visa: $95 / 360-Day Visa: $190
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Additional Requirements
A vaccination certificate is required for Typhoid, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Polio, Yellow Fever, Rabies, Tdap, and MMR.
International Crew Accreditation
Accreditation is required for foreign crew members.
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Required Documentation
A list of equipment, crew passports, a project synopsis, filming locations in Mauritania, the project duration, and details of the final broadcaster.
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Timings
10 working days.
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Cost
A local production company partnership fee is mandatory, but the accreditation permit itself is issued at no additional charge.
General Film Permit
The Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports issues general filming permits.
Drone Permit
Drone use in Mauritania is heavily regulated by the Air Force authorities.
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Importation Regulations
The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) has not codified drone regulations, and customs officials may confiscate drones due to unclear laws.
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Permit Issuance
The Civil Aviation Authority of Mauritania issues drone permits.
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Required Documentation
A formal request outlining the purpose of drone usage, authorization from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, specifications of the drone(s), intended filming locations, project duration, drone registration, drone insurance, and details of the operator’s qualifications/license.
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Timings
8 to 16 weeks.
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Cost
Application cost only (amount not specified).
Equipment Customs Clearance
Mauritania is not a Carnet country, but professional equipment can be temporarily imported duty-free and tax-free under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment if carried by hand or in luggage.
Safety and Security
Mauritania is generally safe for filming, and security measures are usually not required. However, the western region, approximately 1,200 km from the capital, is a closed military zone. Military authorization is necessary to pass through this area.
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