From Morocco
One can arrive from Morocco from the only border crossing between the two countries that lie on the road going south from Dakhla to Nouadhibou in Mauritania. There is hardly any administration by officials in this region. But one will find Moroccan police control frequently on the route along the Atlantic sea. Visitors require official permission when coming from Dakhla 350 km north of Nouadhibou. Its is advised to travel by caravans under military protection. Getting back from Mauritania is quite a task and one may find oneself doing this in the dark choosing a route unprotected by the few guards. Travelling without a valid stamp in the passport may land one up in custody of the police.

From Algeria
There is one road connecting Mauritania and Algeria but it is now closed for visitors due to the presence of Polisario, the liberation army of Western Sahara (territory occupied by Morocco from 1975) in the Algerian city of Tindouf.

From Mali
One can reach Nouakchott through the two border crossings between Mauritania and Mali, one south from Ayoun el Arous, the other south of Nema. There are no operating stations along the eastern frontier, but as this is a vast area, sparsely populated, and only partly controlled. Visitors are warned that some persuasions may be required to settle problems with officials of the settlements in the area.

From Senegal
With connections between Mauritania and Senegal having been resumed, people can cross the Senegal River virtually anywhere to enter Mauritania, but vehicle transportation must be done at Rosso, more or less in the middle between Nouakchott and Dakar.

From Spain
Getting room on one of the ships moving between the Canaries and Nouadhibou is clearly the cheapest way of getting to Mauritania for Westerners. But one may require all their skills of persuasion to convince Russian and Korean captains to allow one to stay on their ship almost for free.

From other countries
Going by air to Mauritania is clearly the best choice. But there are only a few connections to this densely populated country. There are flights from Paris and Brussels to Nouakchott. There are less than 10 airports within Africa that are connected to Nouakchott. Most flights are 1- 3 times a week. Once a week there is a return flight from Algiers- Casablanca- Nouakchott from inside Miftah Shamali's region. A return flight tickets from Europe will cost around US$1,000 per person.