Passport/Visa
There are no clear-cut rules on visas to Mauritania. The French, Italians and West Africans can enter without a Visa. All other nationals will have to experience a system not too accustomed with issuing visas. It is best to apply from one’s home country though it can be done at all embassies. Mauritania has embassies only in a few large countries and its neighbours. Visitors should be warned that the time taken for issuing, price, rules of calculating price (whether per entry, or per days in the country), validity of the visa, are guided by the whims and fancies of the officials.

Health
Health care is not developed in Nouakchott. Smaller places do not even have a basic health centre. It is advised that visitors have the best possible conditions in your traveller's insurance before you set out. Water is not fresh and it is best that travellers carry their own water. Tropical diseases represent only a small problem in the north, but beware in the south. Hepatitis, malaria, tuberculosis, and brucellosis, are diseases of Mauritania, but are quite rare. The major threat to your health is bad vehicles, being used fearlessly in the desert and on narrow roads. Another major problem faced by tourists is the lack of potable water in certain areas.

Climate
Mauritania is very hot throughout the year and receives very little or no rain. But despite the dry heat, the climate is quite bearable. Some areas in the south have a constant climate throughout the year but summers in Nouakchott are not very different from the warm winters. However, there is more chance of rain during the summer. Travelling in mid-summer is not advised unless one visits the oases, where shadow is arranged, and where cool springs can make this season almost very pleasant. Night temperatures do not go below 20°C.

Due to such climate, it is difficult to choose a good time to visit Nouakchott. Winter is surely the time when most will find Mauritania at its most pleasant, but as stated above, certain areas offer pleasant stays even deep into the summer season.

Food & Drink
Nouakchott has a variety of restaurants one can choose to try ranging from Moroccan, Lebanese, Chinese and French restaurants. Local cuisine consists mainly of lamb, goat and rice and is available in most restaurants throughout Mauritania. Some dishes worth a try are mechoui (whole roast lamb), dates, spiced fish and rice with vegetables, fish balls, dried fish, dried meat and couscous. Consumption of alcohol is prohibited by the Islamic faith, but alcoholic beverages may be found in hotel bars. When in the city, don’t forget to try their popular drink called Zrig (camel’s milk), and sweet Arab tea with mint. A tip of 12 to 15 per cent if the bill is considered normal.

Special Events
Being predominantly a Muslim area almost all special events celebrated in Mauritania are Muslim holy days and feasts.

Social Conventions
Islam has been the major influence in this country since the seventh and eighth centuries. It is best that visitors take extra care to respect the faith. Women should be dressed modestly. Most of the population have traditionally been nomadic herdsmen and are divided into two main Moorish groups, the Bidan (55 per cent) and the Harattin (20 per cent). The non-Moorish population is concentrated in the Senegal River area.