Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North Africa
Mauritanian 'payments'? Mauritanian 'payments'?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
North Africa Topics specific to North Africa and the Sahara down to the 17th parallel (excludes Morocco)
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Trans Sahara Routes.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: London
Posts: 6
Question Mauritanian 'payments'?
Hey, a few of us are planning on driving London - Banjul and asking around, the topic of officials requesting 'small payments' to let you through in Mauritania has come up.

Im just wondering what peoples experiences have been?

I have been advised to contact the Mauritania embassy in Paris and get them to provide an official document showing border crossing and checkpoint crossings are free, presenting it on the occasion we are stopped for one of these 'payments'.

Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Madrid
Posts: 334
I ve crossed just few days ago Mauritania on my way to Dakar and I can tell you the last thing you have to worry about are payments. Not at all on the road, few road blocks but not money required. You will be asked for them in Senegal.

The main problem is gas. When I arrived the Total Fill Station 215 km north from Nouakchott there was no petrol for me. So take on you enough gas to ride 650 km from the moroccan border to Nouakchott.

Do not cross to Senegal by Roso ferry, better go through Diama border. There they probably would ask for 10 euros for customs and 10 more for the police pocket. Maybe useful that letter from the embassy.

Good luck

viajes de invierno
__________________
www.miquelsilvestre.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 9
I crossed a month or so back.
Get your visa from Rabat. They are not issuing visa's at the border. No payments required. However loads of road blocks/checkpoints so have enough Fiche to give to them. Reckon about a dozen should be fine.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: London
Posts: 6
Thanks for all the heads up.

Wondering if having a official document from the Mauritanian embassy to prevent these 'payments' will just provoke the local authorities into not letting us pass or whether they will infact be worthwhile. What do you guys think?

Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 26 Mar 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Scotland
Posts: 28
if your in a hurry or plan on doing something illegal like selling cars in the country then youll have to pay but i think a laugh and a joke with them, tell them - c'est interdit and youll be on your way no bother.. as afore mentioned, dont forget your fiches and if you travelling convoy put everyones details on one and give it to the front vehicle, its quicker..
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Mar 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,465
We weren't asked for money passing through in January.
Quite a difference from a few years ago when they were endlessly searching our cars asking for bribes.
Perhaps their salaries went up.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 27 Mar 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 9
Rosso
Forgot to add, as Miquel mentioned DO NOT, repeat DO NOT cross at Rosso.... Looking back it was an experience (a bit dogdy at that) but if you dont want to waste a whole day waiting, paying bribes etc go to Diama....

Actually, one of the best things we did was cross a border in the middle of nowhere from The Gambia back in to Senegal. There was a guy alseep in a room and we had to tell him what papers to give us. 200 Dalasi, a couple of ciggerettes and a laugh and we were on our way!
Point being, the smaller the border the better!
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Mauritanian visa panhandle1300 North Africa 12 14 Mar 2009 21:18
Mauritanian Visa? craigcc Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 3 12 Nov 2008 23:18
Some Mauritanian info: armadillo North Africa 18 13 Oct 2007 13:36
Mauritanian Weather Richard K Route Planning 3 23 Jan 2004 01:43
Mauritanian nicomo North Africa 1 10 Sep 2002 22:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 19:14.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top