Mauritania - Do you need a Carnet?

[biggee1968]

Hi all

I get some conflicting views on whether a Carnet de Passage is required to cross Mauritania from W Sahara to Senegal and can't seem to get a straight answer from the RAC. I have read some info which suggests that some other documents might be enough. The trip is planned for the end of March.

Please help!

Thanks

G

[Titbird]

I used one last year going through Mauritania but this year they refused to stamp it. They turned the carnet around and pointed out that Mauritania is not on the list of countries that acknowledge the carnet and told me to buy a laissez passer. I think it was around 10 euro's.
The same happened in Mali, used it last year, this year, no go.

[Henn]

In December 2010 we crossed Western Sahara to Mauritania without a carnet.

No mention of it and no problem. We received some form of temporary import paper.

[EddieWouldGo]

Watch out with your Temporary Import Permit (Laissez-Passer) - they are simple enough to get at the border, but will not be for the same duration as your visa.

Apparently normally they're given for 1 week, mine was valid for 6 days.
Given half a chance some Douanes officers will enjoy notifying you of an infraction in your paperwork...
If you're planning on lingering in Mauri, then they can be extended for free in Nouakchott at the Direction Generale de Douanes.

I have only left Mauritania once, but when I did the Douanes border guy was insistent that it cost 3000 Ougiyas to leave with any vehicle. Don't know if it's the same at all posts - this was Mali border at Gogui.
If you are believed to be Chuck Norris and can strike up a good conversation it is possible to pay with some German Milk though.

These experiences are from November 2011.

Eddie.

[biggee1968]

Thanks everyone for your insight