Mauritania

Hoodlum offers expert film fixer services in Mauritania, facilitating international productions of every scale with a full range of services, including location scouting, obtaining permits, full range of logistic support and connecting production teams with local talent and experienced crew.

Ultimate Filming Guide for Mauritania

Capital

Nouakchott

Main Cities

Dakhlet Nouadhibou/Kiffa/Assaba/Dar Naim/Nouakchott Nord

Local Languages

Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof

Currency

Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO)

Climate

Diverse Climate

General Visa Requirements:

A vaccine certificate is required for the following: Typhoid; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Polio; Yellow Fever; Rabies; Tdap; MMR

Required Documents:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
  • 4 recent photos
  • 2 completed and signed visa forms
  • A cover letter from the applicant’s employer
  • View application link

Visa Application Process:

  • Valid passport details (issue and expiry dates)
  • Completed Mauritania Visa Application form
  • Date of arrival and departure
  • Flight information
  • Hotel confirmation documents
  • Invitation Letter
  • Money order
  • Vaccination Card

Processing Time:

30 Day Visa: $55 90 Day Visa: $95 360 Day Visa: $190

Cost:

30 Day Visa: $55 90 Day Visa: $95 360 Day Visa: $190

Accreditation Requirements:

Hoodlum Film Fixers Mauritania ensures compliance with regulatory authorities, standards, and technical regulations, guaranteeing safe and compliant equipment. We are allied with The International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), promoting competency, professional management, and public services through international standards and licensing.

Required Documents:

To apply for accreditation, please provide: List of equipment; Crew passports; Project synopsis; Filming locations within Mauritania; Project duration; Details of final broadcaster

Processing Time:

10 working days

Cost:

Local production company partnership fee (mandatory) Accreditation permit issued at no additional charge.

Issuing Organization:

  • Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports
  • Relations with Parliament, Minister Spokesperson for the Government

Required Documents:

Request letter including Synopsis of the project; Duration of the project; Region of the project; Filming and final broadcast channel.

Processing Time:

10 business days

Cost:

No cost for the permit itself. Application fee applies (amount to be confirmed).

Location Scouting / Location Permits Information:

Hoodlum Film Fixers Mauritania will facilitate negotiations with the private owner to establish mutually agreeable terms and conditions for filming at the location.

Location Scouting / Permitting Cost & Processing Time

We will negotiate a fee with the private owner, ensuring a fair and transparent agreement for both parties.

Drone Regulations:

The Mauritanian agency responsible for drone safety, ANAC, has not codified drone use regulations. This lack of regulation does not imply unrestricted flying. Customs officials may confiscate drones due to unclear laws.

Drone Importation Regulations:

To apply for a local drone authorization: Obtain authorization from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation; Submit a formal request outlining the purpose of drone usage; Provide specifications of the drone(s); Intended filming locations; Duration of stay in the country; Drone registration; Drone insurance; Details of the operator’s qualifications/license

Permit Issuance:

The Civil Aviation Authority Mauritania issues drone permits.

Timing:

Approximately 8-16 weeks.

Cost:

Application cost only (amount not specified).

Carnet Status:

Mauritania is not a Carnet country.

Required Documents:

However, personal effects, including professional equipment, can be temporarily imported duty-free and tax-free under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment, provided they are carried by hand or in luggage.

Issuing Organization:

Customs Administration

Timing:

Approximately 10 working days (2 weeks)

Cost:

Customs duties: subject to tariffs, depending on the list of gear and customs regime Statistical import charge: 1% of the equipment’s value

General Overview:

Mauritania is considered a safe country, and security measures are generally not necessary.

Security Requirements:

The western region of Mauritania, approximately 1200 km from the capital, is a closed military zone. Military authorization is required to pass through this area.

Rebates/Incentives:

No rebate / incentives

Contact our Local Team

Hoodlum Film Fixers

Meet Our Local Team

Name:
Adhoy- Hoodlum
Country:
Mauritania
Email:
africa@hoodlum.tv
Address:
Ilot K extension - zone N lot 111 - Nouakchott /Mauritania

Client Brief

Fill in our client brief and we’ll get back to you with everything you need to start filming in this region.

Services We Provide in Mauritania

Accommodation

Airport Protocol & On-Ground Support

Casting & Talent

Catering

Crew Sourcing

Customs Clearance

Drone & Aerial Permits

Drone & Drone Operator

Equipment Rentals

Film Permits

Line Producers & Production Management

Local Film Fixers

Locations / RECCE’s

Logistics

Rebates & Incentives

Research

Risk Management

Security

Set Dressing / Production Design

Transport & Vehicles

Visas & Work Permits

Introduction

Hoodlum provides expert film fixer services in Mauritania, offering full production support for international film and television crews. With deep local knowledge and hands-on experience, we handle every aspect of your shoot—from securing film permits and visa assistance to location scouting, crew sourcing, equipment rental, customs clearance, transportation, accommodation, and post-production services.

Mauritania’s breathtaking landscapes—vast desert dunes, rugged mountains, ancient caravan routes, and stunning Atlantic coastlines—offer a unique and cinematic backdrop for commercials, feature films, TV series, documentaries, reality shows, and still photography projects.

Planning a shoot in Mauritania? Hoodlum ensures a smooth and efficient production process, managing logistics from permits and visas to equipment rentals, transportation, and accommodations. Let us take care of the details while you focus on bringing your creative vision to life. Contact us today for expert production support in Mauritania.

Country Overview

Located in the northwest corner of Africa, Mauritania offers a unique blend of rugged desert landscapes, scenic coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. With its diverse geography and welcoming people, Mauritania is an exciting destination for film and TV productions.

Bordering Countries:

In the northwest by Western Sahara, to the northeast by Algeria, to the east and southeast by Mali, and to the southwest by Senegal.

Main Cities:

Nouakchott/Dakhlet Nouadhibou/Kiffa/Assaba/Dar Naim/Nouakchott Nord

Local Languages:

Arabic is the official and national language. Pulaar, Soninke, and Wolof are also national languages. French is widely spoken, especially by the educated. 

Local Currency:

Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRO)

Climate:

Mauritania’s climate can be categorized into two seasons: summer, which spans from May- October, and winter, which lasts from November-April.

Temperature Range in Nouadhibou

The coastal city of Nouadhibou experiences a relatively mild temperature range. In January, temperatures fluctuate between 55°F-79°F (13°C-26°C), while in October, they range from 66°F-90°F (19°C-32°C).

Regional Climate Variations

The country’s climate varies significantly across regions. The northern and central parts of Mauritania have a desert climate, whereas the far south receives higher rainfall.

Visa Requirements

Required Documents

To apply for a visa, the following documents are necessary:

  • A valid passport with at least 6 months’ validity
  • 4 recent photos
  • 2 completed and signed visa forms
  • A cover letter from the applicant’s employer

Additional Information and Documentation

The following information and documents are also required:

  • Valid passport details (issue and expiry dates)
  • Completed Mauritania Visa Application form
  • Date of arrival and departure
  • Flight information
  • Hotel confirmation documents
  • Invitation Letter
  • Money order
  • Vaccination Card

Processing Timings

Visa applications must be submitted at least 1 month before the planned trip.
Visa processing typically takes 3-5 weeks.

Cost

Visa clearance fees:

  • 30 Day Visa: $55
  • 90 Day Visa: $95
  • 360 Day Visa: $190

Vaccine Requirements

A vaccine certificate is required for the following: Typhoid; Hepatitis A; Hepatitis B; Polio; Yellow Fever; Rabies; Tdap; MMR

Visa Application Link:

International Crew Accreditation

Hoodlum Film Fixers Mauritania ensures compliance with regulatory authorities, standards, and technical regulations, guaranteeing safe and compliant equipment. We are allied with The International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), promoting competency, professional management, and public services through international standards and licensing.

Required Information and Documentation:
To apply for accreditation, please provide: List of equipment; Crew passports; Project synopsis; Filming locations within Mauritania; Project duration; Details of final broadcaster

Processing Time:
10 working days

Cost:
Local production company partnership fee (mandatory)
Accreditation permit issued at no additional charge

General Film Permit

Issuing Organization:
Ministry of Culture, Youth & Sports
Relations with Parliament, Minister Spokesperson for the Government

Processing Time:
10 business days

Required Information and Documentation:
Request letter including: Synopsis of the project; Duration of the project; Region of the project; Filming and final broadcast channel

Cost:
No cost for the permit itself. Application fee applies (amount to be confirmed)

Private Locations

Negotiation Process
Hoodlum Film Fixers Mauritania will facilitate negotiations with the private owner to establish mutually agreeable terms and conditions for filming at the location.

Fees
We will negotiate a fee with the private owner, ensuring a fair and transparent agreement for both parties.

Drone Permit
Drone Regulations
Yes, drone regulations exist in Mauritania, but the process is complex and handled by Air Force authorities.

Drone Importation Regulations
The Mauritanian agency responsible for drone safety, ANAC, has not codified drone use regulations. This lack of regulation does not imply unrestricted flying. Customs officials may confiscate drones due to unclear laws.

Permit Issuance
The Civil Aviation Authority Mauritania issues drone permits.

Required Information and Documentation
To apply for a local drone authorization: Obtain authorization from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation; Submit a formal request outlining the purpose of drone usage; Provide specifications of the drone(s); Intended filming locations; Duration of stay in the country; Drone registration; Drone insurance; Details of the operator’s qualifications/license

Processing Time
Approximately 8-16 weeks

Cost
Application cost only (amount not specified)

Equipment Customs Clearance

Carnet Status
Mauritania is not a Carnet country. However, personal effects, including professional equipment, can be temporarily imported duty-free and tax-free under the Customs Convention on Temporary Importation of Professional Equipment, provided they are carried by hand or in luggage.

Issuing Organization:
Customs Administration

Processing Time:
Approximately 10 working days (2 weeks)

Cost:
Customs duties: subject to tariffs, depending on the list of gear and customs regime
Statistical import charge: 1% of the equipment’s value

Safety and Security

Mauritania is considered a safe country, and security measures are generally not necessary.

The western region of Mauritania, approximately 1200 km from the capital, is a closed military zone. Military authorization is required to pass through this area.