France licence Mauritania

Driving in Mauritania with a France license

Short answer: to drive in Mauritania with a France license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your France license.

Bring an IDP

Yes — to drive in Mauritania on an France licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your France licence. Mauritania expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Convention basisMauritania uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

At the rental deskNouakchott desks request an IDP; 4x4 essential for desert crossings.

CarryCarry BOTH your France national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.

Minimum age18+ to drive; rental typically 21+ with a young-driver surcharge under 25

Validity1–3 years (you choose at checkout)

FormatDigital PDF you print yourself, plus a QR-verifiable ID card — accepted alongside printed permits

Last verified June 2026Source: 1949 Geneva Convention

Get my IDP for Mauritania Full Mauritania guide

French drivers should carry an International Driving Permit with their licence when driving outside the EU and EEA. Your International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing licence, prepared in the 1949 Geneva format and carried alongside your national licence.

Driving rules in Mauritania

Drive on the right.
Sand drifts across desert roads.
Alcohol is prohibited.
Carry passport, IDP and home licence.

Common questions

Can I drive in Mauritania with a France license?

to drive in Mauritania with a France license you need an International Driving Permit in the 1949 Geneva format, carried together with your France license. Mauritania uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

Is my France driver's license valid in Mauritania?

Yes — to drive in Mauritania on an France licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your France licence. Mauritania expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Do I need an International Driving Permit for Mauritania?

Yes — to drive in Mauritania on an France licence you should carry an International Driving Permit together with your France licence. Mauritania expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP.

Can I rent a car in Mauritania with a France license?

Nouakchott desks request an IDP; 4x4 essential for desert crossings.

What IDP format does Mauritania accept?

Mauritania uses the format of the 1949 Geneva Convention. Our certified translation is prepared in that exact format.

How do I get an International Driving Permit for Mauritania?

An International Driving Permit is a certified multilingual translation of your existing France license. You apply online, and it is issued as a printable PDF booklet with a QR-verifiable ID card in the 1949 Geneva format Mauritania uses — carried alongside your France license.

Do I still carry my France license?

Carry BOTH your France national licence and the IDP at all times. The IDP is a translation of your licence and never replaces it.