The Mauritanian authorities have agreed to issue three-month multiple-entry visas to Moroccan professional drivers involved in international road transport between Morocco, Mauritania, and other countries in West Africa and the Sahel region.
This decision, facilitated by the Moroccan Embassy in Nouakchott last week, marks a positive development in bilateral relations. The embassy expressed its appreciation for the prompt and favorable response from Mauritanian authorities, acknowledging the significant impact this measure will have on the efficiency of cross-border transport.
Previously, Moroccan drivers had to apply for a separate visa for each entry into Mauritania, which posed logistical challenges and hindered the development of their business activities. The new visa regime, which will allow easier access to Mauritania, aims to streamline transport operations and support the movement of goods between Morocco and Mauritania, as well as across the wider West African and Sahel regions. The Moroccan embassy has urged professional drivers and international transport companies to use the designated electronic platform to apply for the new three-month multiple-entry visa, ensuring a smooth transition to the updated policy.
This visa decision is part of a broader context of growing cooperation between Morocco and Mauritania. Recent agreements, such as the historic electricity interconnection deal and the development of a new strategic trade corridor linking Esmara with the Mauritanian border, highlight the strengthening of economic and diplomatic ties between the two nations. With trade between the countries reaching $300 million in 2023, the new visa policy is expected to further enhance economic relations, providing greater ease of movement for professionals and facilitating the continued growth of cross-border trade.