Lack of internet exacerbates Moroccan trucks' struggles with Mauritania's e-visa

Moroccan international freight truck drivers at the Guerguerat border crossing are fuming over Mauritania’s new e-visa system, criticizing its one-month validity and the difficulties in accessing the designated online portal.

Industry insiders noted that the visa’s limited duration, which covers only a single trip, has created serious challenges for Moroccan drivers.

Cherki Al Hashmi, national secretary of the General Union of International and National Transport Professionals, described the e-visa as a significant obstacle for Moroccan trucks at the Guerguerat crossing and along the Mali-Mauritania border.

In a statement to Hespress Ar, Al Hashmi emphasized that the e-visa’s very short duration and single-destination restriction are major issues. “Adding to the problem is the difficulty of accessing the online portal due to the lack of internet in travel zones and at many rest stops,” he said.

He also pointed out that “many Moroccan trucks are now stuck at the Guerguerat crossing and along the Mali-Mauritania border as a result.”

The same spokesperson has urged Moroccan authorities to step in urgently to address this costly issue. He pointed out the financial strain on drivers, who are forced to spend nights at border crossings while waiting for internet access to apply for the e-visa. “Moroccan truck drivers are not tourists; they are professionals in trade who travel frequently,” he emphasized.

He clarified that Moroccan drivers “respect Mauritania’s sovereign decisions but are simply asking for a special arrangement to ensure smoother access to Mauritanian territory.”

Sources previously told Hespress that delays at the Guerguerat crossing were caused by Moroccan trucks failing to comply with the e-visa system.

Mustapha Chaaoune, President of the African Union of Transport Organizations and Secretary-General of the Democratic Organization for Multimodal Transport and Logistics, acknowledged the technical challenges drivers face when accessing Mauritania’s e-visa portal.

He added that his organization had reached out to Mauritanian authorities on the matter and was assured that a solution is on the way.

Chaaoune stressed that “Mauritania’s decision is entirely within its sovereign rights, and Moroccan drivers need to adapt and comply with the regulations.”

He also noted that Mauritanian authorities had provided ample notice before implementing the new policy.

He urged Moroccan truck drivers to “apply for the Mauritanian e-visa well ahead of their travel plans.”