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Mauritania
Country Specific Information
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April 24, 2009
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Mauritania is a developing country in northwestern Africa. Arabic is the official language, but French is widely used
and several local languages are also spoken. Tourist facilities in the capital, Nouakchott, are adequate, but limited or
non-existent elsewhere. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Mauritania for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A passport and a visa are required, as is evidence of a yellow fever vaccination. For the most current visa information, email the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, tel. (202) 232-5700, or the Mauritanian Permanent Mission to the UN, 211 East
43rd Street, Suite 2000, New York, NY 10017, telephone (212) 986-7963 or 8189. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the
nearest Mauritanian embassy or consulate.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: There is increasing activity by the terrorist group Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) in Mauritania. In December
2007, terrorists shot and killed four French tourists and wounded a fifth near the town of Aleg in southeastern Mauritania.
Two days later, terrorists killed four soldiers near the town of El Ghallaouiya in northern Mauritania. These two attacks
were followed by an attack on the Israeli Embassy and an adjoining nightclub frequented by westerners in February 2008. Terrorists
killed 11 Mauritanian soldiers out on patrol approximately 40 miles from the northern town of Zouerate in September 2008.
The perpetrators of these attacks are all believed to be linked to AQIM. These are the first attacks that have occurred in
Mauritania since June 2005, when members of the terrorist group GSPC (now known as AQIM) attacked a military outpost based
at Lemgheity, near the Algerian and Malian borders. In the attack, they killed or wounded about 35 soldiers. Travelers should
avoid all non-essential travel to the Hodh El Charghi region of southeastern Mauritania due to increased AQIM activities in
the border area. Official Americans continue to travel to the town of Atar, although AQIM has also talked about targeting
Westerners there. Travelers should check the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott for current Consular Warden messages concerning Mauritania.
The Mauritanian military led a bloodless coup on August 6, 2008. There has been increased political unrest following the
coup as well as more political gatherings and street demonstrations. The police have routinely been using tear gas and truncheons
to break up anti-coup demonstrations. The junta is planning to hold presidential elections on June 6, 2009. This could lead
to political violence in the run-up to the elections or following the announcement of the results. In addition, deteriorating
economic conditions could cause additional civil unrest. U.S. citizens should be prepared for an increased police presence,
avoid large crowds and maintain security awareness at all times.
Travelers should exercise prudence and caution when traveling in Mauritania. They should not venture outside of urban areas
unless in a convoy and accompanied by an experienced guide, and even then only if equipped with sturdy vehicles and ample
provisions. The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott has received reports of banditry and smuggling in the more remote parts of Mauritania.
Landmines also remain a danger along the border with the Western Sahara and travelers should cross only at designated border
posts. The U.S. Embassy recommends that Americans avoid travel in regions north and east of Zouerate, Ouadane, and Tichit
unless traveling with a government escort. Travelers planning overland trips from Mauritania to Morocco, Algeria, Senegal
or Mali should check with the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott before setting out. For more information about travel in Mauritania,
please see the section “Traffic Safety and Road Conditions” below.
In Nouakchott and other major cities in Mauritania, there is an increased security presence and additional checkpoints. Police
routinely conduct road blocks at which they may ask for proof of identity and drivers’ licenses. These checkpoints should
be respected. Americans visiting Mauritania should be prepared for such inquiries and carry their identification cards at
all times. It is best to drive cautiously and be prepared to stop at short notice.
American citizens should be aware of their surroundings at all times and maintain good personal security practices, including
always locking their homes and cars. They should avoid established patterns and take care not to draw attention to themselves.
When going out, they should avoid being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners and when in restaurants or cafes,
avoid sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street.
Although U.S. citizens are generally welcomed in Mauritania, there were reports of anti-American incidents such as threats
and stoning of vehicles, following the 1998 U.S. and British-led intervention in Iraq, and demonstrations outside the Embassy
during the 2003 U.S. intervention in Iraq. The United States Government's decision not to interact with the military junta
could lead to anti-American sentiment among junta supporters. Some Muslim extremists have occasionally perceived Christian
non-governmental organizations as a threat. However, local authorities closely monitor political violence and religious extremist
groups.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada
or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00
a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s information on A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Crime in Mauritania is moderate but steadily increasing. Most incidents occur in the cities and larger towns and are petty crimes, such as pick pocketing and the theft of improperly secured or openly visible valuables left in vehicles. Most criminal activity occurs at night and walking alone at night is not advisable. Residential burglaries and robberies, particularly at the beaches in Nouakchott, are not uncommon. In Nouakchott, travelers should avoid the beach at night. During the day, beach-goers should travel in large groups or stay in popular areas, because of the increase in the number of thefts and robberies there in the past several years. Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are rare, but increasing. Rapes and assaults have occurred and, in some instances, involved the American community. Foreign tourists, including Americans, might be targeted for kidnapping in Mauritania.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
There is no local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Mauritania.
Please see our information on Victims of Crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Name of Country laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Name of Country are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Mauritanian customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning the temporary import or export of items such
as firearms, narcotics, alcoholic drinks and pork products. Contact the Embassy of Mauritania in Washington, DC for specific
information regarding customs regulations.
The local currency is the ouguiya, and it may not be imported or exported. Credit cards can be used only at a few hotels
in the capital, Nouakchott, and the northwestern city of Nouadhibou. ATM machines are available only in Nouakchott. Major
foreign currencies are changeable in banks and numerous currency exchanges; however, this service is not always available
without advanced notice or prior arrangement. There is a risk of getting fraudulent bank notes even from banks which often
do not have the security means to detect fake bank notes. Furthermore, credit card fraud is a problem, so it is strongly
advisable to pay hotel bills in cash.
Islamic ideals and beliefs in the country encourage conservative dress. Sleeved garments and below-the-knee skirts are recommended,
and people should avoid wearing shorts.
Please see our Customs Information.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited. There are few modern clinics or hospitals beyond the capital and a few major
towns. At local pharmacies, some medicines are difficult to obtain; travelers are advised to bring their own supplies.
Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease. Chloroquine-resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease
that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Mauritania. Because travelers to Mauritania are at high risk for
contracting malaria, they should take one of the following anti-malarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil
(Malarone™). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate
anti-malarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures,
such as the use of insect repellents, may help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like
illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention
and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial drugs they have been taking. For additional information
on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, please visit the CDC travelers’ health web site.
The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Mauritania.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s websitee. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) website. Further general health information for travelers is available from the WHO.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Name of Country is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mauritania is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Public transportation is not safe and road conditions in Mauritania are generally poor, particularly in the interior. Overland
travel is difficult and roadside assistance is almost nonexistent. The country’s size and harsh climate make road maintenance
and repair especially problematic. Mauritania has only about 2,070 km (1,286 miles) of surfaced roads, 710 km (441 miles)
of unsurfaced roads, and 5,140 km (3,194 miles) of unimproved tracks. Drivers should not offer rides to hitchhikers, nor
should visitors to Mauritania accept rides offered by strangers.
The traditional route to Nouadhibou, prior to the completion of a paved road, was along the beach during low tide. Some travelers
continue to use this route, as do visitors to coastal fishing villages and other points of interest, and smugglers and others
who try to avoid the security checkpoints that are often established along the asphalt roads. Pedestrian visitors to the
beach should exercise caution because of the beach’s use as a route for motorized vehicles.
U.S. citizens traveling overland for long distances in Mauritania should travel in convoys and be sure to have suitable four-wheel
drive vehicles, a local guide, an adequate supply of water and food, and a second fuel reservoir. Multiple vehicles are recommended
in case of breakdown. A Global Position Satellite (GPS) receiver and satellite phone are essential when traveling in remote
areas. Visitors are urged not to travel alone into the desert.
Driving in Mauritania is treacherous, and we encourage travelers to hire a trained local driver. Traffic patterns differ
considerably from American-style “rules of the road,” and many Mauritanians drive without regard to traffic signs or rules.
Roadway obstructions and hazards caused by drifting sand, animals, and poor roads often plague motorists; when combined with
the number of untrained drivers and poorly maintained vehicles, heightened caution is imperative at all times. Drivers should
be alert to conditions and always wear their seat belts. Motorcycle and bicycle riders should wear helmets and protective
clothing. Nighttime driving is discouraged.
The telecommunications infrastructure is limited and cellular telephone coverage is not widespread. For those traveling outside
the major urban areas, it is recommended to have a satellite telephone readily available.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Mauritania, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Mauritania’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on the FAA's web site.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Mauritania are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Mauritania. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the embassy or consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located between the Presidency building and the Spanish Embassy on Rue Abdallaye. The postal address is B.P. 222, Nouakchott, telephone (222) 525-2660/2663, 525-1141/45, or 525-3038 (ext. 5441), and fax (222) 525-1592. The Consular Section may be contacted by e-mail.
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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Mauritania dated September 23, 2008, to update sections on Safety and Security, Information for Victim of Crime, and Medical Facilities and Health Information.
