Mauritania

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117 for police. 
• Centralized ambulance services are limited or unavailable.

Terrorism

Terrorist groups, and people inspired by them, linked to al-Qa'ida and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS), operate in large parts of the Sahel, to include along the border with Mali. These groups remain active. They may use knives, guns, and vehicles to attack crowds. 

Do not travel to the easternmost region of Mauritania, due to activities by terrorist groups including  al-Qaeda affiliates Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM). They are active in the neighboring regions of Mali.

Terrorists may target: 

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation systems (buses, shared taxis and vans, and commercial flights)

U.S. government employee restrictions

U.S. government employees can travel outside Nouakchott only during the day due to risk of terrorism. They cannot walk alone outside of specific areas and times. 

• U.S. government employees must get special permission from the Government of Mauritania to travel outside Nouakchott. This helps them move smoothly through security checkpoints on major roads

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

Violent crimes occur frequently outside the Tevragh Zeina neighborhoods in Nouakchott. They include mugging, armed robbery, and assault. 

• Local police lack the resources to respond quickly and effectively to serious crimes. 
• Transportation options and communication infrastructure are limited outside Nouakchott. 
• Opportunistic crime is common in Mauritania. Several homes and private individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been targeted by violent criminals within the past 5 years. 
• In Nouakchott, rape, armed robberies, and burglaries occur at homes and busy streets in broad daylight. Some incidents have been violent. The use of knives and other weapons is becoming more common.
• U.S. Embassy staff and their family members are prohibited from walking alone outside of designated areas and times.
• U.S. citizens have been victims of assaults, including sexual assaults

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.  Financial scams and Internet romance scams can occur in Mauritania. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic relationship” online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers may pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help. 

Victims of crime

• Local authorities are responsible for investigation and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117. You can also contact the U.S. Embassy at 4525-2660 or after hours at 3662-8163.

Review our information for Victims of Crime.  

The U.S. embassy or consulate can: 

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.  
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police. 
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. 
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.  
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. 
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States. 
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need. 
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence 

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance. 
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States. 
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.  
• on’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks. 
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk. 
• Emergency response and medical treatment are not available. 
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. 

Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Adventure travel 

• Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tips for Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.  

• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Mauritania seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.  

Arrest notification 

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.  

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations. 

• They may be illegal according to local laws.  
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.  
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.  

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith-based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:  

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Islamic faith and customs

Mauritania recognizes Islam as the sole religion of its citizens and the state. 

• Islamic ideals and beliefs in Mauritania encourage conservative dress and behavior. 
• Religious freedom is limited. Actions seen as offensive to Islamic values can lead to penalties such as fines. 
• Participation in Christian gatherings and activities that have not been authorized by the Mauritanian government is illegal. 

Proselytizing in Mauritania is illegal and may lead to deportation, arrest, prosecution, or incarceration

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no laws that protect persons from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. 
• Consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is criminalized and may be punishable by death, though the government has not enforced the death penalty in recent years. 
• Consensual, same-sex sexual conduct between women is punishable by 3 months to 2 years in prison and a monetary fine. 
• Other laws may be used to target people based on real or perceived sexual orientation.

Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

The law in Mauritania does not prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities. 

• People with disabilities will find accessibility and accommodation very limited. 
• There are very few sidewalks or paved roads, and few buildings are wheelchair accessible.

Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers  

• Review our information for Women Travelers. 
• Review our information on Marriage. 
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) has been practiced in Mauritania, though rates and practices vary.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Mauritania Travelers Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations. 
• CDC Medical Tourism information 
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency phone numbers

• Centralized ambulance services are limited or unavailable.

Ambulance services

• Dial 118 for Ambulance services as they are not widely available. 
• Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Ambulances often have little or no medical or advanced equipment.  

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims. 

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice 

Healthcare facilities 

Health facilities are not available across Mauritania and do not meet U.S. standards of healthcare.

• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.  
• Medical staff may speak little or no English. 
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.

Prescription medications 

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls. Local pharmacies are to be used with caution.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally. 

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States. 

For more information: 

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Food and Drug Administration

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• Assisted reproductive technology and surrogacy are not known to be available in Mauritania. 

Water quality and food safety 

• In Mauritania, tap water is not safe to drink. 
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. 
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water. 
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling. 
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad. 

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. The forecast uses artificial intelligence, historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Mauritania. 
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page. 
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow. 

For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

• Overland travel is hard, and there is no roadside help if you break down. Mauritania's large size and harsh climate make it difficult to build and fix roads.  Even a little rain can make paved roads in Nouakchott impassable for cars without high clearance.
• U.S. citizens traveling overland for long distances in Mauritania should travel in convoys. Be sure to have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, a local guide, an adequate supply of water and food, and a second fuel reservoir. Multiple vehicles are recommended in case of breakdown. 
• Cell phone service is limited in many parts of the country.
• Bring a Global Positioning System (GPS) device and a satellite phone if you travel to remote areas. Do not travel alone into the desert or after dark when outside of major urban areas.

Traffic laws  

You must have a valid U.S. driver’s license and a valid International Driving Permit to drive in the country.

• Driving in Mauritania can be dangerous. Consider hiring a trained local driver. 
• Many Mauritanians drive without regard to traffic signs or rules. 
• Drivers often face problems like sand drifts, animals on the road, and poor road conditions. These dangers, along with untrained drivers and poorly kept vehicles, raise the risk of car accidents.
• Drivers should be extremely vigilant, and all vehicle occupants should always wear their seat belts. 
• Motorcycle and bicycle riders should wear helmets and protective clothing. Avoid night-time driving. 
• Travel at night between cities in Mauritania is generally prohibited for U.S. Embassy staff. All driving outside of the capital of Nouakchott requires a minimum of 2 vehicles.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis and public transportation are not safe for foreign visitors to Mauritania. 

• U.S. Embassy personnel are not authorized to use public transportation.
• Traditional ride-share apps like Uber and Lyft are not available for use in Mauritania

Public and commercial transportation 

Public transportation in Mauritania is limited. It does not meet U.S. standards, especially outside the capital. Nouakchott.

• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad. 

Aviation safety oversight 

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Mauritania  for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.  

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Mauritania should check the following:  

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings 
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

Mauritania experiences extreme heat and drought conditions that peak between the months of April to June.

• Dust storms— Mauritania frequently experiences sand and dust storms through the dry season of December to February.
• Heavy rainfall—Despite the dry climate, brief intense rainfall can cause dangerous flash floods during the rainy season from July to September. This is common in low-lying areas and dry riverbeds.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates