Security travel advice for Mauritania

How safe is Mauritania?

Threat level: Medium - High
The current travel advice for Mauritania is to remain vigilant during travel inside the country. The present government of the country came to power in a military coup d'état in August 2008 but since then it has enjoyed a relatively stable political situation.

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Mauritania is part of the Sahel region that includes Niger, Mauritania, and Mali; Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has established foothold in the country and it is possible that there are training camps in the west of the country near Mali.

COVID-19 Situation in Mauritania

Due to the pandemic situation around the world, Mauritania has implemented restrictions to curb the spread of the virus: the use of face masks is mandatory on public transport and in shops, people must maintain a distance of 1.5m between each other in public and a nationwide curfew has been imposed between 20:00 and 06:00.

Flights have resumed but remain limited. When travelling to Mauritania, you must present a negative PCR test result on arrival, taken no more than 72 hours prior to arrival and you must complete a health declaration form. You will also be subject to temperature check and screening upon arrival.

Recent security risk events
There have been attacks on “Westerners” in Mauritania in 2008 and 2010 when two Spanish aid workers were kidnapped by Al-Qaeda. It is believed that citizens of Mauritania are vulnerable to being subjected to Islamic extremism and can be easily radicalised. The overall travel advice for Mauritania is that all travellers should exercise particular caution when in busy areas, be aware there is a heightened global threat of terror against westerns.

Security risks
The main areas of concern in Mauritania are: the Mali border regions the Hodh El Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions of southeastern Mauritania, the eastern half of the Assaba region (east of Kiffa), Tidjika and the eastern half of the Tagant region of central Mauritania (east of Tidjika), the eastern half of the Adrar region (east of Chinguetti) and the Tiris-Zemmour region of northern Mauritania. Travel to such areas are advised against however if you are planning on visiting these areas you should exercise a high level of caution at all times.

Crime rates have steadily increased in recent years. The Nouakchott and ‘Le Cinquième’ district is a particular hot spot for muggings occur, therefore you should avoid this area after dark and don’t walk along the isolated beach alone if possible.

There is also a growing concern that kidnapping by terrorist groups may become more prevalent, especially along the border with Mali.

Islamic ideals and beliefs in the country encourage conservative dress and behaviour. Sleeved and below-the-knee garments are recommended, particularly when travelling in areas not frequented by Westerners. The Mauritanian government prohibits the printing and distribution of non-Islamic religious materials, although possession of these materials is legal. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania recognizes Islam as the sole religion of its citizens and the state. Religious freedom is restricted under the constitution and other laws and policies.

Mauritania's International Relations

The country gained independence from France in 1960 and since then, has enjoyed strong diplomatic relations with Mali, Algeria and the United Arab Republic. Shortly after its independence, the country joined the United Nations and the Organization of African Unity in 1963.

Following a military coup d'état in 2005, Mauritania's membership in the African Union was suspended and has left in a somewhat state of isolation among the other African countries. It was able to join again after the democratic presidential elections in 2007, however following another attempted coup a year later, membership was once again suspended.

Travelling around Mauritania

You can drive in Mauritania with most national licences, as driving policies are not strictly enforced. There are regular police and military checkpoints in the city of Nouakchott and on all the major routes in to the city. It is vital that all travel within the country is planned and that any authorisation to travel in to certain areas is acquired prior to travel.

Driving is dangerous in Mauritania, the use of headlight on full beam and vehicles on main supply routes using no lights at all is very common. Driving fatalities in Mauritania are on par with Afghanistan, about seven times higher than in the UK.

With the country being 90% desert, it is strongly advised to ensure that particular attention is paid to logistics, fuel, water and provisions. Further to this, ensure that you have suitable satellite communications in case you require assistance or lose your way.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Emergency Services in Mauritania

Police emergency in Cities: (la police nationale): 117
Police emergency: (le gendarmerie): 116
Medical emergency: 118
Fire emergency: 118
Traffic accidents: GGSR (le groupement général de la sécurité routière): 119

Mauritania Overview

Capital: Nouakchott
Official languages: Arabic & French
Religion: Islam
Currency: Ouguiya (MRO)

Consular information for Mauritania

U.S. Embassy Nouakchott
Note: located between the Presidency building and the Spanish Embassy on Rue Abdallaye
The postal address:
B.P. 222,
Nouakchott,
Mauritania
Telephone: +222 4525 26601
Telephone: +222 4525 2663, 4525 1145 or 4525 3288
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +222 3662 8163
Fax: +254 20 363 6501
Email: ConsularNKC@state.gov

Note: The British Government does not have an Embassy in Nouakchott, all interests are managed via the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco
British Embassy Rabat
28 Avenue S.A.R. Sidi Mohammed,
Souissi 10105 (BP 45),
Rabat,
Morocco
Telephone: +212 537 633 333
Fax: +212 537 758 709
Email: ConsularNKC@state.gov

Visa requirements for Mauritania

A passport valid for at least six months is required to enter Mauritania. Most foreign nationals will require a visa to enter the country and you must provide an invitation letter with your visa application stating the purpose of your trip.

Healthcare and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to Mauritania are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is recommended for most travellers to also get a Tetanus, Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccinations.

There is a small risk of Yellow Fever in some areas of Mauritania. A vaccination is not compulsory for all travellers to the country however, if you are coming from a country where there is a risk of Yellow Fever, or transiting for longer than 12 hours in an at risk country, you will have to provide a certificate of Yellow Fever vaccination. Check with your local health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.
Malaria is an issue within parts of the country and precautions against the contraction of the disease is essential. This includes procedures such as wearing appropriate, long sleeved clothing, the use of insect-repellent spray and mosquito nets at night time. Use of antimalarial medication is advised.

Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection also known as bilharzia) is also an issue, so contact with with fresh water including activities such as swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams is advised against.

Personal hygiene must be paramount, the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. There have been a number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold, which can lead to illness.

Medical facilities are very good in Mauritania but if an incident occurs in the desert then medical care can be a very long way off. It is important to ensure that someone in the party is trained to a high standard of first aid and has equipment with them.