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Mauritania
Country Specific Information
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June 17, 2008
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,
contact 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, or e-mail Mauritania@un.int. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Mauritanian embassy or consulate.
See our information on dual nationality , the prevention of international child abduction and Customs regulations.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: On December 24, 2007, terrorists shot and killed four French tourists and wounded a fifth near the town of Aleg, in southeastern
Mauritania. On December 26, 2007, 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 early
in the morning of February 1, 2008. The perpetrators of these attacks are believed to be linked to the terrorist organization
Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (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 check http://mauritania.usembassy.gov for current Consular Warden messages concerning Mauritania.
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 travelers avoid travel in regions east of Zouerate, Ouadane, Tichit, and Oulata unless
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 more 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.
Political gatherings and street demonstrations occur periodically. During periods of political unrest, demonstrators have
been known to throw rocks at passing cars. An increased police presence and additional vehicle controls may also be expected.
U.S. citizens should avoid large crowds and maintain security awareness at all times.
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. 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 Affair’s web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements , including 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 pamphlet 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 and 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, you 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, some
involving injury to victims, reported 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, assist you in finding appropriate
medical care, contact family members or friends, and explain how funds can 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.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
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 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 at http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/.
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 hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.
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 Mauritania is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate
in a particular location or circumstance.
Public transportation is not very 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 take rides offered by strangers.
The traditional route to Nouadhibou, prior to the completion of a paved road, had been 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 you 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 wide spread. 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 Mauritania’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil
Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s internet website
at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
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. You should 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.
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 Mauritania’s laws,
even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession or use of, or trafficking in illegal
drugs in Mauritania 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.
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. You may contact the Consular Section by e-mail at ConsularNKC@state.gov.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 29, 2008, to update the section on Safety and Security.
