Last updated: [12/17/20]
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IMPORTANT: There will be no more evacuation flights from Mauritania to the United States. U.S. citizens have many options to depart Mauritania via commercial airlines.
Please email consularNKC@state.gov if you have questions about returning to the United States.
Country-Specific Information:
- Mauritania has 11629 confirmed cases of COVID-19 within its borders, of which 3104 active, 8281 recovered and 244 death.
- The Mauritanian government has established a Coronavirus hotline which can be reached by dialing 1155.
- As of December 13, 2020, the Mauritanian Government imposed a curfew from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am.
- Schools/universities are closed until at least January 4th, 2021.
- Large gatherings are no longer allowed and Friday prayers is suspended until further notice.
- Masks are required in public areas and Government buildings.
- Most services are open including grocery stores and markets.
Entry and Exit Requirements:
- Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
- Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes
Movement Restrictions:
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
Quarantine Information:
- Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
- Due to the constantly evolving situation, we cannot confirm the quarantine procedures upon entry into neighboring countries or upon entry into Mauritania.
COVID-19 Testing:
- U.S. citizens who seek a COVID-19 test may seek on at the following two locations:1. The old Cardiology Hospital (Transfusion Center).
2. The public health office across from the morgue entrance to the National Hospital.
Antibody tests are available at many labs including Maurilab and Clinique Abiba.
Transportation Options:
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes, Limited commercial flights are available.
- Is public transportation operating? Yes, masks are required in public areas, but this rule is seldom enforced.
Fines for Non-Compliance:
- There are no known fines or punishments for not wearing a mask in a public area, but the U.S. embassy highly recommends wearing a mask as often as possible.
Consular Operations:
- The Consular Section offers American Citizen Services by appointment only. If you need ACS services, please review the instructions at https://mr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/
- The Consular Section has suspended routine tourist visa services, but is offering some student visa appointments. If you need a student visa (F1) interview, please send your I-20 to consularnkc@state.gov. The Consular Office will contact you with proposed interview date and time.
Local Resources:
- Mauritanian Ministry of Health: http://www.sante.gov.mr/
- World Health Organization’s Mauritania Office: https://www.who.int/countries/mrt/fr/
- Mauritania’s official news agency: http://www.ami.mr/
- Mauritanian public radio: https://www.radiomauritanie.mr/
- View U.S. Embassy Mauritania’s Most Recent Alerts https://mr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/security-and-travel-information/
Other Links:
- COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov
- CDC page on COVID-19
- Travel.state.gov Country Information and Travel Advisory page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Mauritania.html
