mauritania travel safety

Update April 12, 2024

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

Mauritania - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to crime and terrorism .  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel To:

• Areas designated as off limits by the Mauritanian military due to crime and terrorism .

Country Summary: Violent crimes, such as mugging, armed robbery, and assault, are common. Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes.

Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting places frequented by Westerners.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mauritania as U.S. government employees must obtain special authorization to travel outside Nouakchott. U.S. government employees may travel only during daylight hours and are prohibited from walking alone outside of designated areas and times.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mauritania.

If you decide to travel to Mauritania:

• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter .
• Review the Country Security Report for Mauritania.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist .
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Areas Designated Off-Limits by the Mauritanian Military – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The government of Mauritania designates certain areas off-limits to foreigners and most Mauritanians. These “No Movement Zones” are extremely dangerous due to their proximity to Mali, where armed groups engaged in an active insurgency carry out cross-border attacks into Mauritania. The government of Mauritania does not maintain a substantial presence in these areas and thus police are unable to respond to most incidents there. In addition, cell phone coverage and paved roads are nonexistent. U.S. officials are unable to travel to these places. Since the boundaries of such areas frequently change, U.S. citizens should pay attention to all posted signs and notices of restricted entry. They should presume the following areas are off-limits:

• All areas north of the Tropic of Cancer
• All areas east of 08⁰ longitude (West of Greenwich) situated within 100km of the Mali Border

Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas .

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Six months remaining validity upon entry.

One page required for entry stamp

Yes, and should be obtained before travel, overseas.

Evidence of yellow fever vaccination required.

Local currency may not be imported.  See below

Local currency may not be exported.  See below

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Nouakchott Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, NOT PRTZ. Nouakchott, Mauritania Phone:  +(222) 4525-2660  Emergency Phone:  +(222) 3662-8163  Fax: +(222) 4525-1592  Email:   [email protected]  

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

Basic passport, visa, and immunization information for tourist and business travelers can be found  here .

A passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required. Mauritanian visas can be obtained at most Mauritanian Embassies abroad. Note that travelers who do not have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passport may be denied entry, regardless of the length of their intended stay.

For the most current visa information, visit the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Place NW, Washington, DC 20008, telephone (202) 232-5700,  https://mauritaniaembassyus.org/ , or  the Mauritanian Permanent Mission to the United Nations , 116 East 38 th Street, New York, NY 10016, telephone (212) 252-0113.

Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Mauritanian embassy or consulate. The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott cannot provide assistance to private citizens seeking Mauritanian visas.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Mauritania.

Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction  and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Read the Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Mauritania and Worldwide Caution before planning travel to Mauritania.

Terrorism: The U.S. government assesses that a credible terrorist threat against foreigners remains in Mauritania. U.S. citizens in Mauritania should take precautions, remain vigilant, and be alert to local security developments. Travel in Mauritania is discouraged, particularly in the easternmost region, due to activities by terrorist groups including al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which are active in the neighboring regions of Mali.

Traveling safely within Mauritania:  You should exercise prudence and caution when traveling in Mauritania. Be particularly vigilant when traveling by road outside of populated areas. The U.S. Embassy discourages travel outside of urban areas unless in a convoy accompanied by an experienced guide, and even then only if equipped with sturdy vehicles and ample provisions. Nighttime driving should be avoided. Travel at night between cities in Mauritania is prohibited for U.S. Embassy staff and all driving outside of the capital of Nouakchott requires a minimum two vehicle convoy. Landmines remain a danger along the border with the Western Sahara and travelers should cross only at designated border posts.

Political concerns: Protests and political rallies occur frequently in Mauritania, and can sometimes turn violent. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid political rallies and street demonstrations.

Crime:  Criminal activity in Nouakchott continues to rise. A number of homes and private individuals, including U.S. citizens, have recently been targeted by violent criminals. In Nouakchott, armed robberies and burglaries are occurring at homes as well as on busy streets in broad daylight. Some of these incidents have been violent, and the use of knives and other weapons is becoming more common.

Because of the increase in criminal activity, 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. Given the lack of government regulation of taxi fares and poor regular maintenance, U.S. citizens should avoid taxis and public transportation. U.S. Embassy staff and their family members are prohibited from using public transportation and local taxi services.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime:

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault should first contact the U.S. Embassy.
• Report crimes to the local police at 117 and contact the U.S. Embassy at 4525-2660 or after hours at 3662-8163.
• Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.
• See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
• help you find appropriate medical care
• assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• provide a list of local attorneys
• provide our information on  victim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical
• support in cases of destitution
• help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:  No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place.  Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk.  Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance .  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties:  While traveling in Mauritania, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. If you break local laws in Mauritania, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for further information.

Faith-Based Travelers: See our following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report  – see country reports
• Human Rights Report  – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

Religious norms:  Islamic ideals and beliefs in Mauritania encourage conservative dress and behavior. Mauritania recognizes Islam as the sole religion of its citizens and the state. Religious freedom is restricted and affronts against Islamic modesty and morals carry penalties which range from fines to the death penalty. Participation in Christian gatherings and activities that have not been authorized by the Mauritanian government is illegal. Apostasy is punishable by death. Proselytizing in Mauritania is illegal and may lead to deportation, arrest, prosecution, or incarceration.

Importation of alcohol and pork:  Passengers caught attempting to bring alcoholic drinks or pork products into Nouakchott International Airport, including alcohol bought duty free on an inbound flight, may be subject to immediate fines, confiscation, and/or incarceration.

Interactions with Police:  Persons of Black African appearance may be subject to prejudicial treatment by the Mauritanian authorities. If you are detained or arrested by the Mauritanian authorities, insist to be put in contact with the U.S. Embassy so that we may assist you.

Local currency:  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 in the northwestern city of Nouadhibou. However, travelers are strongly advised to pay hotel bills in cash. ATMs are available in Nouakchott and other large cities, but are also not secure.

LGBTI Travelers:  There are no laws that protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) persons from discrimination. Under Mauritanian law, consensual same-sex sexual activity between men is punishable by death, and such activity between women is punishable by three months to two years in prison and a monetary fine. There are no organizations advocating for sexual orientation or gender-identity rights in the country.

See   our   LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for further details.

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:  While in Mauritania, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. There are very few sidewalks or paved roads and few buildings are wheelchair accessible.

Students: See our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:  See our travel tips for  Women Travelers .

Medical and dental facilities in Mauritania are extremely limited and do not approach Western standards. Local pharmacies are to be used with caution. Many medicines are difficult to obtain or may be counterfeit. Travelers are advised to carry their own medical supplies, medications, and prescription eyewear. There are no Western mortuary services available in Mauritania.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. 

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our webpage for more information on insurance coverage overseas.

We strongly recommend  supplemental insurance  to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all  vaccinations  recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC)

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:  While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Overland travel is difficult and roadside assistance is non-existent. The country’s size (larger than Texas and New Mexico combined) and harsh climate make road maintenance and repair especially problematic. Even small amounts of 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, 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 Positioning System (GPS) receiver and satellite phone are essential when traveling in remote areas. Visitors are urged not to travel alone into the desert or after dark when outside of major urban areas.

The telecommunications infrastructure, including cellular telephone coverage, is limited. For those traveling outside the major urban areas, it is recommended to have a satellite telephone readily available.

Traffic Laws : Driving in Mauritania can be treacherous, and we encourage travelers to hire a trained local driver. Traffic patterns differ considerably from those in the United States 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. These hazards, when combined with the number of untrained drivers and poorly maintained vehicles, make heightened caution imperative at all times. 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. Nighttime driving should be avoided. Travel at night between cities in Mauritania is prohibited for U.S. Embassy staff and all driving outside of the capital of Nouakchott requires a minimum two vehicle convoy

Public Transportation:  Public transportation is not safe in Mauritania, particularly in the interior. Taxis and public transportation are not considered to be secure forms of transportation for western visitors to Mauritania, and U.S. Embassy personnel are directed not to use them.

For more information, please visit our  Road Safety  page. 

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 safety assessment page .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Mauritania . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Is Mauritania Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Mauritania is a country located in northwest Africa, sharing its borders with Algeria, Senegal, and Mali, along with the disputed territory of Western Sahara.

Mauritania is a country whose main attractions are its desert and its ocean.

This is why it’s no wonder that tourists mostly come here to visit the desert in Adrar and the Tagant areas (areas around Atar), and the ocean in Banc d’Arguin: this is an incredible sight of a natural reserve with dunes ending in the sea, with millions of birds that will take your breath away.

It is protected by UNESCO.

If you’re interested in seeing the stunning desert scenery, Mauritania is the place for you.

You can hike across rocky terrain and through narrow canyons and run into surprising oases which served as some kind of refuge to traders crossing the Sahara for centuries.

Two other stunning historical cities in the Adrar are Chinguetti, once a trading center with an incredible architecture that persisted unchanged for nearly a millennium, and Oudane, and along with a couple of other small towns, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Warnings & Dangers in Mauritania

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally speaking, Mauritania isn’t safe at all for tourists. There have been reports of Westerners being kidnapped and executed while violent crime is on the increase. Exercise maximum possible vigilance.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Use your wits as you would in your own country. For instance, never get in unlicensed cabs as there have been many cases of robbers using this trick to lure and attack their victims. Banditry is increasingly common in Mauritania so be careful when driving or finding yourself on the road. Always keep your windows up and your doors locked.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are extremely common, and tourists very commonly wind up being stolen from. When you’re on the streets, try not to look like you have money and leave all your valuables in your accommodation. Don't take your cell phone out in the middle of the street, and while walking around, keep your eyes and hands on your purse at all times.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: HIGH

When it comes to natural disasters, since 2002, Mauritania has battled many wars with natural disasters from locust invasions to severe drought and flooding. The droughts and severe rainfalls keep interchanging so the country is suffering from either one thing or the other.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Muggings, robberies, kidnappings, and assaults are becoming increasingly common in Mauritania so be on the lookout everywhere. Be careful at night and avoid remote and poorly lit areas, and if you find yourself in a dangerous situation, hand over your belongings immediately.

TERRORISM RISK: HIGH

Terrorists are very likely to try and carry out attacks in Mauritania. Avoid traveling to the eastern and northern provinces of Mauritania - Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, and Hodh el Chargui - as there is a continuing high threat from terrorism throughout the country.

SCAMS RISK: HIGH

As in almost any country, there is a great risk of getting scammed in Mauritania, too. Always check everything twice and negotiate everything in advance. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Women are strongly advised against going anywhere in Mauritania alone and unaccompanied. If you do decide to go to Mauritania, be extremely careful, especially at night and always try to stick with other individuals or groups. Even going accompanied by just one more person is better than going alone.

• So... How Safe Is Mauritania Really?

Though the gorgeous Mauritania, that boasts beautiful deserts and coastline beauty, its safety remains constantly in question with its persistent struggles located with poverty, terrorism, escalating crime rates and severely mined border areas.

Unfortunately, the biggest threat in Mauritania is one of a terrorist attack.

Terrorists have been known to target areas frequented by foreigners, like most of Western Africa, including clubs, restaurants, embassies, international schools, hotels, expatriate housing compounds, churches and other places of worship, and shopping centers, and Mauritania, unfortunately, isn’t an exception.

In early 2011 Mauritanian security forces prevented a car bombing in Nouakchott, while in 2010, three people were injured in an attempted suicide bombing in Nema.

As for crime, you should avoid Nouakchott and Atar, as there’s a great risk of kidnapping particularly against Westerners there.

Violent crime including robbery, rape, and assault is common and represents a great threat in Mauritania.

Armed bandits are becoming increasingly active across Mauritania.

Avoid beach areas, deserted areas and areas along the road between Mali and Mauritania as bandits have been known to operate there.

• How Does Mauritania Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do need a visa in order to enter Mauritania. Make sure your passport is valid beyond the intended period of your stay. If you are not sure about your visa status, it is best to visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need a visa.

Mauritanian ouguiya is the official currency in Mauritania. Credit cards are mostly accepted at top-end hotels, larger businesses, and similar establishments.

Mauritania has a desert climate in the center-north, that turns into semi-desert in the south, due to the summer monsoon that brings substantial rainfall between June and early October. The temperature is tempered by the sea breezes on the coastline.

Nouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport is the busiest airport in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania. It is located around 25 km north of the city.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Mauritania, since it covers not only the costs medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Mauritania Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature
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17 Reviews on Mauritania

High terrorist threat.

As a former resident of this country, I can attest to the danger you’d be putting yourself in by visiting it. I fled in 2014 to Europe which thankfully wasn’t too difficult as my mother is already a French citizen. I lived in Chinguetti which was fast becoming uninhabitable at the time, I had to abandon my home and business. Another beautiful country destroyed by terrorism.

I spent years traveling places that weren’t considered the safest to document wildlife and I can say that this place is not safe at all. I would not travel here by choice. If you have to travel to see family or some other reason, go as a group of 5 or larger and stay together at all times.

Quick Question

Hi Matt, Thank you for sharing your experience. In which year did you travel to Mauritania? I am considering travel there but would like to know how recent your review is.

Wow, very bad!

I was under the impression this place has changed but not by this much! Wow, I am glad I decided to go elsewhere a few years ago. I was looking up another location on this site and happened to spot this one and was curious. Yikes! It sounds terrible there now!

False information!!

If your going to change your mind then please do and dont let this website judge your opinion. Your hearing from experience, this place is beautiful the food, culture, ocean, i was proudly born in this place and its not a danger after 2014 its very unique and interesting. Please consider this an encouragement.

i see your point

mauritania sounds like a place where people are proud of their culture, the food, and country, and I can respect that because many people love their country. this country sounds like an amazing place to visit, but terrorism is a big threat, which is very sad. if the government can deal with terrorism, then maybe people will consider visiting.

I belive you are right Muhammad. One day I would like to travel to Mauritania.

I am a Spanish citizen, I have lived 5 years in Mauritania (2012-2017). I never had a problem. I always felt very safe, and the people there very friendly. Now I am back in Spain but I feel like going back again. I made lots of friends. ALWAYS FELT SAFE.

It's safe place

Mauritania is a good place to visit. I have been working there for over one year. Now I am planning to start business there.

Mauritania is good place to visit for any good purpose.

I am Pakistani citizen and have been working for oilfield for 40 years around the world including Mauritania in year 2010 for more than a year on an offshore rig. Have been travelling frequently to and fro every month without any fears. I have been going to restaurants for meals with local colleagues. I met many foreigners came there for tourism,work and business purposes. As being an ex-oilfield worker I am planning to start oilfield Vendor business there. I would like to ask someone reading these comments to give me some information to start business there please. The country is as safe as any other country in the world. Talking about dangerous situations so it could be in any country. Please do not insult anyone’s country with stupidity.

African visits

I have always wanted to visit Mauritania and will be doing so next month. Insha Allah being born in Africa I have always had pleasant experiences during my travels from North, South, East and West Africa. Africa is no more dangerous than the west Europe or US. Please visit Africa

I’m coming to moritanya let see

Talking about Mauritania I so much love the country more than Nigeria, Mauritania is my dream country that I want to stay and also work, and enjoy the country food.

Mauritania is one of the safest places in Africa and there is NO TERRORISM.

We have foreigners from all over the world working and living here in peace.

The beaches are amazing and safe.

do not go to mauritania it is not safe

High-risk Terrorist Threat? Since When?

I am not sure why some of the people above have rated Mauritania as being a high-risk terrorist threat. I am an American who has lived here for thirteen years. I have traveled to different parts of Mauritania and have even traveled to Senegal via road a couple times as well. I have not felt threatened nor unsafe. This is coming from someone who has lived on five continents and who travels quite a lot. My experience is, the government works hard to make sure that the country is safe. Also, the people are kind overall. Sure! No place is perfect, but those extreme negative ratings above seem very unfair.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Mauritania Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

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After Your Trip

Be aware of current health issues in Mauritania. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 2 Practice Enhanced Precautions

• Global Polio January 05, 2024 Some international destinations have circulating poliovirus. Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your polio vaccines. Destination List: Afghanistan, Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Guinea, Indonesia, Israel, including the West Bank and Gaza, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, including Zanzibar, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

• Global Measles March 22, 2024 Many international destinations are reporting increased numbers of cases of measles. Destination List: Afghanistan, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Côte d'Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Malaysia, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Qatar, Republic of South Sudan, Republic of the Congo, Romania, Russia, Senegal, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Tajikistan, Togo, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Yemen, Zambia

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Mauritania.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers of all ages traveling to Mauritania.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Mauritania take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Mauritania.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Mauritania. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Mauritania, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Mauritania. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for travelers ≥9 months old going to areas south of the Sahara Desert. Not recommended for travel limited to areas in the Sahara Desert.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

• Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

• Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

• Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

• Mosquito bite

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever

• Tick bite 
• Touching the body fluids of a person or animal infected with CCHF
• Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

• Sand fly bite
• Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

• Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Mauritania, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Mauritania. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Mauritania include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Mauritania. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Mauritania’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Mauritania. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Mauritania may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Mauritania, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Mauritania for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Mauritania travel advice

Latest updates: The Health section was updated - travel health information (Public Health Agency of Canada)

Last updated: April 17, 2024 12:05 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, mauritania - avoid non-essential travel.

Avoid non-essential travel to Mauritania due to the threat of terrorism, particularly against Western interests.

Northern and eastern Mauritania - Avoid all travel

Avoid all travel to northern and eastern Mauritania due to the risk of banditry and kidnapping. This includes the area east of the Zouérat–Ouadane–Tidjikja–Kiffa–Sélibali line, the entire region of Tiris Zemmour, areas within 25 km of the borders with Algeria, Mali and Western Sahara and a military zone with restricted civilian access.

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Northern and eastern Mauritania

Extremist groups and armed smugglers are active in Mauritania’s northern and eastern areas and there is a high risk of banditry and kidnapping. Armed rebels are active in the northern area beyond the Oualata–Tichit–Ouadane–Zouérat line. Attacks and thefts of personal belongings and vehicles have occurred.

Military zone

The Defense Ministry of Mauritania has established a military zone in the north-east of the country where civilian access is forbidden. The military zone is located between Cheggat in the north-east, Ain Bentili in the north-west, Dhar Tichitt in the south-west and Lemreyye in the south-east. The Mauritanian Minister of Defense has publicly warned that any individual who enters the area will be treated as a military target.

There is a threat of terrorism. Targets could include:

• government buildings, including schools
• places of worship
• airports and other transportation hubs and networks
• public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners

Western interests may be particularly targeted.

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, however, keep in mind that even the most secure locations can’t be considered completely free of risk.

Mauritania’s borders in the Sahel region are porous, and terrorists operate in those border regions and the interior.

There is a high risk of kidnapping in Mauritania, and Westerners are a preferred target. Hostages have been detained for several months before being released. Be particularly cautious in areas bordering Western Sahara and Mali.

To lessen your risk of being kidnapped, travel with a reputable escort familiar with the country. Use varied and unpredictable routes and schedules when moving from one place to another. Exercise high personal security awareness at all times, and monitor local developments.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, theft and residential break-ins occur.

Car theft and assaults also occur.

• Avoid unpatrolled beaches at all times because of the risk of banditry and carjacking
• Avoid the Cinquième (fifth) district in Nouakchott after dark
• Travel in groups
• Remain alert
• Ensure that your belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations occur from time to time, particularly on Fridays between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m, after the afternoon prayer. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, particularly mosques, around prayers on Fridays
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment, verbal abuse and physical assault. Women should travel in groups and avoid travelling alone at night.

Women have been detained when reporting sexual assault, as they must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged. 

Advice for women travellers

Desert travel

If you must travel to remote desert areas, you will experience extreme climate and isolation.

• Travel in convoys
• Be accompanied by an experienced guide
• Remain on well-used tracks
• Carry sufficient supplies
• Seek the advice of local authorities before travelling
• Leave an itinerary with family or friends

Border crossings

There are two main border areas in Mauritania: at the northeastern border with Western Sahara and the southwestern border with Senegal.

The border crossing into Moroccan-controlled Western Sahara leads into a buffer zone, and there is no paved or well-marked road between the two border controls. There are unexploded landmines in the 20-30 km-wide area between Mauritania and Western Sahara. Landmines can shift with the movement of sand and dunes.

The two main land border crossings into Senegal are located at Diama and Rosso. Pedestrians and vehicles cross over the dam at Diama and by ferry at Rosso. The road leading to Diama may be impassable during the rainy season. Long delays at the border are common. Ferry crossings at Rosso are available only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Don’t cross the Senegal River by pirogue (small boat) because it is illegal and dangerous.

Public transportation

Public transportation is generally unsafe and unreliable.

Road safety

Road conditions are generally fair to poor. There are four major roads in the country from Nouakchott:

• N1 toward Atar
• N2 along the coast toward the north (Nouadhibou, Western Sahara and Morocco)
• N3 toward Néma
• N4 along the coast toward the south (Rosso and Senegal)

Most other roads are unpaved sand tracks.

Drivers don’t respect traffic laws and regulations. Drifting sand and dunes may occasionally force vehicles off the roads. Roaming animals, bush taxis and poorly maintained vehicles frequently cause accidents. Roadside assistance is non-existent. Wear seatbelts at all times. Avoid driving at night.

Rent vehicles with drivers. In the event of an accident or vehicle breakdown, the driver and rental company will be held responsible. If the vehicle is rented without a driver, the person renting the vehicle will be held responsible.

In the event of an accident, a police report must be filed. Should an accident result in injury or death, drivers are detained until a judge determines responsibility.

Police conduct routine roadblocks in major cities such as Nouakchott. They may ask for proof of identity and a driver’s licence.

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the authorities of Mauritania. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid when you enter Mauritania.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: required Business visa: required Student visa: required

You can obtain a visa prior to or upon arriving in Mauritania.

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024
• Polio: Advice for travellers - 17 April, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is a risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is recommended depending on your itinerary.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites .

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres in Canada * It is important to note that   country entry requirements   may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest   diplomatic or consular office   of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

This destination is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area which has the highest rates of meningococcal disease in the world. Meningococcal disease is a serious and sometimes fatal infection. 

Travellers who are at higher risk should discuss vaccination with a health care provider. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers) or those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified this country as no longer poliovirus-infected but at high risk of an outbreak . Polio can be prevented by vaccination.

Recommendations:

• Be sure that your polio vaccinations are up to date before travelling. Polio is part of the routine vaccine schedule for children in Canada.
• One booster dose of the polio vaccine is recommended as an adult .

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

There is a risk of schistosomiasis in this destination. Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms (blood flukes) which can be found in freshwater (lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands). The worms can break the skin, and their eggs can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems. Schistosomiasis mostly affects underdeveloped and r ural communities, particularly agricultural and fishing communities.

Most travellers are at low risk. Travellers should avoid contact with untreated freshwater such as lakes, rivers, and ponds (e.g., swimming, bathing, wading, ingesting). There is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever is a viral disease that can cause fever, pain and bleeding under the skin.  In some cases, it can be fatal.  It spreads to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, or from the bite of an infected tick.  Risk is generally low for most travellers.  Protect yourself from tick bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock.  There is no vaccine available for Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

• In this country, risk of  dengue  is sporadic. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

Rift Valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can be fatal. It is spread to humans through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, from the bite of an infected mosquito, or eating or drinking unpasteurized dairy. Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from insect bites and avoid animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy. There is no vaccine available for Rift Valley fever.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities and supplies are extremely limited. Medical services usually require immediate cash payment.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

The laws of Mauritania prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Convicted male offenders can face the death penalty. Female offenders can be punished by 3 months to 2 years in prison and a large fine.

2SLGBTQI+ travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Mauritania.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Mauritania.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Mauritania, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

Dress and behaviour

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws and regulations. Dress conservatively, behave discreetly and respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. It would be prudent for women to wear a headscarf and cover their arms and legs.

In 2024, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around March 10.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

Extramarital relations

Adultery, extra-marital sexual relations and prostitution are illegal. Offenders may face strict penalties, including imprisonment.

Children of Mauritanian fathers automatically acquire Mauritanian citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born.

The father’s permission is required for any child to travel, even if the child is travelling on a foreign passport.

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Mauritania.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Mauritania by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Mauritania to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

• International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
• Travelling with children
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Photography

Photographing military installations, airports, government buildings and religious buildings is forbidden.

It is illegal to import alcoholic beverages, firearms and pork products.

Between midnight and 5 am, the Mauritanian authorities prohibit intercity traffic for vehicles transporting passengers and goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

During this traffic ban period, vehicles are not allowed on national roads. They must be parked at roadside stations or in designated areas in cities.

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

The currency is the ouguiya (MRO), which is non-convertible and can’t be taken out of the country. Mauritania is a cash-based economy. There is no limit on the importation of foreign currency but it should be declared on arrival. The exportation of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Exchanges will only accept U.S. dollars and euros. Some hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou accept credit cards.

The climate in Mauritania is very hot and dry.

The rainy season extends from July to October. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Power and telecommunications may be affected in some areas. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

Exercise caution, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

• firefighters: 18

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Morocco in Rabat and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

Mauritania Travel Restrictions

Traveler's COVID-19 vaccination status

Traveling from the United States to Mauritania

Open for vaccinated visitors

COVID-19 testing

Not required

Not required for vaccinated visitors

Restaurants

Not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Mauritania entry details and exceptions

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Can I travel to Mauritania from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Mauritania.

Can I travel to Mauritania if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Mauritania without restrictions.

Can I travel to Mauritania without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Mauritania without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Mauritania?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Mauritania.

Can I travel to Mauritania without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Mauritania?

Mask usage in Mauritania is not required in public spaces, enclosed environments and public transportation.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Mauritania?

Restaurants in Mauritania are open. Bars in Mauritania are .

Tips and how to travel to Mauritania in 2024

By Joan Torres 88 Comments Last updated on April 12, 2024

Wanna travel to Mauritania with Against the Compass?

Join a group of like-minded travelers in our next scheduled tour in Mauritania:

January 11th to 18th, 2025

How to get a visa, budget & costs, cultural facts, moving around, how to find accommodation, top experiences and more. This is the most comprehensive and epic guide for traveling to Mauritania available on the internet.

If I had to say one reason to visit Mauritania , I would say that few countries in the world feel as raw.

Until the middle of the 20th century, when the French were ruling the country, up to 90% of all Mauritanians were still carrying out a nomadic, pastoralist lifestyle.

That wasn’t a long time ago.

Today, many from that generation are still alive, so their tribal system and traditional life are completely visible, not only in remote Sahara towns such as Tidjikja, but even the most cosmopolitan people of Nouakchott will wear traditional clothes and have a haima deep into the desert as their second residence.

Backpacking around Mauritania , traveling like the locals do, is the best way to witness the unspoiled Mauritanian lifestyle. If you are lucky, you will travel in a local pick-up loaded with camels, or goats in the worst-case scenario, and taking a break in a Bedouin camp where you will be offered some zrig (fermented yogurt) is almost guaranteed.

In Tidjikja, I once met a Mauritanian who had lived and worked in the USA for almost 10 years. He decided to return to his homeland and, with all the money he saved, he bought tens of camels.

Like in the old times, this is the best business – he said. He was one of the richest men in town now.

And then there is the desert. Mauritania is nearly twice the size of France, yet less than 5 million people live spread across those extensive arid plains, mostly composed of breathtaking desert landscapes, yet to be explored by the average traveler.

Mauritania was on the way of becoming a mass tourism destination (relatively-speaking) but unfortunate events related to the conflict with the Sahel put an end to the industry.

However, Mauritania is still there, awaiting to be discovered by the rawest adventurers.

Look for all the places to visit? Check my 2-week itinerary for Mauritania

In this Mauritania travel guide you will find:

Table of Contents

• Best time to visit
• Travel insurance
• Top experiences
• Useful books
• Cultural facts
• Solo female travel
• Money, budget & costs
• Accommodation
• How to move around
• More information

🪪 How to get a tourist visa for Mauritania

Today, practically all nationalities can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania, valid for 1 month.

The visa costs 55€ or 60USD , and it applies to both airports and land borders.

Some travelers have recently reported the immigration officer asking for a 20€ extra fee, claiming it was a necessary fee to pay for getting their passport back.

Obviously, this is a scam and, if you experience a similar issue, report it to the authorities right away.

✍️ How to sign up for a tour in Mauritania

Traveling with a group and an expert local guide will make things much easier, and more fun!

Against the Compass has the following scheduled expedition to Mauritania, which includes riding on top of the Iron Ore Train:

• Nov 16th to 23rd, 2024 – SOLD OUT
• Nov 26th to Dec 3rd, 2024 – SOLD OUT
• Jan 11th to 18th, 2025 – APPLY NOW
• Jan 21st to 28th, 2025 – APPLY NOW

8-day expedition where besides driving through the desert and visiting remote caravan cities, we will ride on top of the Iron Ore Train.

Learn more here about our upcoming Mauritania Tours

🛫 How to travel to Mauritania

Traveling to mauritania by plane.

Nouakchott and Nouadhibou have the most transited international airports, and I chose Nouakchott because flights were cheaper.

I flew to Nouakchott via Dakar (Senegal) with Air Senegal, but you can find some direct flights from Europe, especially from France and the Canary Islands (Spain).

Alternatively, the airport of Atar – capital of the Adrar region, where most touristic sites are – has direct flights from Paris and some other French cities.

Traveling to Mauritania overland

Mauritania shares a border with:

How to travel to Mauritania from Morocco (Western Sahara)

An easy border to cross, the entry point being the closest Moroccan city to Nouadhibou.

Here’s a border crossing report .

How to travel to Mauritania from Algeria

The Algeria-Mauritania border is currently closed to foreigners due to safety concerns.

How to travel to Mauritania from Mali

After my trip to Mauritania, I went to Mali but I flew there.

It should be open but do check the latest security update, since most embassies claim the border areas are not entirely safe, even though all travelers I met who crossed them said it was just fine.

Read my Mali travel guide

How to travel to Mauritania from Senegal

A very transited border completely open to all travelers, Rosso being the most common entry point, also infamous for its numerous scams.

Instead, experienced travelers recommend going through Diama .

⛅ Best time to visit Mauritania

Spread across some of the driest plains in the Sahara, Mauritania might easily be one of the hottest countries on Earth, along with Sudan and Saudi Arabia , with overwhelmingly killing summers.

Personally, I can’t stand the heat, so my advice is to definitely avoid coming in the summer months, the best season for backpacking in Mauritania being from November to March .

I was backpacking in Mauritania there in the month of February and, during the day, the sun was already pretty harsh, with temperatures averaging 30-35ºC.

Nights and early mornings were kind of chilly though (15ºC), so do bring some small clothes, especially if you are planning to ride the Iron Ore train .

🚑 Travel insurance for Mauritania

For Mauritania, get IATI Insurance :

• Covers travel in Mauritania (which is rare)
• They have loads of different plans for all types of travelers: from families to backpackers
• Good for long term trips (up to 1 year).
• Readers of this blog can get a 5% exclusive discount

🛖 Top Experiences in Mauritania

Riding the iron ore train.

Every single day of the year, a 2.5km long train departs from the remote Sahara town of Zouerat and travels 700km across the Sahara desert to the coastal city of Nouadhibou, transporting hundreds of tonnes of iron ore.

As hardcore as it sounds, travelers can get on top of the train and travel along the 18-hour journey.

This is one of the top reasons to visit Mauritania, and one of the best traveling experiences I have ever had.

Read here about the full experience .

Visiting the rawest Sahara villages

As I said in the introduction, Mauritania is a particularly raw country and visiting several villages deep in the Sahara feels like traveling back in time.

I strongly recommend Tidjikja.

Seeing the largest concentrations of camels ever

From Oman to Sudan, hanging out with camels has become a vital part of my travels across the Middle East , but I think the camel market that takes place in the city of Nouakchott has the largest concentration of camels I have ever witnessed.

Exploring the vastest Sahara

Mauritania is a far-flung land home to jaw-dropping desert scenarios that only a small bunch of travelers have had the chance to discover.

📚 Useful books for planning your trip to in Mauritania

West africa travel guide by lonely planet.

A useful book for West Africa overlanders – with a chapter fully dedicated to Mauritania – but bear in mind that it contains travel guides to 18 different countries, so consider it a small introduction to the region.

The desert and the drum (Mbarfek Ould Beyrouk)

This is the first Mauritanian novel to ever be translated into English and I think it’s the only one so far, that’s why I bought it.

The story is about a Bedouin girl who falls in love with a stranger city guy and all the consequences after her tribe found out.

To be very honest, the book is a bit cheesy but what I liked that it gives you many insights into how tribal people live in Mauritania.

🕌 Facts about Mauritania, its culture, people and religion

Mauritania is where maghreb meets africa.

Nestled between Morocco and Senegal, Mauritania is a chaotic mix of both Maghrebis and sub-Saharan Africans, visible not only in people’s facial features but also in their food and the daily life of many Mauritanians.

You might also like: Libya travel guide

Generally speaking, Mauritanians classify their society into 3 main groups:

White Moors (Beidane) – The dominant ethnic group, which refers to those Maghrebi-looking people who have lighter skin, and mostly have Arab or Berber descent.

Black Moors (Haratin) – Descendants of black slaves who lived in the Maghreb.

Sub-Saharan ethnic groups – Mauritanians who belong to African ethnicities from different parts of West Africa.

Something you need to know about Mauritania is that there is a pretty tangible structural racism , visible in all aspects of life. Mauritanians have a particularly traditional society, many of them either have a tribal mindset or live under a tribal system, which is why black ethnic groups are often treated as second-class citizens, have lower salaries and pursue low-qualified jobs, from house servants to fishermen. ‘’You will never see a White Moor cleaning houses’’ – some locals told me, as if they always felt the need to acknowledge to me they are the dominant group. I didn’t like it.

Hassaniya is the local language

Hassaniya, which is a variety of Maghrebi Arabic, is the main language in Mauritania, and in the Western Sahara as well.

Nevertheless, languages such Pulaar, Soninke and Wolof are also recognized as national languages, and they are spoken by black African Mauritanians, depending on their ethnicity.

It used to be a French colony, so French is the way to go, but English is not that useful

As a former French Colony (from the late 19th century to 1960), French is widely used in Mauritania, especially in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

Outside of these two cities, however, only highly educated people or people working in hospitality speak fluent French.

English, nevertheless, was hardly spoken by anyone – not even in touristic auberges – and that was a big downside for me, since my French is good enough to make myself understood but I can’t have deep conversations.

It’s a Muslim country

99.9% of the population in Mauritania are Sunni Muslims, most of them being highly devoted to Islam.

You also need to know that there is no freedom of religion and that atheism is punished with the death sentence.

Most people wear traditional clothes

What I loved about Mauritania is that everybody wears traditional clothes, even young people from the capital.

Typically, men wear a wide blue dress named daraa and cover their head with a turban named shesh , which basically means scarf in Arabic.

I did buy the full set in a local market in Nouakchott and didn’t pay more than 6€, but I had to bargain.

Women dress in a traditional colorful dress named melhafa.

Leblouh is still a big deal in Mauritania

Leblouh refers to the tradition of force-feeding girls when they are very young, typically in those places where obesity is directly related to beauty, so they can get married earlier.

This old practice has been used in many African countries but in Mauritania, it’s still a very big thing. A few young local men talked to me about this particular topic, saying it’s a widely used habit. You will quickly notice that most Mauritanian women are curvy.

Slavery in Mauritania You probably heard of Mauritania being home to the last slavery stronghold in the world and, to some extent, it can be true. Slavery in Mauritania was only abolished in 1981, but it didn’t become an actual criminal offense until 2007. According to international media, however, slavery still exists. Slaves in Mauritania were always black Africans serving their White Moor masters. When you travel in the north of Mauritania, you are likely to see Bedouin families with black servants. Those servants were born and raised among those Bedouins but are treated as second-class family members, whose main goal in life is being their servants. Foreign media will tell you that those are actual slaves, while local Mauritanians claim those people are free to leave but they don’t because they are uneducated, that’s the only life they know and, basically, they are OK with it. Make your own judgment.

🍲 Food in Mauritania

If I ever travel back to Mauritania, food won’t probably be the reason.

Mauritania is mostly composed of arid plains and it’s a traditionally nomadic society, so they never had either the ingredients or the motivation to have an elaborate cuisine.

Nonetheless, since Mauritania is sort of a cultural hub with people from Maghreb and sub-Saharan Africa, you can find some food variety, but you need to look for it.

One thing that surprised me about backpacking in Mauritania is that it can be difficult to find food, cooked food I mean.

In many towns and villages, there weren’t any restaurants, and even in a relatively sized-town like Tidjikja, there was only one, and the day I went there, they said I had to order 3 to 4 hours in advance. On the next day, I did go there early in the morning, but it never opened.

Don’t panic, however. Usually, most auberges have a daily dish.

Things you are likely to eat in your trip to Mauritania:

Macaroni – Regular, greasy pasta with vegetables and meat. That’s what they fed me most days.

Thieboudienne – That was my favorite. It’s a traditional Senegalese dish consisting of a brown, thin rice, fish and spices.

Moroccan cous-cous – I say Moroccan because that’s what they call it. Just regular cous-cous but nothing comparable to the ones you find in Tunisia or Morocco.

Camel meat – Many of the above dishes will often come with camel meat.

Tea culture in Mauritania

Tea is an essential part of Mauritanian life, and a symbol of hospitality.

They have it in a similar way to neighbouring Morocco but the ritual takes longer and they serve it with a lot of foam, like in the Western Sahara.

Their tea is good, heavily concentrated but they take so much time preparing it, averaging 20-25 minutes, if doing it right.

During the first few days of your Mauritania trip, it’s a pretty cool process to observe but then, when you bump into random people who want to invite you for tea, expect to waste 40 or 45 minutes of your time. Because of this, once I missed the sunset and got very upset.

Alcohol in Mauritania Mauritania is a dry country and alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Mauritania?

Insurance for traveling in Mauritania I strongly recommend IATI Insurance : COVID-19 + full Mauritania coverage + 5% discount BUY IT HERE TO GET YOUR SPECIAL DISCOUNT

For a more comprehensive analysis, read my Mauritania safety guide

If you look into the FCDO advice , you will see that all Mauritania is a big NO-GO zone.

Mauritania belongs to the Sahel, a region that spreads across Mauritania, Mali , Niger and Chad – among others – and one of the most turbulent regions on Earth, today home to rebel groups like Al Qaeda Maghreb (AQIM) and many other similar organizations.

The truth is that Mauritania has actually suffered from unfortunate incidents that ended with the premature tourism industry, but it’s also true that, thanks to an outstanding level of security, the situation in Mauritania has remained stable for many years.

Nowadays, Mauritania is a safe destination to travel .

There are some areas near the border with Mali and Algeria where security can be an issue but that’s too remote to go anyways.

Mauritania travel tip: Bring 20-30 copies of your visa & passport When you are traveling around Mauritania, you will go through endless checkpoints in which all foreigners must register for their own security. In those checkpoints, the gendarmerie or military will ask you for a fiche , a document containing a copy of your passport and visa. If you don’t have one, they will make you get off the car and write down all your information, wasting you a lot of time. Therefore, do bring plenty of copies (30, at least). I recommend printing one single page with a copy of your visa and passport, along with your local phone number, if any.

💃 Solo female travel in Mauritania

Mauritania is a patriarchal, conservative, Muslim country, so a woman’s experience will differ greatly from a man’s.

However, I haven’t met yet a female traveler who has been backpacking in Mauritania by herself, so I can’t give very specific information about it. If you have visited Mauritania as a solo woman and would like to tell us about your experience, kindly let me know.

Based on female experiences in other countries, nonetheless, here are a few observations:

• Do expect some occasional harassment, but no more than popular destinations, such as Egypt.
• If you don’t have a lot of solo travel experience in Muslim countries, it is recommended to first travel to more touristic countries such as Jordan or Morocco
• Traveling in Mauritania as a solo female should not be very different from traveling in Pakistan or Sudan

💻 Internet and connectivity in Mauritania

Generally, internet is pretty bad in Mauritania, both Wi-Fi and internet data, even in Nouakchott.

Outside of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou I never found Wi-Fi.

Internet data worked OK in Atar, Tidjikja and Zouerat.

In Ouadane and Terjit, it was nonexistent. Chinguetti was fine to send emails and simple browsing.

If you need to download anything, do it in your home country.

I bought a Mauritel SIM card and you can buy extra data and calls in any regular grocery store across the country.

Get a VPN for traveling in Mauritania

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Mauritania. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

💰 Money, budget and costs

In Mauritania, they use the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU) and, approximately:

1 USD = 34.75 MRU

In 2018, Mauritania replaced their currency by introducing a new Ouguiya with the same value divided by 10.

The problem is that the vast majority of people still think in the old currency, and it’s so easy to get confused. Occasionally, it’s difficult to guess in which currency they are talking about, especially because sometimes it looks either too cheap or too expensive, but Mauritania is a very cheap country, so always go for the cheaper option 😉

Credit cards and ATMs

You will hardly find a place where you can pay by card. Do always have cash.

Société Generale is the most popular bank among foreigners for withdrawing money. I think it’s the only one that accepts international credit cards. You can find quite a few branches in both Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

Outside of these two main cities, ATMs are scarce, so remember to bring enough cash.

Exchanging money

There are several exchange offices in the city center (Capital area). Alternatively, I exchanged in many auberges at an acceptable rate.

How much does it cost to travel in Mauritania?

Prices of the most typical things:

• Full meal in a local place: 150MRU
• Full meal in fancier places: from 250-350MRU
• Meals in auberges: 200-300MRU
• Fast food (sandwich): 70MRU
• Coffee in a local place: 40MRU
• Coffee in a fancy café: 80MRU
• Bottle of water (75cl): 10MRU
• Local shared taxi within Nouakchott: 10MRU
• Bus from Nouakchott to Tidjikja: 700MRU
• Local car from Tidjikja to Atar: 700MRU
• Local car from Atar to Chinguetti: 200MRU

Backpacking in Mauritania – Average daily budget

🏨 How to find accommodation in Mauritania

In Mauritania, there are many accommodation options but, outside of the main cities, they mostly consist of basic campsites and auberges. They also come with a large variety of nonsensical prices. Once I paid 20€ for a creepy hut and the next day I paid 4€ for a similar quality room.

In Nouakchott, if you are a budget traveler, I strongly recommend Le Village & Auberge Triskell , run by Sebastien, a French man who has been living in Mauritania for a long time.

Moreover, in Nouakchott, you can find hotels suitable for any wallet.

Outside of Nouakchott, you will rarely find anything on the internet.

Below is a list of some of the places I stayed at:

• Tidjikja – Auberge Caravane du Desert – Very basic rooms with private bathroom. 1,000MRU for a double room
• Terjit – Chez Jamel – A tended camp. It’s pretty basic but it’s well taken care of. 300MRU for a tent
• Ouadane – Auberge Vasque – This is the best place I stayed in Mauritania. Clean, the only auberge with hot water and a comfortable mattress. 1,200MRU for a double room
• Chinguetti – Auberge Zarga – Extremely basic and very dirty but the owner seems to be one of the few people in town who is used to dealing with travelers. 150MRU for a dorm-bed Zouerat – Tiris Hotel – Basic hotel and expensive but not many options in Zouerat. 1,500MRU for a double room
• Nouadhibou – Hotel Esma – A proper, modern hotel. Perfect for those who arrive in Nouadhibou after riding the Iron Ore Train . 2,000MRU for a double room with breakfast

For a more detailed explanation of all these places, don’t forget to check my Mauritania travel itinerary

🛺 How to move around Mauritania

Traveling around mauritania with a rented vehicle.

If I ever visit Mauritania again, I will rent a 4×4. Actually, one of the things I regret about visiting Mauritania is that I didn’t get deep into the desert. I mean, I did visit remote Sahara towns, but didn’t get far away from civilization and main roads.

You can easily rent a car in Nouakchott, or through your preferred guide/tour operator.

By the way, only experienced drivers should attempt exploring the depths of the Mauritanian Sahara.

Traveling around Mauritania by public transportation

Before traveling to Mauritania, I thought that moving between Sahara towns would be challenging but it turns out that all you need is a shit load of patience.

OMG, you can’t imagine how many hours I wasted waiting for a bus/car to leave.

Typically, local 4×4 pick-ups is the preferred way of transportation for moving between Sahara towns. They fit up to 8 people and leave once they are full, but when a town is too remote, it may take a few days to fill it up.

I actually wanted to go to Tichit from Tidjikja. Upon my arrival in Tidjikja, the first thing I did was try to arrange the local pick-up to take me there. The car wasn’t full yet, so I waited for one more day but nothing, they still didn’t have enough passengers:

Maybe tomorrow, or maybe not – they said.

In the hypothetical case I managed to get to Tichit, there could also be the possibility that I had to wait there for 3-4 extra days to come back to Tidjikja, which would imply spending more than a week in a very remote area with not much to do and where nobody spoke English, so I passed.

This is how I moved between towns:

• Nouakchott to Tidjikja – Local buses leave early in the morning from Carrefour Madrid. It’s a 12-hour journey.
• Tidjikja to Terjit – Local pick-ups leave almost daily, but you need to arrange it on the day before. It’s an epic ride over sand dunes. 10-hour journey.
• Terjit to Atar – A local pick-up leaves early in the morning but I managed to hitch a ride after waiting for more than 2 hours.
• Atar to Chinguetti – A few pick-ups run daily. Easy.
• Chinguetti to Ouadane – First, you need to take a private taxi to the Ouadane intersection and wait there for a car to pass by. The intersection is literally in the middle of the desert, with no internet service and 30km from the nearest civilization. I waited for like 3 hours.
• Ouadane to Zouerat – A very long ride. First, you must arrange a local pick-up that will take you to Atar, which typically leaves at 7am. Once in Atar, I had to wait for about 5 hours for a bus to depart to Zouérat.

❗ More information for traveling in Mauritania

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Mauritania destination

• Travel Guide to Nouakchott
• Iron Ore Train Guide in Mauritania
• Is Mauritania Safe?
• Mauritania Itinerary

Travel guides to other countries in Africa

• Ethiopia Travel Guide
• Eritrea Travel Guide
• Somaliland Travel Guide
• Travel Guide to Sudan
• Travel Guide to Egypt
• Libya Travel Guide
• Mali Travel Guide
• Tunisia Travel Guide

88 comments

Amazing travel blog Joan, thanks alot!

One thing: as far as I understood, the border between Morocco & Mauritania is not closed because of Covid but because of increased tensions in Guerguerat and at the Berm between Morocco and the Frente Polisario since November. Freight shipping is open but tourists are not allowed to pass through (travelling in Western Sahara remains of course open, safe and wide open): https://www.crisisgroup.org/middle-east-north-africa/north-africa/western-sahara/b82-time-international-re-engagement-western-sahara

Thanks for the info, man! I had no idea.

Hello, why choose, in fact it’s both. The land borders of Morocco and Mauritania have been closed since March 16, 2020, in fact the land borders of Morocco (even with Europe) are not really open except to the flow of goods and for rare exceptions, it is a way for Morocco to preserve the Sahara, on the other hand, tensions between the Polisario and Morocco add an unstable climate at the border with some clashes.

Hello Matthis

Almost a other year have passed since your last post that my border is not open for toursit from Marocco to Mauretania. I wanna cross it by car in March 2023. So you know about the current open or not? Thanks

The borders are open again without any restrictions.

Welcome and have a good trip

hello there, actually, borders are a little bit dangerous if u are not coming with an agency so they contact people from here and there to make it easier. for me, I recommend the agency below they are more professional in dealing with people and also care more about quality I will let u discover their progs by yo self. have fun

Thanks Joan… I am Australian and we can’t travel right now . ( and I do appreciate how well off we are! ) it’s nice to travel vicariously

Amazing blog and tips, thank you. Have to ask how you managed from Zouérat, was it easy to find where the train departed? Did you hire a local guide to help you? Thanks in advance, am struggling to find much information online!

Hey, it was very easy. I just asked locals around. I think here I give more details about it: https://againstthecompass.com/en/iron-ore-train-mauritania/

Fascinating! Love the idea of travelling on the iron ore train. Mauritania has not been in my radar but it is now. Can’t wait to get back on the road again. Australian borders are still closed.

Hope Australia opens soon cause I heard many Australians being frustrated about this

Dear Joan, Thanks for your description of Mauritania. It looks a hardly reachable and challenging, but luring destination. If you ever organize a tour there, I’d gladly be in 🙂

Hi Vakaris, thanks! I may probably organize 1 in the future 🙂

Does Mauritania Require a Yellow Fever Vaccination for Entering the Country?

Hi, I really don’t know but my recommendation is that you should always have the yellow fever vaccination when you are traveling anywhere in sub-Saharan Africa because they do random checks in all countries they require it so. It happened to me in Mali for example, where I traveled from Mauritania. I didn’t know the yellow fever vaccine was a requirement, and if I didn’t have my international vaccine certificate (the yellow card) with me, I would have had to pay a fee at the border

Yes, Australia is a lovely country but we are rearing to go explore other parts of the world.

I got pulled over on more than a couple of occasions for yellow fever vaccination checks while on the road in Africa. Not just at the borders.

I am asking specifically for Mauritania as that country does not fall in the yellow fever area if we exclude some of the southern part same as to travel to Brazil Yellow Fever is not an entry requirement but an recommendation.

Hello Dear friend , I was very impressed by your trip thanks for sharing this experience. I would like to know if i need to self isolate 14 days if i come from UK. Regards,

Hello Khalid, so far not, you don’t need to quarantine 🙂

I ended up leaving Mauritania in 2017 with 5.000 ouguiya. How much would this have been worth in dollars/euros in 2017? If I go back to Mauritania again will I be able to exchange these old ouguiya for new ouguiya? I’m really confused.

Hello, the 2007 banknotes are no longer legal tender in Mauritania.

Hello, wonderful article! Incredible source of information, thank you. I’ve started planning my trip for probably December and stumbled upon here.

Given the pickpockets and safety, I have a relatively expensive phone – do you suggest I should bring a cheap burner phone to avoid any issues?

Also, what about packing – how big was your bag and what did you find useful, any possibility to wash clothes? I’ve never visited the Sahara and I don’t expect to bring a big suitcase so I want to make sure I can take only essentials.

Hi there, to be very honest, it’s not for me to decide whether you should bring your phone or not but what I can tell is that there are much more pickpockets in any European cities than in Mauritania

About packing, I travel with quite a big backpack because I carry many travel gadgets (camera gear, etc) but other than that, I travel with very few clothes.

I washed my clothes at the hotel in Nouakchott

I’m planning a trip in an year gap and Mauritania is a must go! But I only have august to visit the country. 🙁 I hear it is raining season, do u know if it would ruin my trip? I know it is desert, but…

Hello, no, even if it is the “rainy season” the rainy season comes down to 5 or 6 days of rain spread over a month and a half ….

Hi there. Great post. Do you know the time requirement for the test leaving Mauritania? Is it 72 hours? Thanks!

Hello, a test of less than 72 hours is sufficient to enter Mauritania

Hi Sebastien! He means that PCR for exiting Mauritania, the one you do in Nouakchott. Is also 72h?

salut Joan, j’espère que tu vas bien et tes amis en Afganistan. The test is 48 hours maximum before departure it is free it is even possible to have it the same day by going there in the morning and then pick it up at 5.30 p.m.

Hello, When entering Mauritania there are no problems with the photo equipment? I want to take a SLR camera and several removable lenses to it. Thanks.

Hello, no problem with the cameras, avoid drones. Welcome

Dear Joan, Thank you very much for your invaluable travel blog. I would feel extremely lost without it. Taking the iron ore train has long been on my radar but I am wondering what you recommend for transportation from Nouakchott to Choum? Is there a truck that makes a daily run or does it change day to day? Thank you very much for all your help.

Best wishes, Chris

Hi Chris, there’s direct public transportation to the city of Atar, from where you can take a bus to Choum. Very easy!

First off all, congrats for the amazing blog you have.

Any advice for taking my drone to Mauritania? Is there anything I can do before arriving in the country so that I don’t have my equipment confiscated?

When leaving the airport they do check your luggage, but they don’t check on yo. Maybe you can put it in your jacket? Also, by removing the battery there’s less chances from them to find it

Great Article with details on smallest possible information a visitor may required while visiting Mauritania. Loved your article.

Hello, I read that to enter Mauritania now it is enough to have an international certificate of full vaccination?

Hello, no indeed, it is not necessary to have a vaccination record, a PCR test is enough, however, some airlines require a vaccination record to get on their planes.

Is it enough to have a vaccination protocol. But don’t do the test? Thank you!

It should be enough. I’m planning to do the iron ore train mid may:) But due to transit countries its maybe better to do the PCR test anyway even it is not neccessary

Here is the official text:

Unvaccinated Passengers: Passengers aged 12 years and older must hold a negative PCR test certificate from a certified laboratory obtained within 72 hours prior to arrival.

Vaccinated Passengers: Test is not required for passengers who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

· Passengers displaying symptoms of Covid-19 on arrival will be subject to an RT-PCR test. If a negative result is received, the passenger is advised to quarantine for 10 days. If a positive result is received, the passenger must quarantine for 10 days on arrival in designated establishments at his own cost and will be subject to an RT-PCR test at the end of the quarantine period. Crew members who are required to spend one or more nights for operational or technical reasons and who do not hold a vaccination certificate or a RT-PCR test must quarantine in a hotel until their departure.

The PCR test is no longer compulsory to enter Mauritania but it is requested from the Marocco (even in the event of a stopover) Currently from Nouakchott towards the exit of the territory the test has become paying (50 euros) 2000 mru. It is no longer necessary to pick up the result on site, it is now sent by whatsapp at 5 p.m.

Hello Joan! Your blog is a gift to fellow humans. Thanks for sharing your experiences and knowledge with such candour and good humour 🙂 I’m planning a solo (female) trip to Mauritania at the end of Feb 2022 (gutted that I missed your expedition dates). I’m wondering whether you think it’s possible to go directly from Nouakchott to Chinguetti by public transport (in one day)? Any tips will be greatly appreciated. best, Kat

Hi Kat! Yes, it’s possible but you’ll have to transit in Atar. Do start your journey very early!

I had the same question! So I hear there is an 8am bus from Nouakchott to Atar, and then hopefully the car to Chinguetti leaves from the same location that the bus arrives?

And then from Chinguetti to Zouerat via Atar. Hoping to do in the same day. Joan it seems you were able to do that, but needed to wait 5 hours in Atar.

I will be in Mauritania in 2 weeks, and I can’t wait! My only concern is the time required to get from place to place. I wish I had more time, but I’m somewhat limited.

Thanks, Joan for this info. Amazing blog.

Thanks for all the amazing information! Your blog helped in more than one ways and am glad to finally make it here to Mauritania. Tomorrow I will trek towards Tarjit and Chinguetti, etc, from Nouakchott. FYI you now don’t need a PCR test if you are fully vaccinated to enter the country. All the best

Hi Aaron, Did you by any chance go onwards to Morocco? I am trying to do the iron ore train trip in Mauritania and finish in Nouadibhou. Is it OK to leave Mauritania without a PCR test now, too? By the information I have, entering Morocco/Western Sahara should be possible with just the vaccination certificate. Thanks!

By the way, I wish I knew French or Arabic, because it’s been a bit difficult to manage in English & Spanish. Especially when trying to meet locals in the street.

Hi guy’s, do you know if it nowday’s again possible overland travel from Morroco to Mauritania ?

Joan, amazing, informative post, again. Thank you!

Hi Jozef, the border has recently reopened.

Hî, yes the border is open.

The blasphemy law and apostasy/atheist law and their punishment by death sentence, do you know if they apply to Mauritanians only or to foreigners as well? As a foreign tourist if you’re atheist you need to lie and say you are a believer in some religion, or is it OK to say you’re atheist if asked for example?

Hi there, there’s absolutely no need to say you are an atheist. Just say you are Christian regardless of the local law… Having traveled extensively across many Muslim countries, being an atheist is a very negative thing in most locals’ eyes.

I understand, but do you know if the death sentence law applies to foreigners as well as locals?

I don’t think this is the right place to ask these sort of questions, but you should ask a lawyer in Mauritania

the death penalty is in the texts in Mauritania but it has not been applied for a very long time. In Mauritania, the last execution dates from 1987 and followed a death sentence pronounced by a military tribunal. Unless you commit an unforgivable crime, you are unlikely to encounter any kind of trouble with the police in Mauritania. Mauritania is a Muslim country practicing an Islam of tolerance (in fact normal Islam) If you want to spend a full day dicerting on religion, you only have to say that you are atheist, if not to shorten, you just have to (as Juan says) say you’re a Christian. In general and for the respect of the populations who welcome you, we will avoid blaspheming whatever the country in which we are….

Hi Joan! Thank you so much for you blog, really, I use it a lot. There is really not such a blog that explains in that much detail how to travel in off the beaten track places.

Did you go from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou? is there easy and often busses going there? If you did (or anyone else), how many hours should I expect to go up there and then cross the border?

You have departures from Nouakchott to Nouadhibou in the morning from 7 a.m. then in the afternoon around 3 p.m. it takes 6 to 7 hours by road, if you want to go to Morocco from Nouakchott, there is a bus company (moussafir) which offers a Nouakchott – Dakhla ticket with a change of bus across the border.

Thank you for this post! Intending to travel to Mauritania, however my second language is Spanish, not French or Arabic. Will that cause major problems as I try and find rides between towns and places to stay at? Also, how do you book a room for the night, was it upon arrival, or were you using tripadvisor. Finally, I’ve traveled alone many times, and understand the reality that this world can be dangerous, but never to Africa alone, too dangerous of a choice? Loaded question, but man I’m lucky to have found your blog before I buy the ticket.

Hi Jacob, most people there speak French, I suggest learning a few words, but you might find some english speaking people from time to time, at least good enough to buy tickets, book hotels etc.

I always booked upon arrival, never in advance.

Mauritania is super safe!

Rock on man! Will study French before embarking, thank you so much for the tips!!

Thank you so much for this blog! I have a question as I’m planing a trip – is it possible to cross the border back to Western Sahara from Mauritania?

Yes, it’s possible to cross into Morocco WS nowadays

Thank you for sharing your experiences on this blog 🙂

As Maroc and Tunesia both lifted all covid-19 measures, do you expect Mauretania to do the same soon? I saw that people who can not present a pcr test on the airport, are temperature measured and exposed to an antigen test, which would be fine by me. How strict is Mauretania still with this?

You need a PCR test or a complete vaccination plan to enter Mauritania, the documents are requested at the airport.

Have a nice trip,

Hey Joan, love your blog on the iron train. I really wanted to join your group after reading it but it’s full. Wah Wah.. so now I wanna do it solo. Have you heard from any solo women doing this and if so, how they felt.. or do you know anyone In Mauritania that I could talk to about possibly giving me some tips while I’m there? Thanks so much! Love your blog.

Hi Morgan, I don’t know if I heard from women doing the train experience completely by themselves… I did it solo once, and I recommend you finding a travel partner, cause 24 hours on the train do get lonely! Other than that, woman traveling solo across Mauritania didn’t experience more issues than other Muslim countries in the Middle East

We have at least 4 or 5 clients who have already made the trip alone (including a 73-year-old woman!) They have not encountered any particular difficulties.

Hey Joan, yea I’m here in Mauritania right now and I find it to be less conservative for solo females than other Middle Eastern countries actually. I ended up hiring a local guide for the train just because I don’t speak French and to be on the safe side. Taking it tonight. Thanks for responding. 🙂

Helloa Joan,

I am from Iraq. I read your blog. It is very interesting. Very useful. Very smooth. I travelled 73 countries. after reading about Mauritania, I would like to make it my next destination. I am very allerged of dust and smells. Do you think it Ok for me to vist Mauritania whis is also called Chankit in Arabic. regards Maadidi Yahya

Hi Yahya, I don’t really know what to say. There’s a lot of dust in Mauritania, that’s for sure.

I am a tour guide from Mauritania and would like to express my gratitude for the creation of this informative travel guide. The promotion of my country is greatly appreciated and the detailed explanations provided will be useful for those considering a visit to Mauritania. I am passionate about sharing the beauty of my country with others and I would be delighted to lead tours for those interested in experiencing all that Mauritania has to offer.

Hi Joan, Thank you for this updated and excellent description of Mauritania travel. Question: do you sense the recent protest in DarNaim is growing into anything bigger than an isolated protest? I have just one day in Nouakchott coming up – do you have specific places you recommend seeing in the capital city? Thank you again.

Hi Michelle, I don’t think these protests will originate into a further problem. For things to see in Nouakchott, Port au Peche and the Camel market are the best attractions: https://againstthecompass.com/en/mauritania-itinerary/#41

Hi Sebastian, was wondering how much iron dust comes off the train. I understand not eating and drinking carefully. Did you wear a mask to limit the amount iron dust depositing in your lungs?

I wore a sanitizer face mask and a headscarf wrapped up around my face

Hello in fact it’s a bit of a raffle there are three different types of minerals that can travel on the train a rather large mineral a medium and a very fine with a lot of dust in any case it is better to protect your eyes with a mask type ski mask and for the dust for the lungs it is better to wear a scarf like the Mauritanians. Iron dust is non-toxic.

General remarks Remove contaminated clothing. After inhalation Provide fresh air. Safety data according to Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH) Iron powder ≥96%, <149 μm, reduced, extra pure After skin contact Rinse skin with water/shower. After eye contact Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. After swallowing Rinse mouth. Most important symptoms and effects, both acute and delayed So far no known symptoms and effects. Indication of any immediate medical attention and special treatment needed none https://www.carlroth.com/medias/SDB-9454-CH-FR.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHNlY3VyaXR5RGF0YXNoZWV0c3wyMjU5ODV8YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmfHNlY3VyaXR5RGF0YXNoZWV0cy9oOGUvaDRlLzkwND g2N zUzNTI2MDYucGRmfGI5MTY1MTUxYjFiMmZlMDQ5MzRlOTY1MGRlODRkODJhY2JjZGVlYWQ4NWRiZGY0NzdjZWQ2OWE4NjgzMzRkZTg

Hi, hope you don’t mind me asking a few questions about Aleg. will be staying there for a few weeks and first time in the country…any idea if it’s possible to swim in Lake Aleg and if so the best access? Any recommendations on where to stay there and how to get there from Noukchott without renting a car would be much appreciated,Thanks!

Hello, I do not believe that it is possible to swim in Lake Aleg (which is a seasonal lake fed only in the rainy season) due to the large number of animals that come to drink there and to the fact that it is a reserve for migratory birds, I have in any case never heard anyone who has bathed in the lake (which is surrounded by quicksand) to get to Aleg you have buses every day from Nouakchott .

Hello does anyone know if its possible to rent a small motorbike (vespa size) in nouakchatt? I cannot find that online. thanks!

Hi, no you can’t, but if you need it for a long time, you can buy it 600 € and resell it.

How much is the cost to rent a 4×4 with a driver in Nouakchott? I would travel to Zouerat and back. Do you have any good contact for that? I have been quoted USD 1000-1300, which I declined as excessive. I believe a maximum of USD 100/day would be acceptable, all inclusive (car, driver, fuel). Your thoughts?

Hi Joan, thanks for this detailed guide about Mauritania. I am booked from to fly from Dakar to Nouakchott in three weeks, as I heed the collective advise from several travelers crossing to Mauritania from Russo border. Lots of them say the immigrations there are corrupted and sometimes dangerous. I wonder how is the entry to Mauritania at the airport? Are there security concerns that I should be aware of the same as the land border? I have my yellow fever vaccine and will get visa -on arrival. Thank you!

Hi Julie. If arriving via airport, everything is smooth and easy. Just try to bring exact change for visa, sometimes they say they don’t have and make you wait

Hi Joan, I’m going to Mauritania in a few weeks. I would love to do some hiking around the Adrar region, but I’m not sure where the best places are (maybe Terjit, Chinguetti, or Ouadane?) and how feasible this is to do without signing up for some kind of organised private tour? I’m a reasonably experienced hiker and have no problem hiking several days with a heavy backpack, but I would be a little hesitant to go off hiking myself in somewhere so remote. Are there often people who will often be walking overland with camels anyway who I can follow, or do they just use cars and buses nowadays? Thanks!

Hi @joe no one travels with camels in Mauritania (except nomads and border guards in the south) if you want to hike in the desert you absolutely need a guide and equipment, you can organize a trek from chinguetti to Tergit, depending on your dates, you may be able to include yourself in a group of travelers who also like to walk.

Okay great, thanks for the info Sebastien! Do you know the best way to find local guides or groups beforehand? Is it possible to just find guides who would be willing to do some hiking in any of the more visited towns like Chinguetti or Ouadane when I arrive there?

It will be easier from Chinguetti, you can contact me giving me fixed dates if you want to find a group (which is not guaranteed) or if you just want to find a guide it is not very complicated. I don’t know if I can write down my contact here, click on my name.

Hey Joan, love your blogs so much! Been super useful for organising my trip to Mauritania with my brother this December. We both want an epic off the beaten track adventure, so your guide is ace. Would love some advice on two questions:

its a 10 day trip so we would like to rent a 4×4 for most of it, based off your information that public transport requires lots of time and patience. However, I can’t work out how to do that for most of the trip and also do the iron ore train and a one-way camel trek.

We are planning on flying into Nouakchott and then driving east to Nibeika to pop over to see that crocodiles in Matmata, then even further east to Tidjikja, before driving direct north to Atar (via Terjit?).

1) Can you confirm that driving directly north from Tidjikja to Atar (and not via Nouakchott) is possible?

From there we will drive east to Ouadane to see the eye of the Sahara and then back to Chinguetti. We’d like to organise a 3-4 day camel trek from Chinguetti to see the Dunes of Lemkhaleg, Ez Zerga, the oasis of Mhaireth ending up in Terjit.

From Terjit we’d want to go to Zouerat and jump on the iron ore train back to Nouadhibou and then head back to Nouakchott.

Do you have any recommendations on how to do this and get the car from Chinguetti to Terjit (while we are on camels) , and then from Zouerat to Nouadhibou (while we are on the train)?

Is it possible to pay someone / hire someone to do this section of the journey for us, or do you think too much of a risk? Would you recommend hiring a local guide for the entire trip (who could also get the car from A to B on those two sections) or is that excessive?

2) You mentioned that camel treks can be organised from any auberge. Can you give a bit more information? all the camel treks online seem to be about EUR 1000 and go for 14 days, which isn’t really what we are after (and can’t afford). Can we just turn up at Oadane or Chinguetti, find someone local to hire camels and a guide for us, and do a 3 -5 day one way route to Terjit?

p.s – if you think this all wont be possible in 10 days, we’d probably cut out the crocodiles and Tidjikja.

pps. we’re also open to doing the trip half by private and half by local transport- just conscious of time constraints.

Thanks SO much!

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Latest update

Reconsider your need to travel to Mauritania overall due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping and the risk of violent crime.

Higher levels apply in some areas.

Mauritania (PDF 742.6 KB)

Africa (PDF 1.68 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Fire and rescue services, advice levels.

Reconsider your need to travel to Mauritania.

Do not travel  to the provinces of Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hidh ech Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Assaba and Guidimaka.

Do not travel  to:

• Tiris Zemmour province
• Adrar province
• Tagant province
• Hidh ech Chargui province
• Hodh El Gharbi province
• Assaba province
• Guidimaka province

These regions have a high risk of kidnapping.

See  Safety

Do not travel  to within 25km of Mauritania's northern border with Western Sahara, except to the city of Nouadhibou.

Do not travel to within 25km of Mauritania's northern border with Western Sahara due to the high risk of kidnapping and unexploded landmines.

• There is a threat of terrorism in Mauritania, particularly in the eastmost regions. Terrorists could target places visited by foreigners or places connected to the Government of Mauritania.  Remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. 
• There's a threat of kidnapping across the Sahel, including in Mauritania. Westerners are at a higher risk of being targeted. If you travel to Mauritania, get professional security advice. Avoid travelling to remote locations. Arrange personal security measures.
• Crime, including violent crime, is on the rise. Armed burglaries, robberies, and pickpocketing may occur on busy streets in broad daylight. Keep valuables out of sight. Pay close attention to your safety. Armed thieves often attack people in cars and beach areas. Carjackings by people smugglers are increasing. Keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving.
• Fake internet friendships, dating and marriage schemes operate in West African countries. Be wary of requests to send money or travel to Mauritania from someone you met online.
• Australian citizens who are victims of sexual assault should contact the  Australian Embassy in Paris .

Full travel advice: Safety

• Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance, which cover all medical costs and medical evacuation. Check that your travel insurance policy covers you for travel to Mauritania. You may need a special policy that covers travel to remote or high-risk places.
• Medical and dental facilities are extremely limited, and many medicines are difficult to obtain, particularly outside Nouakchott. If you're seriously ill or injured, there are limited options for medical care in-country, and you may need to be medically evacuated. Make sure your insurance covers this.
• Malaria is a risk year-round in most areas. Consider taking anti-malarial medication. Other insect-borne diseases include dengue, Rift Valley fever and yellow fever. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. Get vaccinated against yellow fever before you travel.
• HIV/AIDS is a risk. Take precautions if you engage in high-risk activities.
• Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common. They include cholera, typhoid and hepatitis. Drink only boiled or bottled water. Avoid raw or undercooked food. Don't swim in fresh water.

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties can include heavy fines or prison sentences. This applies even if you have a small amount of drugs.
• Extramarital sex is illegal in Mauritania, even in the case of rape. Women have been detained when reporting rape and sexual assault. They must prove that the sex was not consensual to avoid being charged. 
• Same-sex sexual activity is illegal.
• Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph military sites, airports and government and religious buildings without permission.
• Mauritania has strict religious laws. It's illegal to import non-Islamic religious materials or preach non-Islamic religion.
• Importing alcohol, pork products or firearms is against the law and will attract large fines . It's also illegal for anyone to transport any form of alcohol, unless authorised.
• Dress and behaviour standards are conservative, especially for women. Avoid physical contact between men and women in public. Take care not to offend.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You can get a visa on arrival. You must show your hotel booking or a letter from your local host. If you're travelling for business, you must have a letter of invitation. Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact  the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mauritania for the latest details
• Carry your yellow fever vaccination certificate. You may need it to enter the country.
• Mauritania is a mainly cash economy. Not many places accept credit cards. You can't exchange traveller's cheques. There are some ATMs in Nouakchott, but not all accept foreign cards.  Use official money exchanges or banks to convert your currency.
• Unexploded landmines near the Western Sahara border can shift in sandstorms. Stick to well-travelled roads.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The Consular Services Charter details what we can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Mauritania. For consular help, contact the Australian Embassy in France .
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the Embassy’s social media accounts.

Full travel advice:  Local contacts

Full advice

The porous nature of the borders in the Sahel region, which Mauritania is a part of, means terrorist groups can operate anywhere in the region. Terrorist attacks may occur in Mauritania.

Terrorist attacks could be indiscriminate and could target places visited by foreigners, or places connected to the Government of Mauritania.

Possible targets include:

• beach resorts, clubs, restaurants and hotels
• embassies and consulates
• international schools and expatriate housing
• places of worship
• shopping centres, transport hubs and outdoor events
• Western interests and businesses

Areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather may be at higher risk of attack. Remain vigilant in these locations.

To reduce your risk of being involved in an attack:

• avoid travelling to remote areas
• review your personal security plans. If you plan to travel to a high risk location, seek professional security advice. You’re responsible for your safety.
• be aware of your surroundings and watch for suspicious activity
• think about the level of security before you visit a location
• stay at hotels that have robust security measures

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

Kidnapping is a risk across Mauritania, with a greater risk closer towards the Mali-Mauritania border and the Sahel region. Foreigners have been kidnapped from remote and desert areas in the Sahel region. Some have been killed. Further kidnappings are likely.

Foreigners travelling alone or without security are easy targets.

Terrorists and criminal groups carry out kidnappings. Criminals sell their victims to terrorist groups.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, be aware that our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations is limited.

To reduce the risk of being kidnapped:

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location with them 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone

If you decide to travel to the Mali-Mauritania border areas despite our advice:

• vary your daily routines
• avoid locations popular with foreigners
• avoid unnecessary travel in remote areas
• arrange your own personal security measures

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.

Incidents of violent and petty crime are increasing across Mauritania. Carjackings by people smugglers are increasing.

Armed thieves have attacked: 

• the cinquième (fifth) district in Nouakchott
• beach areas around Nouakchott at night
• deserted beach areas, even during the day
• northern and eastern areas of the country
• cars on roads between Mali and Mauritania
• cars in the north of Mauritania

The conditions of paved roads in Mauritania are generally poor, and overland travel is difficult. Use four-wheel drive vehicles, check the tide times on coastal roads, travel in convoy and make sure you have adequate supplies of water and fuel on long journeys. Driving standards can also be poor.

If you're travelling in Mauritania: 

• arrange personal security measures
• keep car doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• avoid walking alone outside, and pay attention to your personal security
• ensure that your belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times.

Scams and fraud

Commercial and internet fraud often starts in Western African countries, including Mauritania.

If you're a victim of a scam , you could lose your money. Victims who travel to the country where the scam started can be in serious danger. People have been killed.

Criminals might:

• ask for details of a bank account to transfer large amounts of money. They may offer a fee or donation
• provide fake cashier cheques for urgent shipments of large quantities of goods
• ask for large fees for a fake government contract
• steal money from people they have invited to Africa for a business opportunity

Fake internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operate from West African countries. These scams usually start via internet dating sites or chat rooms. Scammers build a virtual relationship with you, then ask for money so they can travel to Australia. People have been defrauded or put in danger. 

In some cases the relationship ends and your money is gone. In other situations, if you travel to Africa to meet your friend or prospective marriage partner, you may be:

• a victim of extortion
• threatened on arrival

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Mauritania to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Cyber Security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas  

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

Local protests and political gatherings take place from time to time, including in Nouakchott.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To reduce your risk during periods of unrest:

• avoid protests, rallies and large public gatherings
• monitor the media and other sources

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Climate and natural disasters

Severe weather  may affect your travel.

Monitor local media for updates.

If you're visiting an area affected by severe weather:

• confirm your plans with your tour operator or travel provider
• check the condition of infrastructure with local operators and hotels

Travel Insurance

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. 

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

You'll probably need a special insurance policy that covers travel to remote or high-risk destinations. Most Australian policies won't cover you for travel to Mauritania.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location .

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Mauritania. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases.

Malaria  is a year-round risk in most areas, except in the northern regions of Dakhlet-Nouadhibou and Tiris-Zemmour.

Other mosquito-borne diseases include  dengue  and  Rift Valley fever .

There's no vaccination or specific treatment for dengue.

Yellow fever  is widespread in Mauritania. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated for before you travel.

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medication to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS  is a risk. Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including:

• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• leptospirosis
• tuberculosis
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Serious outbreaks can occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water sources
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, seek medical help straight away.

Get urgent medical attention if you suspect food poisoning or have a fever or diarrhoea.

Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities.

The standard of private medical facilities in Nouakchott is adequate, however, facilities are very limited outside of Nouakchott, and the standard of care of the public system is below that of Australia.

Local public hospitals may not be able to provide ambulance services, and you should research private medical facilities which provide ambulance services before arriving in country.

You'll likely have to pay up-front for medical services.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be medically evacuated to a location with better facilities. Medical evacuations are very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuations.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for all drug offences can include heavy fines or jail. This includes possessing small amounts of illegal drugs.

Carrying or using drugs

Although Mauritania operates a de facto moratorium on the use of the death penalty, under its penal code, the death penalty can apply for treason, murder, blasphemous speech, sacrilegious acts, and same-sex sexual activity between men.

In Mauritania, it's also illegal to:

• engage in same-sex sexual activity between women
• engage in extramarital sex
• take unauthorised photos of military facilities, airports, government buildings or religious buildings
• import non-Islamic religious materials
• preach a non-Islamic religion
• import alcohol, firearms or pork products
• transport any form of alcohol as a private citizen

Advice for LGBTI travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

The Mauritanian Government doesn't recognise dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this may limit the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport .

Dual nationals

Local customs

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan  is observed in Mauritania. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws during this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public or in front of people who are fasting between sunrise and sunset.

Information on dress

Standards of dress and behaviour are conservative, particularly for women.  Dress modestly in public and ensure your legs are covered. Women should also cover their arms, while men may wear short-sleeved shirts.

Take care not to offend.

Showing affection

Avoid physical contact between men and women in public.

Public displays of affection can cause offence, particularly:

• in rural and traditional areas
• near mosques, shrines and religious educational institutions

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

Visa conditions

You can get a visa on arrival. You must show your hotel booking or a letter from your local host. If you're travelling for business, you must have a letter of invitation.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the nearest Embassy of Mauritania for the latest details.

Other formalities

Yellow fever vaccination.

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Mauritania. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever .

Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF)

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen contract the Australian Embassy in Paris.

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

LGBTI travellers  

The local currency is the Mauritanian Ouguiya (MRU). You can't import or export ouguiyas.

You must declare any foreign currency on arrival, but there are no limits on how much you can import.

When you leave Mauritania, you can't have more foreign currency with you than the amount you declared on arrival.

Credit cards aren't widely used. Traveller's cheques aren't accepted. Most places only accept cash.

Some banks in Nouakchott have ATMs which accept foreign credit cards. Check ATM locations with your bank before you travel.

Only exchange currency at official centres and banks. Avoid exchanging money with street hustlers.

Local travel

Organise travel with a reputable local company.

If you're travelling beyond Nouakchott, register your plans with the local police or gendarmes.

All travel outside of Nouakchott should be in a convoy with proper security.

Unexploded landmines are a risk near the border with the Western Sahara region. Mines can shift in sandstorms.

If you travel to this area despite our advice, stay on well-travelled roads.

Road travel

Driving can be dangerous.

The conditions of paved roads in Mauritania are generally poor, and overland travel is difficult. Use four-wheel drive vehicles, check the tide times on coastal roads, travel in convoys and ensure you have adequate supplies of water and fuel for long journeys. Driving standards can also be poor.

The major roads linking Nouakchott with Nouadhibou to Mali to the west, and Senegal to the south are in good condition.

Most other roads in Mauritania are in poor condition.

Accident risks include:

• poor vehicle maintenance
• poor local driving standards
• animals on roads
• shifting sand dunes

If you plan to drive in Mauritania:

• avoid driving at night
• carry enough food, water and fuel
• make sure your car is roadworthy
• only travel in the desert if you're familiar with the area
• check the credentials and references of desert guides

Driving or riding

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Mauritania's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Most hospitals don't have ambulances for emergency care.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Mauritania.

You can get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Paris.

Australian Embassy, Paris

4 Rue Jean Rey

75724 Cedex 15

Paris, France

Phone: +33 1 4059 3300

Email: [email protected]

Website: france.embassy.gov.au (French)

Facebook: Australian Embassy, France

Twitter: @AusEmbFR

Check the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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Mauritania Travel Guide

Travel & tourism.

One of the largest countries in North Africa, Mauritania is a mix of desert and ocean—but mostly desert. The bulk of Mauritania’s large area is made up of the world famous Sahara Desert, while the country’s west coast hugs the Atlantic Ocean. The large contrast between these diverse environments means that there is plenty for travelers to see and do. The beaches on the west coast are a worthy break from the humming interior city of Nouakchott, while various medieval sites, including Chinguetti, offer amazing views of ancient buildings, some of which are considered to be national symbols. The country’s many desert mosques are some of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in all of North Africa.

What to Do in Mauritania

1. Nouakchott:  There’s plenty to do in Mauritania’s capital city, including dropping by the many souks or markets, like Marche Capital or Marche Sixieme. The Saharan sand dunes on the edge of Nouakchott are worth checking out, especially at sunrise or sundown.

2. Beaches:  While not as popular as other beaches on the Atlantic, Mauritania’s coast is still worth seeing. The most popular beach is the Plage de Nouakchott. Plan to drive in a four-by-four to travel to and around this site, and be aware of any warnings of strong currents if you plan to swim. There aren’t many hotels along Mauritania’s coast, but traveling to the beach is still a worthwhile daytime trip.

3. Banc d’Arguin National Park:  Located between Nouakchott and the city of Nouadhibou, this nature reserve is a fantastic site to see migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans. The coastal sides of the park are known for their seaside flora, and close to the park are fishing villages that are worth a visit, too. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Chinguetti:  An amazing medieval town in the interior of Mauritania, this city is home to plenty of incredible ancient sites, including the Friday Mosque, a sandstone-colored building that is considered by many to be the national symbol of the country.

5. Richat Structure : In the midst of the vast, vacant Sahara desert, just outside of Ouadane, Mauritania, lies a 30-mile wide geological oddity known the Richat Structure, sometimes called the “Eye of Africa.” From space, this natural curiosity forms a distinct and unmistakable bull’s-eye that once served as a geographical landmark for early astronauts as they passed over the Sahara.

6. Arguin Island : The island is off the coast of Mauritania; it lies about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Cape Blanc, in a sheltered Atlantic inlet (Arguin Bay). The island (4 by 2.5 miles [6 by 4 km]) was incorporated into the newly independent Mauritania in 1960. Aridity and poor anchorage have prevented the establishment of permanent settlements on it, but the coastal reefs, known as the Arguin Banks, are major fishing grounds. The island is also an important site for turtle fishing and produces gum Arabic.

7. Banc d’Arguin National Park : Fringing the Atlantic coast, the park comprises sand-dunes, coastal swamps, small islands and shallow coastal waters. The contrast between the harsh desert environment and the biodiversity of the marine zone has resulted in a land- and seascape of outstanding natural significance. A wide variety of migrating birds spend the winter there. Several species of sea turtle and dolphin, used by the fishermen to attract shoals of fish, can also be found.

8. Terjit : Terjit is an oasis, 45km by road south of Atar and popular with Mauritania’s few tourists. It nestles in a gorge on the western edge of the Adrar plateau with the palm grove stretching a few hundred metres alongside a stream which emerges from a spring.

9. Adrar Plateau : Traditional region of central Mauritania in western Africa. It consists of a low central massif with noticeable cliffs that rise to about 800 feet (240 m). The terrain is arid and almost totally unsuitable for cropping. There is, however, sufficient water at the base of the uplands to support date-palm groves, and during the wetter part of the year there is cultivation of millet, sorghum, melons, and vegetables in gorges.

10. Aouelloul Crater : A large crater located 28 mi (45 km) southwest of Chinguetti, Mauritania, and thought to be of meteoritic origin. Discovered by air in 1951, it is 833 ft (250 m) in diameter and 33 ft in depth. A large amount of fused silica glass has been found in the area, but only one small meteorite fragment has been recovered from the crater.

Mauritania’s rainy season lasts from July to September; average rainfall during the year is about 20 to 23 inches (51 to 58.5 centimeters.) The country is also a recipient of the harmattan, a trade wind that blows from the Sahara, bringing with it sand and limited visibility. The best times to visit Mauritania are between March through June, when the weather is generally calmer.

Getting In and Around

Visas:  All travelers except West African nationals need a visa to get into Mauritania. Arrange your visa in advance.

Transportation:  The most common way to get into Mauritania is to take a charter flight from a European country like France. Most travelers fly into Nouakchott International Airport. If you are traveling elsewhere in West or North Africa, you can drive into Mauritania by car, bus, or bush taxi. Take note: traveling near the border of Western Sahara is not advisable, due to the presence of land mines.

Within the country, the most common form of transportation is by car or bush taxi. Hiring a private driver and car is relatively inexpensive, and having one makes travel between the cities and the beaches that much easier.

Mobile Phones:  Most GSM phones work in Mauritania. If you don’t have a GSM-enabled phone, buy one cheaply in the country you live in, or buy one in Mauritania. Purchase a SIM card in Mauritania and enjoy inexpensive calls and text messages.

Safety and Security

Concerned about your safety as you plan travel to Mauritania? We at Africa.com, together with our friends, family and colleagues, travel extensively throughout the continent. Here are the resources we consult when thinking of our safety in Mauritania:

•  UK Government Mauritania Travel Advice Guidance

Africa.com comment: Very timely and frequently updated. Perspective assumes that you ARE going to travel to Mauritania, and seeks to give you good guidance so that you understand the risks and are well informed.

•  Mo Ibrahim Personal Safety & Rule of Law Score for Mauritania

Africa.com comment: An annual ranking of the 54 African countries based on their relative personal security as determined by a highly qualified staff of an African foundation, funded by a successful African philanthropist. See where Mauritania ranks relative to the other 54 nations in Africa.

• U.S. State Department Travel Advisory on Mauritania

Africa.com comment: Can sometimes be considered overly conservative and discourage travel altogether to destinations that many reasonable people find acceptably secure. On the other hand, they have the resources of the CIA to inform them, so they know things that the rest of us don’t know. See what they have to say about Mauritania.

Local Advice

1. Mauritania is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and by Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, and Senegal along its borders.

2. Mauritania’s official name, reflecting the majority religion in the country, is the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. We advise keeping aware of local customs: women especially should take care to dress either modestly or conservatively. As well, if women are either traveling alone or with a group, take care—individual women should never follow a man alone, whether it’s a police officer or a potential travel guide. Use common sense and remain in public with strangers when you can.

3. Arabic and French are the predominant languages of Mauritania. Learn a few French phrases if you plan to spend the majority of your time in the cities or on the more populated beaches. Wherever you’re traveling, greeting people with the common Arabic phrase salaam aleikum will put you in good graces with anyone you’re communicating with.

4. Mauritania’s currency is called the ouguiya and is abbreviated as MRO. ATM machines are very few and far between, and credit cards are almost universally not accepted. Plan to change money and carry cash with you when arriving in the country. Nouakchott has a number of change bureaus.

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Driving through the vast, sun-bleached landscape of Mauritania, you'd be forgiven for expecting to see a tricked-out post-apocalyptic hot rod from Mad Max on the horizon. Instead, a solitary, turbaned figure tending a herd of goats tells the story of survival amid millennial-old geological forces. Mauritania, with one of the world's lowest population densities, is almost equally divided between Moors of Arab-Berber descent and Black Africans, a striking cultural combination that is part of its appeal.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Parc National du Banc d'Arguin

This World Heritage–listed park is an important stopover and breeding ground for multitudes of birds migrating between Europe and southern Africa, and as…

Port de Pêche

The Port de Pêche is Nouakchott's star attraction. Lively and colourful, you'll see hundreds of teams of mostly Wolof and Fula men dragging in heavy…

Parc National Diawling

This little-known national park is a sister to the adjacent Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary in Senegal. It has important mangroves and acacia forest (any…

Réserve Satellite du Cap Blanc

A small nature reserve with an excellent information centre, dedicated to the colony of endangered Mediterranean monk seals (phoque moin) that live here…

Le Ksar al Kiali

As you arrive across the sands or plateau from Atâr or Chinguetti, the stone houses of Le Ksar al Kiali seem to tumble down the cliff. The top of the hill…

Grande Mosquée

Its slender minarets and sandy courtyards, where worshippers perform their ceremonial ablutions, makes the Grande Mosquée a notable landmark in the city…

Musée National

Moderately worthwhile for anyone with an interest in Moorish culture. On the first level is a prehistoric gallery with archaeological exhibits while the…

Mosquée Marocaine

The large Mosquée Marocaine is a precious landmark in this bustling area. Located south of Ave Abdel Nasser, towards the Cinquième Quartier.

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Mauritania and beyond

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Is Mauritania safe to visit? Mauritania Safety Travel Tips

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Situated in the north-western part of Africa, Mauritania bridges the Arab Maghreb and the western sub-Saharan Africa- an interesting combination which attracts every potential tourist of Africa’s attention with the diverse culture and landscapes.

You might want to experience the beauties this African country has to offer, but you should not forget that in order to have a safe and enjoyable trip, one of the basic steps you can take is getting informed. Safety should be a priority when planning a trip to another continent or country. This is when our Mauritania safety travel guide comes useful for you. Not only will we provide the information required for you to travel safe to Mauritania, but also advice on how to prevent yourself and your loved ones from unfortunate events that could alter the quality of your trip.

Because of the economic turmoil present in Mauritania, you might want to know that this country struggles with poverty, escalating crime rates and terrorism. What is more, the border areas are heavily mined and therefore, they come with high risks for the visitors’ safety.

Even though Mauritania figures on your must-visit African countries and its beautiful deserted areas and coastlines are undeniable, you should read our Mauritania safety tips and decide for yourself whether this country is a safe destination for you. Read on to find out how safe is Mauritania for tourists:

Highest Risks You Expose Yourself to When Visiting Mauritania

Overall risks in mauritania: medium to high.

Because of the economic and political turmoil Mauritania is characterized by, authorities advise against travelling to Mauritania for pleasure, as the trip could turn into a dangerous adventure. From terrorist attacks to violent acts, you and your travel partners risk to get involved in unpleasant events that could ruin your holiday. Therefore, read our Mauritania safety guide and decide for yourself whether a trip to this country is worth being done in this period and, if the risks do not seem threatening to you, find out our safety advice on how to avoid encountering these risks during your stay in Mauritania.

In order to stay safe in Mauritania, you should take into account some important safety tips that will be provided in this Mauritania safety guide. As general advice, you should be very attentive to the people around you, avoid getting involved in large gatherings or situations that could harm your health and do not let any valuable goods unattended. Any unpleasant event can be solved with common sense and extra caution. Read on to get informed about how to stay safe in Mauritania, irrespective of the unpleasant situation encountered.

Violence Risk in Mauritania: HIGH

Violence in Mauritania is usually connected to the petty crimes mentioned above. Political gatherings might turn violent and attackers could take advantage of your poor knowledge of the area to lure you into going in isolated places. Nevertheless, scams and violent attackers have been registered and along with the terrorist groups who activate in this country, the risk of being a victim is high.

What is more, religious and ethnic violence is also common here: as a Muslim country, local people seem to have a low tolerance towards other religions and therefore, making religious statements is not advisable to be done when visiting this country.

• How to Avoid Violence in Mauritania?

In order to avoid getting involved in such unpleasant events, you should avoid leaving any goods unattended and be skeptical about the people around you. Trusting everyone you have just met is one of the basic mistakes that you can avoid. In case you are accompanied by a travel partner, make sure you stay together during the visits you make in cities or villages and keep an eye on your luggage all the time.

In case you are involved in an attack, try not to resist the attacker and contact the right authorities. They will for sure be willing to help you recover your goods and stay safe.

Pickpocketing and Theft Risks in Mauritania: HIGH

The level of crime in Mauritania has increased significantly during the last years, especially because the country is characterized by poverty and terrorist attacks. From robbery to petty thefts and rape, this country can be a challenge for any visitor. Violent assaults and armed bandits are pretty common in this area, especially in places such as beaches, deserted areas or isolated roads.

• How to avoid pickpocketing and theft in Mauritania?

It is very important to get equipped with the right Mauritania safety tips before deciding to embark on a journey there. Try to avoid exploring isolated parts of the cities and, if you are forced to walk or drive at night, do not leave your valuable goods unattended. Expensive phones, pieces of jewelry and valuable gadgets or money can attract the criminals’ attention and they may see you as a target victim. Take extra caution to the people around you and do not stray from well-traveled roads.

Scam Risk in Mauritania: MEDIUM

At the moment, the only scam that's worrying people all around the world - and which originates from Mauritania - involves a call from a number registered with this country. Reportedly, you receive a call during the night and, if you answer your phone, you will later face quite a costly callback. Obviously, it is unlikely that you'll answer unknown numbers while on your trip and you may also buy a country-specific number in order to make communication easier while traveling.

Therefore, you should not be worried too much about this particular scam.

However, keep in mind that you are subject to other scams! Street vendors, clerks, restaurant/ bar waiters can always take advantage of the fact that you are a tourist and overprice some of the things you're buying from them. This is why you should always be on your toes when interacting with strangers or locals, as you may never know their true intentions.

• How to avoid getting scammed in Mauritania?

As mentioned before, you should always keep an eye out for anything suspicious when traveling. First of all, it is important that you get familiar with the country's currency, as well as with local laws and customs. Then, whenever you think of ordering something, in a restaurant or bar, you should check the menu beforehand and memorize the prices of the things you want to buy.

Even though the waiters try to recommend you certain beverages/ dishes - which are, conveniently enough for them, not on the menu -, you should still settle only for the things you can see the price of.

It is recommended that you limit the time you spend in the company of strangers or locals that try to sell you something or to draw your attention too hard. If they're trying too hard, it means that they have a plan of scamming/ robbing you.

Kidnapping Risk in Mauritania: MEDIUM to HIGH

Kidnapping seems to be a serious threat/ risk throughout Mauritania. First of all, most governments advise travelers/ tourists to avoid traveling to the northern and eastern regions of Mauritania, as well as to Mauritania's border areas with Western Sahara, Mali, and Algeria, mainly due to the risk of military activities.

Besides military activities, here are known to operate extremist groups as well, responsible for several cases of kidnapping and armed banditry. Moreover, if you enter the military area, you may be considered a legitimate target.

Furthermore, there is a serious threat of kidnapping throughout Mauritania as well, mainly because Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb and several other groups are known to operate in some parts of North Africa and may be seen as a threat in Mauritania as well. These groups have kidnapped foreigners/ tourists, mostly those that were in border, remote, and desert areas of North Africa.

Therefore, you should think twice before traveling to a certain location!

• How to avoid getting kidnapped in Mauritania?

The first and most important rule is to stick to the areas that are meant for tourists. It is imperative that you avoid dangerous and remote areas at all costs. Naturally, traveling alone is not recommended - you should either employ a travel guide or have friends or family with you. In the latter case, a personal protection team is recommended in order to ensure your safety during your trip, especially if it is a long distance one.

You should stay within the areas surrounding your accommodation and never embark on long journeys without a proper, registered tour guide and without any means of protection. It is highly recommended that you consult with either the authorities or with the embassy before leaving for any sort of trip.

Terrorism Risk in Mauritania: HIGH

The north-western part of Africa is well-known for the indiscriminate terrorist attacks that happened there, especially in areas commonly visited by foreigners. Public places such as embassies, restaurants, hotels and shopping centers, followed by Government buildings and crowded streets in the centers of the town are target areas for terrorist groups.

  From car bombing to kidnappings and attempted suicide bombings, events related to the terrorist group AQIM have been registered in 2010 and 211, imposing high threats for any visitors who is not informed about how to stay safe in Mauritania in such unfortunate cases.

• How to avoid terrorism in Mauritania?

In order to stay safe in Mauritania during a terrorist attack, you should know a few safety tips. First of all, avoid staying in crowded places for too long, as they may be target areas for terrorists. It is advisable to avoid open terraces, cafes and tourist areas and leave as soon as possible in cases in which the gatherings become agitated.

Risks of Women Traveling Alone in Mauritania: HIGH

Solo travelers in Mauritania, especially if we are speaking of women traveling to Mauritania, can encounter a lot or risks during their journey. As seen above, the crime risk is pretty high, with common violent acts such as robbery, rapes and assaults on the increase. When traveling solo, women can be perceived as target victims by attackers and this is why traveling to Mauritania alone is not advisable.

• How to crime as a solo woman traveler in Mauritania?

If traveling to Mauritania is a necessity for you, as a woman, you should keep in mind a few simple rules. First of all, the best way in which you can avoid being a target victim of attackers is to dress neutral and decent, not leave valuable objects at sight and not leave doors or windows open at the accommodation.

In order to make sure you get to see everything Mauritania has to offer and have a trouble-free journey, try to hire a guide who is really well-informed about the surroundings. This way you will always be accompanied and you will know what areas are safe for you to visit and enjoy.

Get informed about the telephone numbers of the authorities and keep your common sense during the journey. You should also know some important aspects about the local customs and laws in order not to get noticed as a foreigner by the local people. Every unfortunate situation can be avoided if you pay extra caution to everything around you.

Rape Risk in Mauritania: MEDIUM to HIGH

Even though there are little to no reports regarding this type of crime in Mauritania, evidence that sexual assault happens does exist. However, it is most likely not reported to the authorities - it is known that some women that reported cases of rape now face jail time for doing so. This is because the local women are at risk of being jailed because they had intercourse outside of marriage.

Therefore, if something bad happens to you, you might be frowned upon and your case dismissed. However, there are little to no cases of foreign women being victims of sexual violence. It is very likely that such things happen mostly in the country's remote areas and less in any major cities.

Still, you should learn how to protect yourself and how to avoid such things from happening to you.

• How to avoid getting raped in Mauritania?

First of all, you should avoid the areas that are deemed as dangerous - Tiris Zemmour province, Adrar province, within 25km of the Western Sahara border -, as well as any remote areas/ villages. As mentioned a couple of times before, you should not be traveling alone and you should not engage in long-distance trips if you don't have personal protection.

Then, it is important that you get acquainted with the locals laws and customs so that you don't end up offending any locals. Naturally, you should approach a decent outfit when you leave your accommodation and try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. You should not try to draw attention towards you, especially when you are traveling outside of the city you are accommodated in.

Do not travel during the night, even if you are not alone. Avoid any shady alleys, bad-reputed neighborhoods, as well as the city slums and outskirts. Keep yourself safe by staying within the tourist-recommended areas/ locations.

Risks for People Traveling with Children in Mauritania: HIGH

Given everything we have mentioned so far, it goes without saying that Mauritania might not be the best place to visit with your children. The FCO advises against all travel in about 80% of the country, while the rest of the 20% is recommended for essential travel only. There are already too many risks and threats to take into account when you are traveling alone - if you were to bring your children with you as well, you'd have one or more things to consider as well.

Moreover, given the increased risk of kidnapping, you should do your best not to expose your children to such danger.

However, if you decide to bring your children with you, keep in mind that the weather in Mauritania is usually very hot and dry. Thus, fluid intake with enough salts included is recommended to be kept at a high level - meaning that you have to make sure that the little ones stay hydrated.

It is also worth mentioning that you may not be able to rely on the country's medical facilities in case something happens, as they are extremely limited. If you are not in Nouadhibou or Nouakchott, you or your children may not be treated in time in case of a medical emergency.

• How to avoid unwanted scenarios?

When traveling with your children, you must keep in mind that you'll have to protect and care for them at all times, especially in this country. Besides keeping them hydrated and out of harm's way, you'll also have to make sure that no one around you is trying to do or doing anything suspicious.

In short, it is highly recommended that you reconsider your traveling location if you plan to bring your children with you.

Natural Disaster Risks in Mauritania: MEDIUM

Natural disasters are not common here, but flooding might appear during the rain storms which take place from August to November. This might make road transportation difficult, as well as the supply of water poor.

Apart from that, Mauritania is visited by sandstorms, especially during the winter, and these can affect your health significantly. Not only do they make breathing a real challenge, but they can also alter the air quality for longer periods and alter machinery.

Try to avoid traveling there in the above-mentioned months and carry water with you every time you travel (if possible). The water system is poorly maintained and cannot be trusted. In case you encounter a sandstorm, it is recommended to take shelter in the nearest building you can find or in a vehicle with the doors and windows closed.

Transportation Risks in Mauritania: MEDIUM to HIGH

Because the road conditions and the driving standards in Mauritania are poor, driving there can be a challenge. Isolated areas can be target locations for attackers, as well as carjackers and this is why extra caution is definitely needed when driving on the roads of Mauritania.

In what concerns the public transportation, you should know that many sexual assaults have taken place in public transports such as buses or taxis. Poor maintenance of the means of transport, combined with the poor conditions of the roads can cause problems during your trip.

If you want to stay safe in Mauritania when driving, try to avoid doing it at night or in isolated areas. The signal, the gas stations and the road signs here are difficult to find, so any unnecessary travel will cost you time and will be dangerous.

Travelling from one place to another in Mauritania can be a challenge, so make sure you have a well-organized plan before visiting this country and try to use the transport as rarely as possible.

Night-Clubs, Pubs, and Bar Risks in Mauritania: MEDIUM

There have been reports of various incidents taking place on and around unlit beaches, as well as in the Le Cinquieme district, especially after dark. Moreover, statistics show that several other violent incidents, as well as theft have been reported there in the past couple of years.

Therefore, it is safe to say that most night-clubs, pubs, and bars are not safe to visit in Mauritania. Even though there are no clear reports telling of incidents taking place inside such facilities, we can only assume that tourists either don't visit them or stick to the ones close to or located inside their accommodation.

Keep in mind that alcohol is illegal in Mauritania, both its sale and consumption. So, if you planned on having a wild night there during your trip, you should avoid keeping your promise, so to say, at all costs. Before visiting any type of location/ building, it is recommended that you have a basic understanding over the country's local laws and customs - for example, police officers usually don't like being taken photos without their permission.

Be extremely careful on your way to night-clubs, pubs, bars, as well as on your way back - use only reputable taxi services. Obviously, you should not visit the aforementioned locations alone.

Health Risks in Mauritania

As mentioned before, Mauritania comes with extremely limited medical facilities, especially outside of Nouadhibou and Nouakchott. Emergency services take too long to respond to critical situations and, in some cases, they may not even be able to provide the victims/ injured with on-site treatment.

If you are taken to a clinic in the two aforementioned cities, you will probably be charged for medical care - in either US dollars or Euros. Keep in mind that foreign insurance cards may not be accepted.

The bright side is that there are no viruses, diseases, or outbreaks that you should worry about while visiting Mauritania. The only thing you have to do is to keep yourself hydrated - high fluid intake, including enough salts.

As always, you should travel only with proper travel health insurance and with enough funds to cover the costs of any medicine, treatment, or emergency evacuation that you may be subject to. It is important that you always have some cash on you in case of an emergency.

List of Vaccines You Need in Mauritania

Because medical facilities are limited in this part of the continent, you must take extra caution before embarking on a journey to Mauritania. Pay a visit to your medical care provider and do not forget to be equipped with the right health assurance. What is also vital in order to stay safe in Mauritania is to have the right vaccination. Diseases such as Malaria, Meningococcus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A&B, Yellow fever and Filiariasis are common in Mauritania and therefore you should make sure the risk of encountering them is low by taking the right precautions.

Most Dangerous Areas in Mauritania

As a whole, Mauritania as a country poses many dangers to its visitors, as you could see above. Nevertheless, there are places which are more dangerous than others and therefore, in order to stay safe in Mauritania , you should know what areas to avoid and what risks do they come with:

• The area near the Western Sahara- due to the fact that it’s heavily mined;
• Borders between Algeria and Mali- notorious for terrorist groups and banditry;
• Nouakchott and Atar- where many kidnaps and violent attacks have been registered;
• Northern provinces of Mauritania- Tiris Zemmour, Tagant, Adrar, Hodh el Chargui- due to the terrorist attacks registered here.

Concluding Remarks: Is Mauritania Safe to Visit?

Due to the poverty, slavery and poor facilities Mauritania is characterized by, this country tends to pose many risks to each visitor. It can be a challenge and it should be visited with extra caution taken during your stay in Mauritania. With this Mauritania safety travel guide in your pocket, your trip could be enjoyable and trouble-free. All you need to do is make sure you keep a high level of vigilance and follow the few Mauritania safety tips we presented:

• Keep an eye on your travel partners;
• Avoid staying in public places very much;
• Leave valuable objects such as phones and jewelry at the accommodation;
• Do not forget to close windows and doors to your accommodation or car;
• Be skeptical about the people you have just met;
• Avoid isolated areas and roads as much as possible;
• Do not walk at night, especially alone;
• Take the right measures in what concerns your health assurance, vaccines and guides.

With these Mauritania safety tips in your mind, your journey to this African country will for sure be trouble-free and enjoyable. Be responsible and think twice whether this country will prove to be a nice experience for you and your travel comrades. The decision is only yours.

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Travel to Mauritania

Join our mauritania adventure tours, are  you  looking  for  a  unique  adventure  that  will   take  you  off  the  beaten  path , would you like the ride the mauritania iron ore train 700km through the sahara desert , would you like to experience a true sahara desert adventure in a remote lesser travelled nation.

Our tours are led by local multi-lingual Mauritanian guides, arranged by Western staff, budget friendly, affordable for every backpacker and will provide you an amazing trip.

As seen on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and other social media platforms – Mauritania is an untouched rugged landscape waiting to be explored, a bucket list travel adventure of a lifetime. 

Visit Mauritania For A Unique Sahara Desert Adventure

Maurit ania offers an unforgettable experience for the int rep id traveler . From the ancient cities of Ch ingu etti and Ou ad ane , to the lush coastal regions  near  Nou ak ch ott , you ‘ll be char med by the country ‘s blend of culture , history , and natural beauty .

A visit to Maurit ania is sure to take you on a journey you won ‘t soon forget , with endless opportunities to explore the desert o ases and UNESCO World Heritage sites ,  as well as a chance to experience the unique traditions of the Maur itan ians . Whether you ‘re looking to relax on the beaches , explore the Sahara , or experience the vibrant culture , Maurit ania is the perfect destination for adventurers .

You will also have the opportunity to hitch the The Maur itan ian Iron Ore train. It is an iconic journey that takes passengers across the vast Sahara desert in West Africa, while sat on actual iron ore coals from the mines of Mauritania! I t is a unique and unforgettable experience for any adventure traveler. 

Travel Advice For Mauritania

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What currency is used in Mauritania?

Top 10 need-to-know facts for travelers visiting mauritania:.

Mauritania is still relatively new to the travel world and there is limited information online, even from government agencies, about the ins & outs of visiting Mauritania. Here are some key facts you need to know when visiting Mauritania: 

1. Visa Requirements: All visitors to Maurit ania are required to obtain a visa. You can do this  from the Maur itan ian embassy in their home country before travelling, or most nationalities are able to get a visa on arrival.  

2. Vaccinations: Certain vaccinations are recommended before travelling to Maurit ania , including hepatitis A and B , typh oid and yellow fever are definitely recommended.  

3. Currency: The currency in Maurit ania is MRU, not to be confused with the old MRO! EUR and USD is also commonly accepted. 

4. Clothing: Maurit ania has a conservative culture and visitors should d ress modestly in public.

5. Language: The official language of Maurit ania is Arabic , but French is also widely spoken , especially in urban areas.  

6. Safety: Maurit ania is a safe country to visit , but it is advisable to take extra precautions when travelling to remote areas.

7. Water: Tap water is not safe to drink in Maurit ania , so it is best to drink bottled water.

8. Transportation: The best way to get around Maurit ania is by bus or taxi . Some roads are impassable by normal vehicles requiring 4x4s. 

9. Weather: The weather in Maurit ania is hot and dry , with temperatures reaching up to 40°C +in the summer months.

10. Local Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Maur itan ian dishes such as couscous, tajine and thieboudienne.

Our travel experts will help you visit Mauritania

Our website offers everything you need to plan the perfect trip , from detailed travel information to exclusive  tour package deaks.   If you seeking to adventure through the Sahara, we’ve got you covered. 

But… if you are seeking extra support for travelling Mauritania then look no further. Our expert team of local and western support staff can help make your trip a reality! 

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15 of the safest countries and cities to visit in 2024

B erkshire Hathaway Travel Protection’s report on Safest Places to Travel in 2024 unveils 15 countries and 15 cities from around the world.

Safety is a paramount concern for many travellers, especially those embarking on solo journeys. With this in mind, Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has released a report on the Safest Places to Travel in 2024, featuring 15 countries from around the globe.

The portal has also compiled a list of the Safest Cities To Travel To In 2024 , with Honolulu, Montreal, Reykjavik, Sydney and Amsterdam securing the top five positions.

Safe Travels 101: What makes a destination tourist-friendly?

Several factors contribute to the safety of a location, including robust infrastructure to handle natural disasters and accidents, the friendliness of citizens (especially towards the LGBTQIA+ community and people of colour), the ability to prevent violent crimes, and the absence of terrorism.

Forbes highlights that while Nordic countries and cities frequently appear on safety lists, it is not a guarantee of perpetual safety. For example, Iceland declared a ‘state of emergency’ in November due to high seismic activity, anticipating the eruption of the Fagradalsfjall volcano, leading to evacuations in Grindavík.

While Canada may top the list in 2024, there’s no assurance it will consistently remain in the top ten. Safety levels can vary across different parts of the country.

Parameters defining the safest countries and cities in the world in 2024

The portal conducts regular surveys, seeking people’s opinions on various safety parameters in places they have visited. They also incorporate data from the Global Peace Index , travel safety ratings by the US State Department, and GeoSure Global scores of major cities.

Safest countries in the world for your 2024 travels

• Switzerland
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom
• New Zealand

2024’s top 15 safest cities for your adventures

Read the full report here .

(Main and feature image: Guillaume Jaillet/Unsplash)

This story first appeared in Lifestyle Asia Singapore. 

The post 15 of the safest countries and cities to visit in 2024 appeared first on Prestige Online - Singapore .

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6 cruise safety tips to keep you protected and at ease during your vacation at sea

Do you have a cruise vacation on the horizon keep these 6 safety tips in mind during your travels.

Take a look inside ‘The Icon of the Seas’ cruise ship

‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ gets a firsthand look at Royal Caribbean’s new record-breaking ship ‘The Icon of the Seas.’

A trip aboard a cruise ship provides a unique vacation truly unlike anything else. 

When enjoying activities like shopping, dining at fancy restaurants, testing your luck at the blackjack table or attending an evening show, you can quickly forget that you are aboard a ship. 

Getting to your destination is half the fun — and while traveling from port to port on a cruise ship, you won't be bored with all the events happening and things to do while you're sailing. 

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR ONLINE PRIVACY AND SECURITY ON YOUR NEXT CRUISE VACATION

When you take any kind of vacation, it's important to keep safety measures in mind, and cruising is no exception. 

Here are six key safety tips to remember during your vacation at sea.

Remember these six safety tips while you're cruising. (iStock)

• Keep rooms locked up when you are away
• Pay attention during the muster drill
• Lock up valuables
• Keep your keycard close
• Research stops ahead of time
• Keep alcohol intake in mind

1. Keep rooms locked up when you are away

When you leave your room, even just for a short period of time, make sure the door shuts and locks behind you. 

Before you go to bed for the night, ensure that your door is secure. This includes your balcony door. 

If you have a balcony room, don't climb over railings or leave any trash out that could get blown over. 

Also, remember when you are staying in a balcony room that there are people all around you that could also be out on their balcony, out of your sight. While you're out there, don't say anything that you wouldn't want others to hear. 

2. Pay attention during the muster drill

Before you embark on your cruise, every passenger must attend a muster drill.

This is a mandatory safety briefing that takes place in the same place you'll go in the case of an emergency. 

CONSIDERING A CRUISE? HIGH SEAS MAY BE THE RIGHT OPTION FOR BOTH FAMILY AND WALLET

Pay attention during this, so you have all the information that you need. 

3. Lock up valuables

On any vacation, including a cruise, keep your valuables safely locked up in the safe located in your room. 

Your passport is one important document you should lock away during your cruise vacation. (Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

You don't want to lose money or important travel documents, like a passport that you'll need to return home. 

Don't carry unnecessary valuables around the ship with you. 

They'll be much better off safely locked away. Just don't forget to check your safe before your last departure. 

4. Keep your keycard close

One of the most important items you'll be given when you arrive at your cruise ship is a keycard. This keycard doesn't only open your room, but it can also be connected to your credit card, so you can easily make purchases on board. 

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You should keep your keycard on you at all times while you are cruising. You'll also need your keycard to get on and off the ship, as it will be scanned when you exit and then re-enter after your day of exploring. 

5. Research stops ahead of time

If you plan on exiting the cruise ship and exploring the destinations you visit, do research on those stops ahead of time. 

Look up local laws and check and see if there are any travel advisories for the destination. 

Before you go, look at any excursions that are offered by the cruise line, and get those booked in advance. 

Research the stops your cruise is headed to before you go, so that you can plan each day and learn the laws of each place you are going. (AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti)

Use the buddy system when exploring around the destination and on the cruise ship too. 

Keep in mind the time at which you must return to the ship, and make sure you give yourself plenty of time to return. 

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If there is a stop that you aren't interested in leaving the ship for, head to the spots, like the pool, that are always busy. 

On port days, many guests will be off the ship, so that could give you an opportunity to grab a good seat by the pool, or finally ride the waterside without the big line. 

6. Keep alcohol intake in mind

Cruise drink packages can be enticing to guests, but also can make it easy to overindulge if you're not careful. 

Alcoholic beverages are often an attraction on cruise ships. Make sure that during your trip, you keep track of how much you are consuming each day to keep yourself safe. (iStock)

Whether you buy a drink package or pay as you go, keep track of how much you consume throughout the day. 

Don't forget to have plenty of water and have enough to eat, especially when you're spending a lot of time outside in the sun. 

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle .

Ashlyn Messier is a writer for Fox News Digital. 

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US issues level 3 travel advisory to China amid safety concerns. Here's what to know

Are you thinking about traveling to China to visit or study abroad? The U.S. government suggests reconsidering your trip for now. 

According to the U.S. Department of State , traveling to China is under a level 3 travel advisory , warning Americans to reconsider. The State Department has four warning levels. The fourth is “Do not travel.”

Is it safe to travel to China right now?

The U.S. is asking Americans to reconsider traveling to China due to various reasons, including concerns about health and safety, such as the prevalence of contagious diseases like COVID-19, as well as political tensions or security risks in certain regions.

As of April 12, there are some specific areas that the U.S. is asking people to reconsider travel to. Those areas include:

• Mainland China due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws, including exit bans and the risk of wrongful detentions.
• Exercise increased caution when traveling to the Hong Kong SAR due to the arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
• Reconsider travel to the Macau SAR due to a limited ability to provide emergency consular services. 

Additionally, the U.S. government may issue travel advisories based on factors like civil unrest, natural disasters, or other hazards that could affect travelers' well-being.

Americans detained in China

Mark Swidan — a man from Houston, Texas — has been detained in China for over 10 years on drug charges. According to The Texas Tribune , Swidan was detained in China in 2012 while on a trip looking for materials for his home and business in Houston. Chinese authorities arrested him after his driver and translator were found in possession of drugs. The driver blamed Swidan, who is accused of trafficking and manufacturing methamphetamine.

A review of Swidan’s case said there were no drugs on him or in his hotel. Last year, the Republic of China’s Jiangmen Intermediate Court denied Swidan’s appeal and upheld his death penalty with a two-year suspended death sentence.

Other Americans considered wrongfully detained include Chinese American businessman Kai Li from Long Island, N.Y., and California pastor David Lin.

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

• Trinidad & Tobago
• El Salvador
• South Sudan
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Papua New Guinea
• Saudi Arabia

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

• Afghanistan
• Central African Republic
• North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea)
• Burkina Faso

Traveling abroad? Here are some safety tips

U.S. citizens are encouraged to enroll in the State Department’s free  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  and to prepare contingency plans for emergencies. 

Safety tips if you're traveling outside the U.S.:

• Don't travel alone.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Try not to be flashy.
• Avoid going to places at night, especially by yourself.

• Anniston/Gadsden

U.S. travel alert: Cruise line cancels more visits to popular Caribbean destination

• Updated: Apr. 24, 2024, 10:55 p.m. |
• Published: Apr. 24, 2024, 11:09 a.m.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line has canceled more stops at one of its most popular destinations due to safety concerns.

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

RoyalCaribbeanblog.com, a website that tracks the line, reported guests booked in the summer and early fall are receiving notification their visits to Labadee, Haiti have been canceled. Labadee is a private resort operated by Royal Caribbean.

The line had previously canceled visits to Labadee through the end of May. The stop was replaced with visits to other destinations or a day at sea.

The cancellations affect several Royal Caribbean ships, including Adventure of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, and Symphony of the Seas, the website reported.

Royal Caribbean announced in March it was suspending calls to the resort on the northern coast of Haiti after the U.S. State Department issued an alert advising people not to visit the country. Haiti is at a Level Four travel advisory, alongside countries such as Russia, Syria and Burkina Faso, due to issues with “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and poor healthcare infrastructure,” U.S. officials said.

Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic sharing the island to the east. The Dominican Republic is under a level 2 advisory with visitors urged to exercise increased caution.

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Gilley's claim of Malaysia being 'unsafe' refuted by US travel advisory

Thursday, 25 Apr 2024

Related News

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KUALA LUMPUR: The United States maintains the lowest level of alert for its citizens travelling to Malaysia.

Since July 24 last year, the US State Department's website page has maintained Malaysia at "Level One" and advised its citizens to exercise normal precautions.

Level One is the lowest level out of four.

Earlier this week, US academic Bruce Gilley claimed in a post on X that Malaysia is not safe to travel to.

He said on the social media platform that he had left Malaysia due to safety concerns caused by an “Islamo-fascist mob whipped up by the government there”.

This came after Gilley's talk on Tuesday (April 23), during which he reportedly downplayed Malaysia's ties with the United States.

He also claimed that Malaysia had pushed for a "second holocaust against the Jewish people", which has since drawn massive criticism online.

Tags / Keywords: United States , Lowest Level , Traveling , Travel Alvisory , Bruce Gilley , Maintain , Malaysia ,

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