Mauritania

Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to terrorism, crime, and limited health infrastructure.

to Mauritania due to terrorism, crime, and limited health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• The U.S. government has limited ability to offer emergency services to American citizens in Mauritania due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Mauritania are not allowed to travel outside Nouakchott at night. They cannot walk alone outside of specific areas and times.
• U.S. government employees working in Mauritania need special authorization to travel outside Nouakchott.
• American citizens in Mauritania are advised to take similar precautions.

Crime

Violent crimes occur frequently outside the Tevragh Zeina neighborhoods in Nouakchott. This includes mugging, armed robbery, and assault. Local police lack the resources to respond quickly and effectively to serious crimes.

Transportation options and communication infrastructure are limited outside Nouakchott. Crimes may happen with little or no warning, targeting tourist places. Crimes often happen at night and include kidnapping, assault, and armed robbery.

Stay aware of your surroundings in:

• Urban areas and crowded markets.
• Roadblocks, including by armed groups. They are present throughout the country. 

Terrorism

There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Mauritania. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorists may attack without warning:

Tourist spots where foreigners gather, anywhere in the country

• Schools
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Places of worship and religious sites
• International diplomatic missions
• Local security forces and civilians

Health

Health facilities are available in major cities. However, routine and emergency care may be limited or unavailable. 

• Healthcare in rural areas in Mauritania is very limited.
• Medical care may not meet U.S. standards of care.
• Hospitals and doctors require payment up front prior to service or admission. Payments can be made in cash or mobile payments apps (Bankily, Masrvi, and Sadad) using a local Mauritanian bank.
• Medication and medical supplies may be unavailable in many healthcare facilities.
• Locally available medications may be unsafe. Pharmacies are not well regulated.
• Read the Health section of the Travel Guidance on this page for more information.

Do Not Travel to areas marked off-limits by the Mauritanian military. These areas are unsafe due to security risks and terrorist activities.

• All areas north of the Tropic of Cancer
• All areas within 60 miles of the Mali and Algeria border