Mauritania

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania is a developing country in northwestern Africa. Arabic is the official language, but French is widely used and several local languages are also spoken. Tourist facilities in the capital, Nouakchott, are adequate, but limited or non-existent elsewhere. Read the Department of State Fact Sheet on Mauritania for additional information.

Transportation

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, visitors may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mauritania is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Public transportation is not safe and road conditions in Mauritania are generally poor, particularly in the interior. 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. As of June 11, Mauritania has only about 5,604km (3,482 miles) of surfaced roads, 1, 380 km (857 miles) of unsurfaced roads, and 2, 582 km (1,604 miles) of unimproved tracks. Even small amounts of rain can make paved roads in Nouakchott impassable for cars without suitably high clearance. Unpaved roads present greater challenges during and after rain for automobiles with low clearance without four-wheel drive. Travelers should not offer rides to hitchhikers, nor should visitors to Mauritania accept rides offered by strangers. Taxis and public transportation and are not considered to be secure forms of transportation for western visitors to Mauritania, and Embassy personnel are directed not to use them.

The traditional route to Nouadhibou, prior to the completion of a paved road, was along the beach during low tide. Some travelers continue to use this route, as do visitors to coastal fishing villages and other points of interest, as well as smugglers and others who try to avoid the security checkpoints that are often established along the asphalt roads. Pedestrian visitors to the beach should exercise caution because of the beach’s use as a route for motorized vehicles.

U.S. citizens traveling overland for long distances in Mauritania should travel in convoys, and be sure to have suitable four-wheel drive vehicles, a local guide, an adequate supply of water and food, and a second fuel reservoir. Multiple vehicles are recommended in case of breakdown. A Global 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.

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. Embassy personnel are prohibited from driving at night outside of Nouakchott from 1830 to 0600.

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.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information.

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.

Safety and Security

The current Travel Warning for Mauritania warns U.S. citizens of the continued risks of traveling to Mauritania, and urges extreme caution due to activities by terrorist groups in the region, including al Qaida in the Lands of Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide Caution dated July 31, current information suggests that al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks against U.S. interests in multiple regions across Africa. These attacks may employ a wide variety of tactics including suicide operations, assassinations, kidnappings, hijackings, and bombings.

As a result of perceived Western involvement in counterterrorism efforts, terrorist groups have declared their intent to attack Western targets in Mauritania and the region. It is possible that these terrorist groups will attempt retaliatory attacks against Western targets of opportunity. Al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations, and other terrorist organizations have previously conducted kidnapping of Westerners for ransom and suicide bombing attempts. The Mauritanian military continues to engage against these elements.

Because of terrorist activities in the vicinity, you should avoid all non-essential travel to:

• the Mali border regions
• the Hodh El Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions of southeastern Mauritania
• the eastern half of the Assaba region (east of Kiffa)
• Tidjika and the eastern half of the Tagant region of central Mauritania (east of Tidjika)
• the eastern half of the Adrar region (east of Chinguetti)
• the Tiris-Zemmour region of northern Mauritania. 

U.S. Embassy staff members are authorized to travel to these regions only in limited circumstances. Embassy personnel also must have permission to travel outside of Nouakchott. Given threats by al-Qaida, its affiliated organizations and other terrorist organizations, and because of indications of a desire to kidnap Westerners for ransom, U.S. citizens are urged to remain vigilant and be alert to surveillance or other risks to their safety. Faith-based organizations, regardless of their location, may also be particularly targeted.

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, even when traveling along main routes and highways. 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. Driving outside of urban areas after dark is also strongly discouraged. The U.S. Embassy has received reports of banditry and smuggling in the more remote parts of Mauritania.

In Nouakchott and other major cities in Mauritania, there is an increased security presence and additional checkpoints. Police routinely conduct roadblocks at which they may ask for proof of identity and driver’s licenses. You should be prepared for such inquiries by carrying identification at all times. These checkpoints should be respected, even if they appear to be unmanned. Drivers should stop, sound their horn, and pause for an adequate amount of time before proceeding through the checkpoint to avoid any type of confrontation. It is best to drive cautiously and be prepared to stop at short notice.

You should be aware of your surroundings at all times and maintain good personal security practices, including always locking homes and cars, varying routes and times of travel, and maintaining a low profile. When going out, avoid being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners (but do not travel alone), and avoid sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street when in restaurants or cafes. Be particularly alert when frequenting locales associated with Westerners, including cultural centers, social and recreation clubs, beach areas, and restaurants.

Landmines remain a danger along the border with the Western Sahara and travelers should cross only at designated border posts. Travelers planning overland trips from Mauritania to Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, or Mali should check with the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott before setting out. For more information about travel in Mauritania, please see the section on Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

Political concerns: In early March 2014, thousands of protestors gathered in Nouakchott to voice their anger at local media reports that alleged a Koran desecration incident. One protester was fatally wounded during the demonstration. In September 2012, many countries around the world, including Mauritania, experienced political demonstrations protesting a controversial YouTube video and cartoon.

Although the political rallies are generally calm and peaceful, the possibility of political instability or spontaneous violent protests remains. Demonstrations are generally announced in advance in the media and on the Internet. Many take place at the Ibn Abbass Square near the Nouakchott Airport. The Embassy urges U.S. citizens to avoid political rallies and street demonstrations, and to maintain security awareness at all times. While the Embassy endeavors to alert U.S. citizens to demonstrations when possible, due to the spontaneous nature of many street demonstrations, it is not possible to inform U.S. citizens every time a demonstration occurs. The Embassy, therefore, recommends U.S. citizens check local media sources regularly for information about potential political demonstrations. Security messages issued in connection with demonstrations and strikes will be posted separately on the Embassy’s website under a section entitled, “Demonstration Notices.”

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• Follow the U.S. Embassy in Mauritania on Twitter and visiting the Embassy’s website and Facebook page. .
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Though incidents of crime are on the rise, most incidents occur in the cities and larger towns and are petty crimes, such as pick-pocketing and the theft of improperly secured or openly visible valuables left in vehicles. To reduce exposure to theft and increase personal safety, lock up valuable items and keep them out of sight. Walking alone at any time is discouraged, especially for women. Residential burglaries and robberies, particularly at the beaches in Nouakchott, are not uncommon. In Nouakchott, travelers should avoid the beach at night.

Foreign tourists, including U.S. citizens, might be targeted for kidnapping in Mauritania. Visitors should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are rare. Rapes and assaults have occurred and, in some instances, involved U.S. citizens. The majority of sexual assaults have occurred at night in taxi cabs. Combined with the lack of government regulation of taxi fares and poor regular maintenance, Westerners should avoid taxis and public transportation.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, purchasing them may also be breaking local law.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

•  Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

There are several local equivalents to the “911” emergency line in Mauritania. You can contact local emergency personnel by dialing the following numbers:

• To call the police (la police nationale) for incidents involving crime, dial 117.
•  For incidents outside of cities, the gendarmerie can be reached at 116 and the police at 117.
•  For fire and medical emergencies, dial 118.
•  For traffic accidents, dial the police at 117 or the GGSR (le groupement général de la sécurité routière) at 119.
• Most hospitals do not, however, have ambulances capable of providing emergency care. Wait times after placing a call to emergency numbers in Mauritania can be significantly longer than in the United States. 

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim c