Mauritania

Terrorist risks in Mauritania remain high due to the porous nature of the borders in the Sahel region. 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. Remain vigilant in these locations.

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
• foreign interests and businesses

To reduce your risk of being involved in an attack:

• 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, particularly remote areas
• stay at hotels that have robust security measures

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. 

If there’s a terrorist incident, leave the area if it’s safe to do so and follow the instructions of local authorities. 

More information:

• Terrorism

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. 

There is a threat of kidnapping across the Sahel region, including in Mauritania. The threat in Mauritania is greatest in the regions bordering Mali and Algeria. Westerners are at a higher risk of being targeted. Foreigners have been kidnapped from remote and desert areas in the Sahel region, and some have been killed. Further kidnappings are likely. Foreigners travelling alone or without security are easy targets.  

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

You are responsible for your own safety. To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk. It is essential to have a contingency plan
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures
• vary your movements so you don't set predictable patterns
• keep a low profile – including online. Drawing attention to yourself in high-risk areas may signal to criminals that you have something worth taking
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone. There is safety in numbers, and you should try to travel with someone else, especially at night
• notify family or friends of planned travel; share your location and emergency contacts that they can rely on if something happens
• 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. Criminals have been known to search social media for victims
• If you are confronted by armed criminals, it is best to surrender and cooperate – resistance tends to make the situation worse 

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. Ransom payments to terrorist groups are likely to contravene Australian counter-terrorism financing laws.  

More information: 

• Kidnapping
• Scams that affect travellers
• Reducing the risk of piracy

Incidents of violent and petty crime continue to increase across Mauritania. Carjackings by people smugglers may occur.

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

Take extra care if you're a woman and alone. Women may be physically and verbally harassed or assaulted. Australian citizens who are victims of sexual assault should contact the Australian Embassy in Paris.

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
• read reducing the risk of sexual assault before you go
• contact the Australian Embassy in Paris if you are a victim of sexual assault

More information:

• Advice for women travellers

Drink spiking

Methanol poisoning

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:

• kidnapped
• assaulted
• 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

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

More information:

• Protests and civil unrest

Extreme weather and natural disasters may occur affect your travel. Mauritania is prone to natural hazards, such as droughts and floods. 

Monitor local media for updates.

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

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

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

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

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

Other health risks

Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases, including:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• leptospirosis
• measles
• meningitis
• rabies
• tuberculosis

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. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Ask your doctor about health risks and vaccines before you go.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

There’s no agreement between Australia and Mauritania for free healthcare. Tourists must pay for all medical care, even if they need to stay in hospital or be evacuated. This can be very expensive. Make sure your travel insurance covers you. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

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 not of a high standard.

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.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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 relationships between men.

In Mauritania, it's also illegal to:

• engage in same-sex relationships 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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Dual nationality

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.

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Ramadan

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.

Dress standards

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

More information: 

• Advice for women travellers

Visa conditions

You must obtain an electronic visa before travelling, which you can request from the Mauritanian Ministry of the Interior and Decentralization. You can no longer obtain a visa on arrival. If you have difficulties with your visa application, you can email contact@anrpts.gov.mr 

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

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll 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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with 'X' gender identifier

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.

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 professional 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

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.

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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

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

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 118.

Police

Call 117.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Ambulance

Call 101 or go directly to hospital.

Most hospitals don't have ambulances for emergency care.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

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: consular.paris@dfat.gov.au

Website: france.embassy.gov.au 
Facebook: Australian Embassy, France
X: @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