Mauritania

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

Terrorists could target places visited by foreigners or places connected to the Government of Mauritania.

The last attack in Mauritania occurred in 2011. In October 2016, US Embassy issued a warning that terrorists may attack places where US citizens gather in Nouakchott.

Possible targets include:

• 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

To reduce your risk of being involved in an attack:

• avoid travelling to remote areas
• arrange personal security measures
• watch for suspicious activity
• think about the level of security before you visit a location

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

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. 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.

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

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

• get professional security advice
• vary your daily routines
• avoid popular foreigner locations
• avoid unnecessary travel in remote areas
• arrange personal security measures

Incidents of violent and petty crime are increasing across Mauritania. 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

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:

• 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

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 

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

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

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.

Confirm:

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

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.

More information:

• 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 

More information:

• Medication

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

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

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

More information:

• Infectious diseases

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.

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 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

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

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

More information:

• 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.

More information:

• 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.

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

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.

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.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF)

Validity

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. 

More information:  

• 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.

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 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

More information:

• Driving or riding

Air travel

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.

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 18.

Police

Call 17.

Gendarmes

Call 119.

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.

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 (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