Risk level

Safety and security

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.

Terrorism

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.

Kidnapping

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.

Crime

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.

Air travel

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

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

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.

Passport

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

Visas

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).

Health

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. 

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. 

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.

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.  

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.

Health and safety outside Canada

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

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

Drugs

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

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ persons

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+ persons 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.

Dual citizens

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.

Ramadan

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

In public, between sunrise and sunset, refrain from:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Extramarital relations

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

Family law

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 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.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Photography

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

Imports

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

Driving

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

Money

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.

Natural disasters and climate

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