Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to terrorism and crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

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 100 KM of the Mali and Algeria Border

Country Summary: Violent crimes occur frequently outside the Tevragh Zeina neighborhoods in Nouakchott. They include 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. little or no warning, targeting places frequented by Westerners.

Terrorism

Terrorist violence is a risk in Mauritania. This includes potential attacks and other activities. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

U.S. Travel Limits and Emergency Services

The U.S. government can only offer limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mauritania. This is due to travel rules for U.S. government employees, poor infrastructure, and few health facilities, especially outside of Nouakchott.

U.S. government employees can travel outside Nouakchott only during the day. They cannot walk alone outside of specific areas and times. U.S. government employees must get special permission to travel outside Nouakchott. This helps them move smoothly through security checkpoints on major roads.

Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Mauritania.

If you decide to travel to Mauritania:

• Visit our website for Travel to High-Risk Areas.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable). Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts. It makes it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Mauritania.
• Prepare a backup plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.

Areas Designated Off-Limits by the Mauritanian Military – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The government of Mauritania designates certain areas off-limits to foreigners and most Mauritanians. These “No Movement Zones” are very dangerous. They are near Mali, where armed groups are fighting an active insurgency. This violence may spill over the border into Mauritania. The government of Mauritania has little presence in these areas. Police cannot respond to most incidents.

Cell phone coverage and paved roads are nonexistent in these areas. U.S. officials are unable to travel to these places. The boundaries of these areas often change, so stay informed about restricted entry.