Mauritania offers an authentic Saharan adventure with ancient caravan cities, vast desert landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites like Chinguetti, explore Banc d'Arguin's pristine coastline, and experience traditional nomadic culture in one of Africa's most unspoiled destinations.
Mauritania is a destination requiring careful security assessment. Nouakchott and Nouadhibou are relatively safe for tourists with standard precautions, but vast border regions carry significant risk from jihadist groups and cross-border trafficking. Thorough research of current advisories before and during travel is essential.
Current safety advisory
High
Most Western governments advise against all travel to border regions including Tiris Zemmour, eastern Adrar, Tagant, both Hodh provinces, Assaba, and Guidimaka due to terrorist and kidnapping risk. Tourist-focused areas of Nouakchott, Nouadhibou, the Adrar plateau (Atar, Chinguetti, Terjit), and the Atlantic coast are rated Level 2 (exercise increased caution) by the US State Department.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Terrorist and kidnapping risk in border regions. Central tourist areas require caution. Register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
Level 3 — Reconsider Travel to border regions
Eastern border provinces and areas near Mali and Western Sahara carry the highest risk. Al-Qaeda affiliated groups (JNIM) are active in the Sahel region.
FCDO Advice — Some Parts Unsafe
Advises against all travel to areas within 25km of borders with Mali, Western Sahara, and Algeria. Essential travel only to other border provinces.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid travel to border provinces (Tiris Zemmour, Adrar east, Tagant, both Hodh provinces, Assaba, Guidimaka)
Stay in Tevragh Zeina district in Nouakchott for better security
Use registered taxis and avoid walking after dark
Dress conservatively and respect Islamic customs
Carry passport and visa documents at all times
Register with your embassy upon arrival
Hire experienced local guides for desert travel
Ensure yellow fever vaccination certificate is valid before arrival - immigration will check and deny entry without it
Drink only bottled water throughout your trip; tap water and ice from unknown sources can cause serious illness
Be alert to overcharging in tourist-facing businesses - always agree on prices before starting taxi rides or purchasing goods
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed or informal taxis at the airport and in tourist areas will quote inflated prices to new arrivals unfamiliar with local rates.
How to avoid: Agree on the fare before entering any taxi. The airport taxi to Tevragh Zeina should cost 1500-2000 MRU ($38-50) fixed rate — anything higher should be negotiated down.
Unofficial guide pressure
At Chinguetti's ancient libraries and some monuments, unofficial 'guides' approach tourists and demand payment after showing them around, often becoming aggressive.
How to avoid: Arrange guides through your hotel or auberge before visiting sites. Politely but firmly decline unsolicited guides.
Gem and artifact scams
Sellers claim to be offering genuine ancient manuscripts, prehistoric artifacts, or valuable meteorite stones at low prices. Most are fakes.
How to avoid: Never purchase claimed ancient artifacts — it is also illegal to export them. Legitimate souvenirs from reputable market stalls are far safer.
Money exchange fraud
Unofficial street money changers may offer attractive rates but give counterfeit MRU bills or shortchange during the transaction.
How to avoid: Use only bank exchange counters or official hotel exchange services. Never exchange money on the street.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Required: Yellow fever certificate checked at entry — be denied boarding or entry without it. Recommended: Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, meningococcal meningitis (ACWY), rabies (if extended rural stays), malaria prophylaxis (especially southern regions May-November). Ensure routine vaccinations (MMR, DTP) are current.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink anywhere in Mauritania. Drink only factory-sealed bottled water (widely available). Use bottled water for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks at informal venues.
- Food
- Eat at established restaurants and hotels rather than informal street vendors to reduce illness risk. Avoid raw salads, unpeeled fruits, and anything washed in tap water. Grilled and cooked foods are generally safest. The heat accelerates food spoilage — eat fresh.
- Facilities
- Nouakchott has several hospitals including Centre Hospitalier National and a handful of private clinics. Medical care is limited by international standards — serious conditions require evacuation to Morocco or Europe. Travel insurance with medical evacuation is essential. No reliable medical facilities in desert regions.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Nouakchott's Tevragh Zeina district and on organized desert tours is generally manageable with vigilance. Register with your embassy, share your itinerary, and avoid walking alone after dark. Use hotel-arranged taxis rather than hailing random vehicles. Desert travel must never be attempted alone.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers face additional challenges in this conservative Islamic society. Dress modestly at all times covering arms and legs. Avoid walking alone after dark in any neighborhood. Harassment is rare but unwanted attention is more common for solo women. Travel with organized groups or trusted male companions for desert expeditions. Women-only spaces (hammams, beauty salons) are generally very safe.
Families
Families with older children (10+) can visit safely with proper precautions. Focus on Nouakchott and organized Adrar region tours rather than remote areas. Heat is the primary hazard for children — visit November-February. Medical facilities are limited; ensure comprehensive travel insurance. Keep vaccinations fully current for all family members.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Same-sex relationships are criminalized in Mauritania under Islamic law with potential penalties including imprisonment. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise extreme discretion. No LGBTQ+ venues or visible community exists. Public displays of affection between any couples should be avoided.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 117
- Medical
- 101
- Embassy
- US Embassy Nouakchott: +222 4525 2660. UK Honorary Consul: +222 4525 1249. French Embassy: +222 4525 2337
- Tourist Police
- No dedicated tourist police unit. Contact main police on 117 or your hotel for assistance.