Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice.
\nFCDO advises against all travel to areas east of a line drawn between but excluding the towns of Kankossa, Akhreijit, Ghallaouia, Zouerat, Fderîck and onwards west to the border with Western Sahara.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to areas within 25km of the Malian border in the south, including Khabou.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 25km of the Western Sahara border, excluding the section of the Nouakchott-Nouadhibou road and the city of Nouadhibou.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the province of Tiris Zemmour, Assaba, Hodh el Gharbi, Gorgol and Guidimaka, and areas of Adrar and Tagant provinces, west of a line drawn between the towns of Ghallaouia, Akhreijit and Kankossa. This excludes:
\n\nthe areas west of a line running between Choum, Ouadane and where the 10th Meridian West meets latitude 18° 40°
\nthe town of Ouadane
\nthe Tidjikja-Tichit road
\nthe Aleg to Tidjikja road via Moudjeria and all areas of Tagant west of that road
\nthe Bogue to Kaedi road via Bababe
\nFind out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
\n\nThe British Embassy in Nouakchott cannot provide consular services in person. British nationals in Mauritania should contact the British Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, for support.
\n\nThere have been periodic protests in Mauritania relating to developments in the Middle East. Demonstrations can take place with little or no warning.
\n\nYou should:
\n\navoid all demonstrations and larger gatherings
\nmonitor local media for updates
\nfollow the advice of local authorities
\nNo travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nFCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"warnings-and-insurance","title":"Warnings and insurance"},{"body":"This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK, who choose to travel despite FCDO advice. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Mauritania’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Mauritania set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Mauritanian Embassy in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Mauritania, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nFrom 5 January 2025, it is no longer possible to obtain a visa on arrival in Mauritania. Before you travel, you must apply for an e-visa online via the website of the Mauritanian National Agency for the Population Register and Secure Titles (Agence Nationale du Registre des Populations et des Titres Sécurisés), who can be contacted via email (contact@anrpts.gov.mr) if you face any technical difficulties with your application.
\n\nE-visa fees must be paid on arrival in Mauritania in exact cash in Euros or US dollars. Change and receipts are not given. You should also print a copy of the e-visa and be ready to provide a copy on arrival in country. For information on visa lengths and fees, read guidance on the Mauritanian government’s website (in French).
\n\nYou should apply for an e-visa well in advance of your anticipated travel date to ensure that it is issued on time by the Mauritanian authorities.
\n\nThe Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas.
\n\nTo enter Mauritania, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nFor more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Mauritania guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Mauritania. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Mauritania cannot be ruled out.
\n\nTerrorist attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nDemonstrations can happen at any time in Nouakchott. You should avoid political gatherings and demonstrations and follow the advice of local authorities and security forces. Maintain adequate stocks of non-perishable food and water.
\n\nCrime levels are moderate but steadily increasing.
\n\nThere have been burglaries in areas where foreign nationals live and robberies during daylight.
\n\nThere have been thefts and robberies at knifepoint during the day and night on the unlit and isolated beaches in Nouakchott and in the ‘Le Cinquième’, ‘Dar Naim’ and Citè Plage districts. Be particularly careful in these places.
\n\nReport crime to the police by dialling 117 or visiting a police station.
\n\nYou should always carry copies of your photo ID, especially outside Nouakchott where there are police checkpoints. Follow any directions from the police or other Mauritanian security forces.
\n\nMauritania recognises Islam as the only religion of its citizens and the state. It is illegal to participate in non-Islamic gatherings and activities that have not been authorised by the Mauritanian authorities. Attempting to convert people to other religions is illegal – those caught doing this can be arrested or deported. Blasphemy is a criminal offence and the maximum penalty is death. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religion at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure they don’t offend, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or when visiting religious sites.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not eat, drink, smoke or chew gum in public in the daytime, including in your car.
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nIt is illegal for Muslims and non-Muslims to import or consume alcohol and pork products in Mauritania. The Mauritanian authorities scan all baggage on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport and may search vehicles at land borders. They will confiscate alcohol or pork products and arrest or fine people found carrying them.
\n\nDrug laws in Mauritania are severe. The penalties for possessing illegal drugs include imprisonment.
\n\nYou should dress modestly when not on the beach. Women should cover their shoulders and not wear short skirts. Men should not wear sleeveless tops or shorts.
\n\nPolice and members of the public can object to photography or filming if you do not get their permission. Do not photograph or film government and military sites or members of the security forces.
\n\nThere are no laws in Mauritania to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination.
\n\nUnder Mauritanian law, the maximum penalty for sexual activity between men is death. Penalties for women include a prison sentence ranging from 3 months to 2 years and a fine.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIt is illegal to take Mauritanian currency (ougiyas) out of the country. The Mauritanian authorities may confiscate money from people trying to do so.
\n\nYou can exchange US dollars and euros for Mauritanian ouguiyas at banks, some hotels and official bureau de change. You can exchange British pounds at some official bureau de change, but the exchange rate is very poor.
\n\nMauritania is mainly a cash-based society. A few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou accept credit cards – some hotels only accept Visa cards. Some ATMs accept foreign credit or debit cards.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Mauritania, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Mauritania. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
\n\nDriving standards can be poor in Mauritania, traffic rules are rarely respected and paved roads are generally in poor condition.
\n\nOverland travel is difficult, and you should use a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and avoid travelling at night. Check the tide times on coastal roads and travel in convoy if possible. Carry out a maintenance check before you travel and make sure you have enough water and fuel on long journeys.
\n\nYou should travel in a convoy with an experienced guide if leaving urban areas, including to the tourist sites of Chinguetti and Tichit. You should carry sufficient supplies and inform family or friends of your travel plans.
\n\nPublic transport vehicles are poorly maintained, especially in the interior of the country.
\n\nCrossing the border into Mauritania can be time-consuming, and officials may ask for payments before they allow you to cross. Check local advice before travelling to neighbouring countries in case border crossings are closed or congested.
\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Mauritania. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to areas east of a line drawn between but excluding the towns of Kankossa, Akhreijit, Ghallaouia, Zouerat, Fderîck and onwards west to the border with Western Sahara.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel because of designated “military zones” by the Mauritanian military. These areas are off-limits to foreign nationals and most civilians. The Mauritanian Ministry of Defence warned that individuals entering these areas would be treated as a military target. The boundaries of such zones frequently change and authorisation from authorities is needed for access.
\n\nThese zones are due to the deterioration of the security situation in Mali leading to increased risks of incursions by terrorist groups based in Mali into Mauritanian territory, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM). Serious organised crime groups operate in eastern Mauritania.
\n\nFCDO advises against all travel to areas within 25km of the Malian border in the south of Mauritania, including Khabou. There is increased terrorist and serious organised crime activity across the border in Kayes Region in Mali.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to areas within 25km of the Western Sahara border, excluding the section of the Nouakchott-Nouadhibou road and the city of Nouadhibou.
\n\nUnexploded landmines remain on the border with Western Sahara. Landmines can shift location due to weather conditions. You should check local advice before travelling.
\n\nFCDO advises against all but essential travel to the rest of the province of Tiris Zemmour, Assaba, Hodh el Gharbi, Gorgol and Guidimaka, and areas of Adrar and Tagant provinces, west of a line drawn between the towns of Ghallaouia, Akhreijit and Kankossa. This excludes:
\n\nthe areas west of a line running between Choum, Ouadane and where the 10th Meridian West meets latitude 18° 40°
\nthe town of Ouadane
\nthe Tidjikja-Tichit road
\nthe Aleg to Tidjikja road via Moudjeria and all areas of Tagant west of that road
\nthe Bogue to Kaedi road via Bababe
\nThis is due to risks of instability extending from eastern Mauritania as a result of the conflict in Mali, including from organised crime.
\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional Risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 101 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nThe Mauritania authorities may not answer calls to this number.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Mauritania, including:
\n\nMany medicines may be fake or hard to find in Mauritania. Carry enough of your prescription medication for your stay. The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nMedical facilities are extremely limited in Mauritania, particularly outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, where lack of communications makes dealing with an emergency very difficult.
\n\nClinics in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou charge for medical care (sometimes in euros or US dollars) and may not accept foreign insurance cards. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Mauritania where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 101
\n\nFire: 118
\n\nPolice: 117
\n\nThe Mauritania authorities may not answer calls to these numbers.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\n\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-03-24T16:23:01Z","updated_at":"2026-03-24T16:23:01Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-01-30T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania","content_id":"15469fdc-d0d1-4a9f-a59e-b3d3acdea226","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-03-24T16:23:01Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Mauritania travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/mauritania","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/mauritania","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/mauritania","base_path":"/world/mauritania","content_id":"31e5cd47-f87a-4cd1-a6f4-4f1f1ba9f280","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Mauritania. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Mauritania.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Mauritania","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2018-02-13T09:38:01Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Mauritania","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/mauritania","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth