Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens Reconsider Travel to Mauritania due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required, but travelers may obtain the visa upon entering the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(222) 4525-2660; EMER: +(222) 3662-8163; US Embassy Nouakchott, Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds, Nouakchott, Mauritania; consularnkc@state.gov; https://mr.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
222
Local Emergency Phone
Fire: 118; Police: 117
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mauritania: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Desert; constantly hot, dry, dusty
Currency (Code)
Ouguiyas (MRO)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
220 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C
Major Languages
Arabic, Pular, Soninke, Wolof, French
Major Religions
Muslim 100%
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Banc d'Arguin National Park; Nouakchott; Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, & Oualata; Richat Structure in the Sahara Desert
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
When talking about the past, people will often snap their fingers by their shoulders.
Tipping Guidelines
A tip of 12-15% is expected in restaurants if no service charge has been added to the bill. Hotel service staff and drivers welcome small tips.
Souvenirs
Dyed leather goods, silver jewelry and engraved items, woven rugs/carpets and hand-dyed fabric, knives; neolithic pottery, arrowheads, and other items
Traditional Cuisine
Thieboudienne — fish and rice served in a white and red sauce, usually made from tomatoes
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Friday, September 29, 2023
