Mauritania
Summary
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all travel to:
- areas east of a line drawn between but excluding the towns of Kankossa in Guidimaka, Tichit in Tagant, Ghallaouia in Tiris Zemmour and then west to the border with Western Sahara (except for the town of Zouerat in Tiris Zemmour).
- all areas within 25km of the Western Sahara border (except the section of the Nouakchott - Nouadhibou road that is within 25km of the Western Sahara border and the city of Nouadhibou)
- the remainder of the Ras Nouadhibou peninsula
The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:
- the remainder of the provinces of Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh el Gharbi, Assab and Guidimaka (i.e. those areas west of the line drawn between the towns of Ghallaouia, Tichit, and Kankossa)
- the section of the Nouakchott - Nouadhibou road that is within 25km of the Western Sahara border and the city of Nouadhibou
- the town of Zouerat in Tiris Zemmour
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Mauritania’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Terrorist attacks in Mauritania can’t be ruled out. You should be especially vigilant in public places and monitor local media. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
Consular support in Mauritania is severely limited as the British Embassy in Nouakchott cannot provide consular services in person. British nationals in Mauritania requiring consular assistance should phone the British Embassy in Dakar on +221 33 823 73 92. If you cannot reach us on this number, call +44 1908 516666 (if abroad) or 020 7 008 5000 (if in the UK). Consular officers are available 24/7 to assist with your enquiries.