To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
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0violent events in 3 months
To prepare a mission or a new post: the essential context, region by region. This briefing does not replace your organisation's security briefing on arrival.
The Amazigh and Bafour people were among the earliest settlers in what is now Mauritania and among the first in recorded history to convert from a nomadic to agricultural lifestyle. These groups account for roughly one third of Mauritania’s ethnic makeup. The remainder of Mauritania’s ethnic groups derive from Sub-Saharan ethnic groups originating mainly from the Senegal River Valley, including descendants of former enslaved peoples. These three groups are organized according to a strict caste system with deep ethnic divides that impact access to resources and power dynamics.
A former French colony, Mauritania achieved independence from France in 1960. Mauritania initially began as a single-party, authoritarian regime and experienced 49 years of dictatorships, flawed elections, failed attempts at democracy, and military coups. Ould Abdel AZIZ led the last coup in 2008, was elected president in 2009, and was reelected in 2014. Mohamed Ould Cheikh GHAZOUANI was elected president in 2019, and his inauguration marked the first peaceful transition of power from one democratically elected president to another, solidifying the country's status as an emerging democracy. International observers recognized the elections as relatively free and fair. GHAZOUANI is seeking re-election in June 2024 for a second, and final, five-year term.
The country is working to address vestigial practices of slavery and its hereditary impacts. Mauritania officially abolished slavery in 1981, but the practice was not criminalized until 2007. Between 2005 and 2011, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) launched a series of attacks killing western tourists and aid workers, attacking diplomatic and government facilities, and ambushing Mauritanian soldiers and gendarmes. Although Mauritania has not seen an attack since 2011, AQIM and similar groups remain active in the Sahel region.
presidential republic
Demonstrations 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.
Black Moors (Haratines - Arabic-speaking descendants of African origin who are or were enslaved by White Moors) 40%, White Moors (of Arab-Amazigh descent, known as Beydane) 30%, Sub-Saharan Mauritanians (non-Arabic speaking, largely resident in or originating from the Senegal River Valley, including Halpulaar, Fulani, Soninke, Wolof, and Bambara ethnic groups) 30%
Arabic (official and national), Pular, Soninke, Wolof (all national languages), French
Muslim (official) 100%
Country profiles: The World Factbook (CIA), public domain, last edition (2025-2026).
lower middle-income West African economy; primarily agrarian; rising urbanization; poor property rights; systemic corruption; endemic social and workforce tensions; wide-scale terrorism; foreign over-fishing; environmentally fragile
5.3 MPopulation2025
61.5 %Urban population2025
$2,198GDP per capita2025
4 %GDP growth2025
1.5 %Inflation2025
10.2 %Extreme poverty (international line)2019
10.3 %Unemployment2025
59.5 %Adult literacy2020
45.8 %Internet users2024
52.2 %Access to electricity2024
301,490refugees hosted2025
7,378asylum seekers2025
72,344refugees and asylum seekers from the country2025
Indicators: World Bank (CC BY 4.0); refugees and displaced people: UNHCR Refugee Data Finder. Latest available year for each figure.
Mauritanian Armed Forces (aka Armée Nationale Mauritanienne): National Army, National Navy, Air Force; Gendarmerie Ministry of Interior and Decentralization: National Police, National Guard (2025)
Al-Qa'ida in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)
Informative list, to be complemented by your organisation's security analysis and NGO security forums.
UK government (FCDO) travel advice. Some guidance is aimed at British nationals; always follow your organisation's instructions.
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice.
FCDO 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.
FCDO advises against all travel to areas within 25km of the Malian border in the south, including Khabou.
FCDO 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.
FCDO 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:
the areas west of a line running between Choum, Ouadane and where the 10th Meridian West meets latitude 18° 40°
the town of Ouadane
the Tidjikja-Tichit road
the Aleg to Tidjikja road via Moudjeria and all areas of Tagant west of that road
the Bogue to Kaedi road via Bababe
Find out more about why FCDO advises against travel.
The British Embassy in Nouakchott cannot provide consular services in person. British nationals in Mauritania should contact the British Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, for support.
There have been periodic protests in Mauritania relating to developments in the Middle East. Demonstrations can take place with little or no warning.
You should:
avoid all demonstrations and larger gatherings
monitor local media for updates
follow the advice of local authorities
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
FCDO provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
Follow FCDO:
Organised violence events recorded by UCDP, July – September 2026.
No organised violence event recorded in the country over this period.
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.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorist attacks in Mauritania cannot be ruled out.
Terrorist 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.
Demonstrations 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.
Crime levels are moderate but steadily increasing.
There have been burglaries in areas where foreign nationals live and robberies during daylight.
There 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.
Report crime to the police by dialling 117 or visiting a police station.
You 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.
Mauritania 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.
Ramadan 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.
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
It 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.
Drug laws in Mauritania are severe. The penalties for possessing illegal drugs include imprisonment.
You 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.
Police 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.
There are no laws in Mauritania to protect LGBT+ people from discrimination.
Under 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.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
It is illegal to take Mauritanian currency (ougiyas) out of the country. The Mauritanian authorities may confiscate money from people trying to do so.
You 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.
Mauritania 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.
If you are planning to drive in Mauritania, see information on driving abroad.
You 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.
Driving standards can be poor in Mauritania, traffic rules are rarely respected and paved roads are generally in poor condition.
Overland 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.
You 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.
Public transport vehicles are poorly maintained, especially in the interior of the country.
It is illegal to travel on the iron ore train outside the designated passenger carriages. Doing so carries a significant risk of serious injury, and there are no adequate medical facilities in the region to provide emergency treatment.
Crossing 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.
This section has safety advice for regions of Mauritania. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
FCDO 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.
FCDO 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.
These 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.
FCDO 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.
FCDO 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.
Unexploded landmines remain on the border with Western Sahara. Landmines can shift location due to weather conditions. You should check local advice before travelling.
FCDO 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:
the areas west of a line running between Choum, Ouadane and where the 10th Meridian West meets latitude 18° 40°
the town of Ouadane
the Tidjikja-Tichit road
the Aleg to Tidjikja road via Moudjeria and all areas of Tagant west of that road
the Bogue to Kaedi road via Bababe
This is due to risks of instability extending from eastern Mauritania as a result of the conflict in Mali, including from organised crime.
68.7yearsLife expectancy2024
36.9per 1,000 live birthsUnder-5 mortality2024
381per 100,000 live birthsMaternal mortality2023
69.6per 1,000 people at riskMalaria (new cases)2024
0.26per 1,000 peoplePhysicians2022
77.3 %Basic drinking water access2024
Source: World Health Organization, Disease Outbreak News (links for information).
Before you travel check that:
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Call 101 and ask for an ambulance.
The Mauritania authorities may not answer calls to this number.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Mauritania, including:
Many 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.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
Medical facilities are extremely limited in Mauritania, particularly outside Nouakchott and Nouadhibou, where lack of communications makes dealing with an emergency very difficult.
Clinics 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.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Mauritania where some staff will speak English.
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
Passport Index Data (passportindex.org), MIT licence. Indicative, for a tourist stay; always check with the embassy or consulate. (17 February 2026)
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.
The 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.
To enter Mauritania, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You 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.
When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
From 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 ([email protected]) if you face any technical difficulties with your application.
E-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).
You 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.
The Mauritanian Embassy in London does not issue visas.
To 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.
For more details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, including yellow fever, see TravelHealthPro’s Mauritania guide.
There 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.
Before you arrive, register with the coordination bodies: they share alerts, cluster meetings and useful contacts.
Clusters: health, nutrition, protection, WASH, food security, shelter, education, logistics, emergency telecommunications and CCCM. OCHA publishes their meetings and contacts in each country where they are activated.
Organisations hiring in the country, based on open jobs on the site:
See jobs in MauritaniaFunding ↗Tenders ↗Train in field security
Violence over the last 3 months, jobs and passages of official advice that mention the region.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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.
The British Embassy in Nouakchott cannot provide consular services in person. British nationals in Mauritania should contact the British Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, for support.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
FCDO 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:
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
FCDO 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:
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
FCDO 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:
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
FCDO 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:
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
FCDO 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:
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
the Aleg to Tidjikja road via Moudjeria and all areas of Tagant west of that road
No organised violence recorded over the period.
FCDO 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:
FCDO 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:
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
No organised violence recorded over the period.
This briefing gathers public information to prepare a mission. It does not replace your organisation's security analysis, your security focal point's instructions or the country's authorities.