Canada
Avoid non-essential travel
Avoid non-essential travel to Mauritania due to the threat of terrorism, particularly against Western interests.
Mauritania
Where Atlantic winds meet Saharan sands, Mauritania blends Moorish tradition with West African and desert crossroads culture.
Overview
Arabic is the official language, with French and local tongues also in use, especially in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. The country’s landscape is defined by the vast Sahara, dramatic dunes, and a rugged Atlantic coastline. Desert towns and ancient caravan routes offer a glimpse into Mauritania’s role as a meeting point of cultures and geographies.
At a glance
Languages
- Arabic(Official)
- Fula(Recognized)
- Soninke(Recognized)
- Wolof(Recognized)
- French(Widespread)
Population4,736,139
CurrencyMauritanian Ouguiya (MRU)
1 MRU = 0.0250 USD
1 USD = 39.9412 MRU
Popular places
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
SafetyGenerally favorableSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionHighSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Online Visa Request
Mauritania online visa request through ANRPTS, with the captured form exposing 30-day, 90-day, and 360-day options and travel reasons such as tourism, business, family, medical, culture, and sports.
Sources
Languages
- Arabic(Official)
- Fula(Recognized)
- Soninke(Recognized)
- Wolof(Recognized)
- French(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Mauritania.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all travel; FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advice. Eastern Mauritania. 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. Mauritania-Mali border. FCDO advises against all travel to areas within 25km of the Malian border in the south, including Khabou. Mauritania-Western Sahara border. 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. Tiris Zemmour, Adrar, Tagant, Hodh el Gharbi, Assaba, Gorgol and Guidimaka provinces. 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
United States
Level 3Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travel to Mauritania due to terrorism and crime. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do Not Travel To: Areas marked off-limits by the Mauritanian military.
- These areas are unsafe due to security risks and terrorist activities
- All areas north of the Tropic of Cancer
- All areas within 100 KM of the Mali and Algeria Border
Country Summary: Violent crimes occur frequently outside the Tevragh Zeina neighborhoods in Nouakchott. They include mugging, armed robbery, and assault. Local police lack the resources to respond quickly and effectively to serious crimes. Transportation options and communication infrastructure are limited outside Nouakchott. little or no warning, targeting places frequented by Westerners. Terrorism Terrorist violence is a risk in Mauritania. This includes potential attacks and other activities. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more. U.S. Travel Limits and Emergency Services The U.S. government can only offer limited emergency services to U.S. citizens in Mauritania. This is due to travel rules for U.S. government employees, poor infrastructure, and few health facilities, especially outside of Nouakchott. U.S. government employees can travel outside Nouakchott only during the day. They cannot walk alone outside of specific areas and times. U.S. government employees must get special permission to travel outside Nouakchott. This helps them move smoothly through security checkpoints on major roads.
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