Foreign travel advice: Mauritania

Latest update:
The Foreign and Commonwealth advises against all but essential travel to Mauritania. As of 17 March all flights between Mauritania and other countries will be suspended. The Visa application process visiting Mauritania must now be done online before arriving in-country ('Summary', 'Entry Requirements' and 'Health' pages)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

• the province of Tiris Zemmour (except the town of Zouérat)
• the province of Adrar (east of Atar)
• the provinces of Tagant, Hodh el Chargui, Hodh El Gharbi, Assaba and Guidimaka
• within 25km of the Western Sahara border (except the Noukchott - Nouadhibou corridor)

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all but essential travel to the rest of the country, including the Nouakchott - Nouadhibou corridor. As of Tuesday morning, 17 March, flights between Mauritania and all other countries have been suspended. If you're still in Mauritania, you should consider carefully your need to remain, and whether your presence is essential. Please follow local guidance from the Mauritanian authorities on coronavirus (COVID-19). The ability of the British Embassy to provide assistance to British nationals within Mauritania is extremely limited.

There is an ongoing outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and cases have been confirmed in Mauritania. The Mauritanian authorities have introduced a number of measures to limit the spread of the virus. See Health

Following the attack on the coalition base at Taji in Iraq on 11 March, and subsequent US airstrikes, tensions may be raised across the region. There is a possibility of an increased threat against Western interests, including against UK citizens. You should remain vigilant and keep up to date with the latest developments, including via the media and this travel advice.

Terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Mauritania, including kidnapping. 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 is not available from the British Embassy in Nouakchott. If you're in Mauritania and need consular support, you should contact the British Embassy in Rabat, Morocco.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.