Mauritania Travel Status

WATCH

International travel to Mauritania continues, including commercial flights to Nouakchott. However, severe security warnings apply to substantial parts of the country, particularly eastern Mauritania and areas close to Mali, while overland travel can be difficult and unpredictable.

Nouakchott

Ordinary travel continues in the capital, but demonstrations can occur with little warning. Travellers should avoid political gatherings and monitor local information.

Nouakchott Airport

Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport is the country’s principal international gateway and continues to handle commercial passenger flights.

E-visa required

Mauritania changed its visa system in January 2025. Travellers who require a visa must apply online for an e-visa before travelling rather than obtaining a visa on arrival.

Print your e-visa

Travellers using the e-visa system should carry a printed copy of the approved visa. Current UK guidance says the applicable fee is paid on arrival in exact cash in euros or U.S. dollars.

Mali border

Security conditions near the Mali frontier are particularly serious. The UK advises against all travel within 25 kilometres of the southern Mali border, including Khabou.

Eastern Mauritania

Large areas of eastern Mauritania are subject to severe travel warnings because of terrorism, organized crime and instability connected with the conflict in neighbouring Mali.

Military zones

Some areas of eastern and northern Mauritania are designated military zones and are off-limits to foreign nationals and most civilians. Boundaries can change.

Western Sahara border

Travel near the Western Sahara frontier carries additional risks. Unexploded landmines remain in some border areas and their locations can shift because of weather and sand movement.

Nouakchott to Nouadhibou

The main coastal route between Nouakchott and Nouadhibou is an important overland travel corridor. Travellers continuing towards Western Sahara should check current border conditions before departure.

Overland travel

Long-distance road travel can be difficult because of poor road conditions, remote terrain and limited services. Travellers leaving urban areas should carry sufficient fuel, water and emergency supplies.

Night driving

Driving after dark is particularly risky because of poor roads, limited lighting, animals and vehicles travelling without adequate lights.

Crime

Robbery and theft occur in Nouakchott, including incidents involving knives. Isolated beaches and poorly lit areas should be avoided, particularly after dark.

International travel continues

No significant current nationwide aviation shutdown has been identified and commercial flights continue to serve Mauritania.

U.S. advisory remains Level 3

The United States currently rates Mauritania Level 3: Reconsider Travel because of terrorism, crime and limited health infrastructure.

Health risk added

The U.S. advisory was updated in August 2026 to add limited health infrastructure as an additional risk indicator.

Canada advises against non-essential travel

Current Canadian guidance recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Mauritania because of the threat of terrorism, with stronger avoid-all-travel warnings for northern and eastern areas.

UK regional warnings remain severe

Current UK guidance advises against all travel to substantial areas of eastern Mauritania and areas near the Mali border, with additional restrictions covering other regions.

Protests remain possible

Current UK guidance notes periodic protests in Mauritania connected with developments in the Middle East. Demonstrations can occur with little warning.

Check the latest official travel advisory for your nationality before travelling to Mauritania.

If your nationality requires a visa, obtain your Mauritanian e-visa before departure and carry a printed copy.

Check your exact route carefully if travelling outside Nouakchott or Nouadhibou because severe warnings apply to substantial parts of the country.

Avoid areas near the Mali border and do not enter designated military zones.

If travelling towards Western Sahara, check current border conditions and remain on established routes because of the risk from unexploded landmines.

Avoid unnecessary long-distance road travel after dark and carry sufficient water, fuel and emergency supplies when travelling through remote areas.

Travel Status is designed to highlight significant changes that could affect a trip. It is not a replacement for official immigration, airline or government advice.