Travel Vaccines and Advice for Mauritania

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mauritania. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Mauritania: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

Proof of yellow fever immunization is required for entry to Mauritania. The mosquito-borne disease is still present in the African nation.

Malaria is also a risk for travelers to the region. Antimalarial medication is recommended.

Dengue and chikungunya are two more mosquito-borne infections found in Mauritania. While there is no vaccine against these diseases, repellents and mosquito netting are the best forms of protection.

Medical care is limited in Mauritania. There are facilities in large urban areas, but pharmacies may not be well-stocked. It is advised that you bring your own prescriptions and medicines.

See our vaccinations page to learn more about these infections and vaccines. Ready to protect yourself? Book your travel health appointment today by calling or schedule online now.

A visa, valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination are required to enter Mauritania.

Mauritania Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Mauritania?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

Sources: Embassy of Mauritania and U.S. State Department

It is best to obtain your visa before arrival to avoid any unforeseen difficulty when entering the country.

Mauritania is a country in West Africa known for its hot and dry climate. Although it is mostly covered by the Sahara desert, there are some coastal areas that experience milder weather.

Nouakchott, the capital city, and Banc d’Arguin National Park are located on the Atlantic coast and have hot desert climates with high temperatures around 85 degrees throughout the year. They both experience a short rainy season from July to September.

Chinguetti, a small town located in the Adrar Region, has a hot desert climate with high temperatures averaging around 95 during the summer and 80 during the winter.

Atar, the capital of the Adrar Region, has a hot desert climate with high temperatures averaging around 100 degrees during the summer and 70 during the winter.

Try to stay in well-lit areas and keep an eye on your belongings.

Dress appropriately when you’re in public. Mauritania is mostly a Muslim country, so it’s important to cover your shoulders and legs, and men should not wear shorts. Avoid political demonstrations as these can sometimes be dangerous. If you’re planning on exploring the deserts or rural areas of Mauritania, it’s important to use a trusted guide who knows the area well. They can help you stay safe.

Be cautious of people who approach you on the street and try to sell you something or offer unsolicited help. Check the latest travel advisories from your government before you travel. These advisories will give you important information on safety and security concerns in the country.

By following these tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Mauritania.

Along the Atlantic coast, Parc National du Banc d’Arguin welcomes birds of all species that are migrating from Europe to Africa. Recognized as a World-Heritage site, this national park is the perfect place for bird-watching and is considered one of the best places to bird watch in Africa.

You can enter the park best by boat if you take one from a small village called Iwik. The park itself is made up of sand-dunes, swamps and coastal waters.

Millions of birds are recorded coming to this spot every year, including sandpipers, flamingos, pelicans, and egrets.

The best time of year to visit the park is in December and January, which is mating season.

Mauritania is a hot desert country, it’s important to pack light and breathable clothing like loose-fitting shirts and pants to stay comfortable. You should also bring items to protect yourself from the sun, like sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Drinking lots of water is essential, so bring a reusable water bottle.

A basic first aid kit with bandages and medication is a good idea, and you may need a travel adapter to charge your electronics. Cash is recommended, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. To protect against insect-borne diseases like malaria and dengue fever, bring insect repellent containing DEET.

Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring Mauritania’s natural and historical sites, and a camera can capture memories of your trip. Remember to dress respectfully, as Mauritania is a Muslim country where conservative dress is expected.

All Americans visiting Mauritania should register online with the U.S. Department of State before departure. This will inform the office of your travel plans within the country and will allow them to reach out in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Once in Mauritania, the information for the U.S. Embassy is:

U.S. Embassy Nouakchott
Nouadhibou Road, Avenue Al Quds,
NOT PRTZ.
Nouakchott, Mauritania
Telephone: +(222) 4525-2660
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(222) 3662-8163
Fax: (222) 4525-1592
Email: ConsularNKC@state.gov

If you have any questions about traveling to Mauritania or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment with your local Passport Health travel medicine clinic. Call us at or book online now and protect yourself today.