Tips and recommendations for healthy travel to top destinations
Learn more about your flu vaccine options
Learn more about the travel visa requirements for top destinations
Mauritania is one of the least-densely populated countries in the world, with many of its citizens residing in a single city. The majority of the population is concentrated in the south due to the desert region in the north.
Human Rights issues are present in Mauritania, mostly slavery, in which 4% of the population is enslaved. Mauritania has also received international scrutiny for its justice system.
Mauritania has a variety of languages including French, Pulaar, Soninke, and different forms of Arabic. Nearly everyone in the country practices Islam.
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Mauritania. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccines for Mauritania: typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, and influenza.
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.
According to the CDC, cholera is present in some parts of Mauritania. Travelers should take additional precautions including avoiding street food and only using filtered or bottled water. Cholera vaccination is recommended for travelers to the country.
Passport Health’s travel clinics carry VaxChora, the only cholera vaccine approved for use in the United States. Book your cholera vaccination appointment today by calling or book online now.
A visa, valid passport and proof of yellow fever vaccination are required to enter Mauritania.
It is best to obtain your visa before arrival to avoid any unforeseen difficulty when entering the country.
For more information, see our Mauritania visa page. Or contact a Passport Health Passport and Visa specialist by calling 1-844-366-8472 or by filling out our online form.
The majority of the Mauritania is a desert climate. The southern regions are semi-desert in the summer monsoon season (June-October).
Day-time temperatures can reach over 100 degrees and nights are often under 55.
Trade winds and rain are the biggest factors determining temperatures.
There is currently a travel warning for all U.S. citizens travelling to Mauritania. This travel warning is due to terrorist activity in the neighboring country of Mali.
It is discouraged to travel outside of urban areas or use roads outside of urban areas. If this is a necessity for you, you should travel in a convoy and with a guide. There is a risk of landmines in the Western Sahara.
U.S. citizens have been targets for violent crimes in Nouakchott, including armed robberies.
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 birdwatch 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.
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Mauritania:
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 288, Rue 42-100 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.
