Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
Strongly advised against by France (update of 11 March 2026): the approaches to the Malian border, north of Zouérate, east of the Ghallaouia-Akhrejit line, north-east of Zouérate-Ghallaouia and south-east of Akhrejit-Kankossa. In the north-east, a "military zone" (east of 10° W and north of 18°40') is accessible only with army authorisation.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, entry and residenceAdvised against except for essential travel: the border from Nouadhibou to Zouérate (except PK55, without leaving the track), north of Choum-Aghouedir, east of Aghouedir-Tichit and south-east of Tichit-Kaédi (Assaba, Gorgol, Guidimaka).
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safetyThe UK advises against all travel to the eastern military zones and within 25 km of the Malian border; the authorities warn that anyone entering a military zone will be treated as a target.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceGOV.UK (FCDO), Mauritania travel advice: warnings and insuranceGOV.UK (FCDO), Mauritania travel advice: regional risks
Terrorism and kidnapping
The situation in the Sahel exposes the country to infiltration by terrorist groups that may target Western nationals (kidnapping, attack).
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safety
Crime
Crime remains relatively low in Nouakchott, but violent theft by thieves on two-wheelers is rising, even in safe districts, and on the outskirts. Take care around the Olympic stadium on match or concert days; women should avoid isolated beaches and districts alone, especially at night.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safety
On the road
Sand-covered roads, animals, poorly maintained vehicles: serious accidents are frequent, and driving at night outside towns is particularly dangerous. At PK55, the track is lined with mines: never leave it. Off tarmac (Banc d'Arguin), two vehicles and an experienced guide.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safetyAt checkpoints, carefully declare identities, phone numbers, registration and your exact route, then do not change route.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Police 17, fire 18, gendarmerie 119, ambulance 101.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, useful contactsFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, useful information· Oct 2, 2026
Embassy of France in Mauritania
Passport: FranceFrench embassy and consular section in Nouakchott.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, entry and residence· Oct 2, 2026
Consular agency of France in Nouadhibou
Passport: FranceConsular agency.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, safety · Source updated: September 28, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: Mauritania, entry and residence · Source updated: September 28, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Mauritania travel advice: warnings and insurance · Source updated: March 24, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- GOV.UK (FCDO), Mauritania travel advice: regional risks · Source updated: March 24, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.