Terrorism have been known to target areas frequented by foreigners, government buildings, and any other area that attracts both locals and foreigners, such as clubs, restaurants, embassies, international schools, hotels, expatriate housing compounds, churches and other places of worship, shopping malls, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and transportation hubs, or identifiably western interests, such as businesses.

Kidnapping is a serious problem in Mauritania, especially among Westerners in Nouakchott and Atar.

Terrorism have been reported plotting to abduct Western tourists, mining employees, oil workers, and relief workers in Mauritania on a regular basis. Kidnapping remains a serious hazard to Westerners. Prevent open patios and cafés, and modify your daily routines and travel plans to avoid being a victim of kidnapping.

Mali's, Algeria's, and Western Sahara's border areas are dangerous. These locations are particularly vulnerable to bandits, smugglers, and extremist organizations. According to sources, AQIM, the terrorist organization responsible for the kidnapping of foreign captives in North Africa, is active throughout the area and constitutes a substantial security concern.

Crime is also one of the things to know before traveling to Mauritania. In Mauritania, poverty and terrorist operations have resulted in an increase in crime. Robbery, rape, and assault are all on the rise in the United States. Armed bandits are also a big threat in Mauritania. In seaside locations, uninhabited places, especially along the route between Mali and Mauritania, bandits constitute a hazard.

When going by automobile, keep the doors locked, the windows rolled up, and valuables hidden. Mauritania's crime rate is moderate, however it is continuously rising. Petty crimes, such as pickpocketing and the theft of badly secured or openly apparent goods left in vehicles, are the most common instances in cities and bigger towns. The majority of criminal activity takes place at night. Residential burglaries and robberies are widespread in Nouakchott, especially near the beaches.

Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are uncommon, although they are becoming more common. Mauritania, like most of West Africa, has been a distribution hub for Colombian cocaine trafficking to Europe in recent years.

Unexploded landmines have made many of Mauritania's border areas unsafe, particularly in the Western Sahara region. Keep in mind that in sandstorms, landmines have been known to move. About transport, stay on well-traveled routes at all times. This is one of the things to know before traveling to Mauritania.

In Mauritania, landmines aren't the only danger for vehicles; poor road conditions, a lack of vehicle maintenance, and inadequate local driving norms all contribute to a high rate of accidents. Due to the potential of shifting sand dunes and collisions with other cars and animals, driving at night is extremely dangerous. Taxis and public transit are extremely dangerous for Westerners due to the likelihood of kidnapping and terrorist strikes. In 2010, Mauritania has 450 kilometers of highway linking Nouakchott and Nouadhibou along a coastline route.

In terms of transport, highway connecting Nouakchott and Rosso is being built (due for completion in 2012). Only roughly 3,000 kilometers (1,900 miles) of surfaced roads, 710 kilometers (440 miles) of unsurfaced highways, and 5,140 kilometers (3,190 miles) of unimproved rails exist in Mauritania. Because of the country's vastness and severe environment, road maintenance and repair are particularly difficult.

In terms of local laws, ecause Mauritania is a strict Islamic country, tourists should dress and act appropriately, especially during Ramadan. This is absolutely one of the things to know before traveling to Mauritania. In rural and traditional communities, as well as near mosques, religious shrines, and religious educational institutions, it is best to minimize physical contact between men and women in public since public shows of affection might be offensive.

In Local laws of Mauritania, homosexuality is still illegal, and drug regulations are harsh. Those who are detected in possession of any illicit substance may face prison time. Mauritania is a desert nation. Alcohol is illegal to sell and consume, yet it is served at select places. It's a good idea to keep your ID with you at all times, especially if you're going outside of Nouakchott.

You should also follow the police and other Mauritanian security services' instructions as soon as possible. The fact that Mauritania is an Islamic country is reflected in its laws. You should always respect local traditions, customs, laws, and faiths, and be careful of your behavior to ensure that they do not harm other cultures or religious beliefs, particularly during Ramadan or if you plan to visit religious sites. See Traveling During Ramadan for further information.

Malaria is a year-round health problem in Mauritania. It is definitely one of the things to know before traveling to Mauritania. Malaria strains resistant to chloroquine have been discovered. Dengue fever, yellow fever, filariasis, and leishmaniasis are among the other illnesses spread by insects. Insect bites should be avoided at all costs, including the use of insect repellent at all times. Water-borne, food-borne, and other infectious illnesses (such as cholera, hepatitis, measles, and TB) are common, while outbreaks of other diseases (such as meningitis, polio, Rift Valley fever, and typhoid) are known to occur.

Avoid ice cubes and raw or undercooked food by boiling all drinking water (for at least three minutes) or drinking bottled water. To avoid bilharzia and other waterborne infections, avoid swimming in fresh water (schistosomiasis). In Mauritania, the temperature is frequently exceedingly high. You might quickly get dehydrated without realizing it. So, to ensure your health, Drink plenty of water throughout the day; in the warmest months, this might be several litres. Mauritania does not appear to be a tourist destination in the near future; it is not a particularly secure country, and several nations warn against traveling there for good reason.

If you initially visited Morocco and now travel around the African continent, the embassy in Rabat is where you may apply for a visa. However, you should keep in mind that this institution does not have a copying machine. So, as a piece of dietary advise, create additional passport copies. In addition, there are several police checkpoints located along all of the railroads.

Almost everyone comes to a halt and rewrites your information. It is a requirement for both foreigners and natives traveling outside of Nouakchott, Mauritania's capital. They frequently want copies of your passport to expedite the procedure. A valid passport, two completed and signed application papers, and four passport-sized pictures are all required. The charge for a one-day to three-month visa is $45.00 USD. A letter of reference from the mission, government authorities, or a non-governmental organization (NGO) working in Mauritania is required.

The application for a visa must be presented in person or by a messenger. If the applicant chooses to send his or her application by mail, whether through a messenger or a private firm, the Embassy cannot guarantee the postal service and will not be held liable for any papers lost in the mail.

The country of Mauritania is located in western Africa. This nation is 75% desert, with the remaining 25% made up of plains and sand dunes. Mauritania is also bordered on the north by the Atlantic Ocean. In Mauritania, certain animals are abundant, while others are endangered or on the point of extinction.

Gazelles, panthers, hyenas, sand cats, cheetahs, and warthogs are some of the most well-known creatures native to Africa that live in Mauritania. There are 573 bird species, over 260 mammal species, 86 reptile species, 30 amphibian species, and 676 fish species.

The African wild cat Felis lybica is Mauritania's official national animal. The European wild cat, by the way, is a subspecies of the African wild cat. These cats are African in origin. This animal is tough and built to withstand the severe conditions of a desert or scrubland environment. As a result, it serves as a powerful national emblem for this country.

In addition to strength, they represent knowledge and perseverance. The bulk of Mauritania is covered in dry desert. As a result, the country's distinctive fauna must be well-equipped to survive in such a hostile environment. Let's find out where to go in Mauritania to see some of the best wild animals.

Limited international and local flights continue to operate at Nouakchott Airport. For further information, contact your travel agent or airline. Travel to Mauritania is subject to restrictions, including the necessity to show proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR) test done no more than 5 days before departure.

You'll have to fill out a health statement and pass a contactless temperature check when you arrive. Upon arriving, you may be asked to do a PCR or quick antigen test. After arriving in Mauritania, all travelers, regardless of country, will be obliged to self-isolate for 10 days. If you test positive for COVID-19 at the border, you'll be confined for 10 days under the supervision of the Mauritanian administration.

From midnight until 6 a.m., a national curfew is in effect. In marketplaces, places of religion, and public transportation, you must wear a mask and exercise social distance. Keep your yellow fever vaccination certificate on you at all times. It is required for entry into the nation. Mauritania's economy is mostly based on cash transactions. Only a few establishments take credit cards.

The culinary techniques of Mauritania are included in Mauritania's cuisine. Arab and African peoples who lived in and crossed the "stark" terrain defined by Sahara sand dunes in caravans affected what is now Mauritania historically. Moroccan food in the north and Senegalese cuisine in the south have a lot in common.

The relatively isolated land's cuisine has also been influenced by French colonial influence (Mauritania was a colony until 1960). Alcohol is forbidden in Islam, and its sale is generally restricted to hotels. Mint tea is often drank and froth is created by pouring it from a height.

Meals are traditionally shared between the family. You can taste a few different foods. For example, thieboudienne (Cheb-u-jin), a fish-and-rice coastal meal served in a white and red sauce composed mostly of tomatoes, is considered Mauritania's national food. You may also have rice with veggies and fishballs. Mahfe is another dish that will definitely wake you up. It's goat or camel meat in a peanut, okra, and tomato sauce served over rice, although it's also vegetarian (for vegetarians).

Although Mauritania's festival culture is still growing, there are a few religious events and Mauritania holidays worth highlighting. African Liberation Day is a continent-wide celebration of togetherness that offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about the region's history.

For the Hindu community, there are other cultural and religious celebrations such as Diwali. Mauritania commemorates the foundation of the Organization for African Unity, currently known as the African Union, on May 25th every year. The day is remembered across the continent and is frequently referred to as "Africa Day." Conferences, exhibitions, and displays honor the diverse African traditions that exist in the country and outside.

Tabaski, a two/three-day festival in October honoring the Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his first-born son to God, is one of the most prominent holidays on the Islamic, and hence Mauritanian calendars. Because participants butcher a sheep, the celebration is also called as the Feast of the Sacrifice, as it resembles Ibrahim's final deeds in the biblical story. During feasts around the country, the meat is split among friends and family.