Mauritania - Consular Information Sheet
October 18, 1993

Country Description:  Mauritania is a developing country in northwestern 
Africa.  It is a Muslim country with a conservative dress code.  Women are 
expected to wear garments with sleeves, to have dress lengths that cover the 
knee and to not wear shorts.

Entry Requirements:  U.S. citizens need a passport and a visa.  Evidence of 
yellow fever immunization and proof of sufficient funds are required.  
Further information on entry requirements can be obtained from the Embassy 
of the Republic of Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Place, N.W., Washington, D.C. 
20008, telephone (202) 232-5700, or from the Mauritanian Permanent Mission 
to the U.N., 6100 Third Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016, telephone 
(212) 737-7780.

Civil Disorder:  Incidents of civil disorder occurred in Mauritania 
following both the January 1992 presidential elections and the government's 
decision in October 1992 to devaluate the Mauritanian currency.  Both 
incidents were short-lived, however, and the situation is calm at present.

Areas of Instability:  Surface travel between Mauritania and the former 
Western Sahara is dangerous, because of the continuing conflict between 
Morocco and the Polisario movement.  Although a ceasefire is presently in 
place, several violations have occurred, and the area cannot be considered 
safe.  Travelers are at risk of being caught up in hostilities between 
Morocco and the Polisario movement.  There are reports of thousands of 
unexploded mines in the Western Sahara and in areas of Mauritania adjacent 
to the Western Sahara border.  Exploding mines are occasionally reported and 
have caused death and injury.  Surface travel between Mali and Mauritania is 
dangerous due to a series of violent incidents related to ethnic conflict, 
cattle rustling, and the proliferation of weapons.  It is not possible to 
get a Malian visa in Mauritania.  Both surface and air travel between 
Mauritania and Senegal resumed in April 1992; however, surface travel is 
restricted to several designated border crossing-points, and the likelihood 
of recurring violence is great.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited.  
Medicines are difficult to obtain.  Cash payments must be made directly to 
doctors and hospitals in most cases.  U.S. medical insurance is not always 
valid outside the United States.  Supplemental medical insurance with 
specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful.  Information on health 
matters can be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control's international 
travelers hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime occurs.  The loss or theft abroad of a 
U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or 
consulate.  U.S. State Department pamphlets "A Safe Trip Abroad" and "Tips 
for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide useful information on 
protecting personal security while traveling abroad and on travel in the 
region in general.  Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Local currency may not be imported or exported.  
Credit cards, other than American Express, are not accepted in Mauritania.  
American Express cards can only be used at a few hotels in Nouakchott and 
Nouadhibou.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in 
which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect jail 
sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain 
updated information on travel and security in Mauritania. 

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in the capital city of 
Nouakchott between the Presidency Building and the Spanish Embassy.  The 
postal address is B.P. 222, Nouakchott, Mauritania.  The phone number is 
(222-2) 526-60, and the fax number is (222-2) 515-92.

No. 93-283

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated March 12, 1993, to 
provide information on reporting the loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport.