Threats in Mauritania

The US Department of State urges extreme caution when traveling in Mauritania, due to increased activities by the terrorist group Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM), which has declared its intention to attack Western targets.

Also discouraged is all nonessential travel to the Hodh El Charghi and Hodh El Gharbi regions, the eastern half of the Assaba region (east of Kiffa), the eastern half of the Tagant region and the Zemmour region of Mauritania as well as travel to unpopulated areas of eastern Mauritania.

Travelers should avoid being part of large, highly visible groups of Westerners and avoid sitting in areas that are easily visible from the street when in cafés. Also avoid highly publicized events/venues with no visible security presence.