Travel Report for Mauritania

Country Profile for
Mauritania

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: November 6, 2006 14:51 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 22:49 EST

Mauritania

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

Sections 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11 of this Travel Report have been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

On August 3, 2005, a coup d'état occurred in Mauritania. The situation remains stable, and no violence has been reported since the military junta took power. A constitutional referendum was held in June 2006. Municipal and legislative elections scheduled in November and presidential elections in March 2007 should complete the return to democracy. However, the political and security situation could deteriorate without warning. Therefore, Canadians should monitor local news reports, exercise caution, and avoid events where demonstrations and acts of violence may occur.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Although Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada does not warn against travel to this country or region(s) of this country, Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office due to the security situation and/or the absence of Canadian representation in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing, residential break-ins, thefts, and assaults occasionally occur. Violent crime is infrequent. You should avoid beaches and “le Cinquième” district in Nouakchott, especially after dark. Unpatrolled beaches should be avoided at all times.

Demonstrations and political gatherings can turn violent. There have been reports of demonstrations in Nouakchott involving stone throwing and tire burning, but foreigners were not specifically targeted.

Travel near the borders with Algeria, Mali, and Western Sahara is dangerous due to banditry. The northern border with Algeria and Western Sahara is open and travellers are permitted to cross it, although some restrictions have not been officially lifted. The northern area beyond the Oualata-Tichit-Ouadane-Zouérat line is desert. Armed Tuaregs (nomads) are active in this area and occasionally attack travellers, stealing their belongings and vehicles. Attempts to resist have resulted in violence, including murder. Only convoys arranged by professional guides should venture into the desert.

If you are travelling to the desert, you should be aware of the conditions you may have to face or be accompanied by experts in desert travel. Extreme caution should be exercised in the 20-30 km wide "no man's land" that separates Mauritania and Western Sahara. Travellers are isolated after crossing police checkpoints located on either side of this zone. Landmines have been laid in these areas and can shift with the movement of sand and dunes. Travel in convoy and remain on well-used tracks. Seek the advice of local authorities when planning land trips, and ensure that a detailed itinerary is left with family or friends.

The Department publishes a booklet entitled Her Own Way: Advice for the Woman Traveller, specifically targeted at female travellers. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian women and encourage them to travel safely.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

There are four major roads in the country: between Nouakchott and Rosso, Nouakchott and Atar (through Akjoujt), and Nouakchott and Néma. The road between Nouakchott and Néma leads to the border with Mali. Trucks use this road to transport containers from Mauritanian and Malian seaports. A new road connects the cities of Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Most other roads are unpaved sand tracks. Vehicles may occasionally be forced off the roads due to drifting sand and dunes. Roaming animals and bush taxis frequently cause accidents. Passenger rail service operates between Nouadhibou and Zouérat. Domestic flights are also available between the main towns.

Vehicles are usually rented with drivers. In the event of an accident or vehicle breakdown, the driver and rental company will be held responsible. If the vehicle is rented without a driver, the person renting the vehicle will be held responsible. In the event of an accident, a police report must be filed. In the event of an accident resulting in injury to or death of a person, drivers are detained until a judge determines responsibility.

There are two official land border crossings into Senegal: Diama and Rosso. Pedestrians and vehicles are permitted to cross over a dam at Diama, and by ferry at Rosso. The road leading to Diama may be impassable during the rainy season. Long delays at the border are common. Ferry crossings at Rosso are available only between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Travellers should not cross the Senegal River by pirogue as it is illegal and dangerous.

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.

Sailing in the port at Nouadhibou can be dangerous because of the number of shallow shipwrecks.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Mauritania is very hot and receives extremely little rain throughout the year. The rainy season extends from July to October.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail or death sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Islamic practices and beliefs are closely adhered to in the country’s customs, laws, and regulations. Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Visitors should dress conservatively (e.g., women should wear a headscarf and also cover their arms and legs). Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities. The use of drugs and alcohol is prohibited. Transgressions could be punished by detention or other penalties.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should refrain from drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on or about September 24, 2006.

Mauritania does not recognize dual nationality. The Embassy of Canada’s ability to assist dual nationals is very limited. Children of Mauritanian fathers automatically acquire Mauritanian citizenship at birth, regardless of where they were born. The father’s permission is required for any child to travel, even if the child is travelling on a foreign passport.

It is illegal to import alcoholic beverages, firearms and pork products.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

Photography of military installations, airports, government buildings and religious buildings, is forbidden.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Mauritania - NOUAKCHOTT, Consulate of Canada
Address: Centre commercial Abbass, Avenue Charles de Gaulle, Îlot "O", No. 34, 1er étage, Bureau 2, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Postal Address: P.O. Box 428, Nouakchott, Mauritania
Tel.: (222) 529 26 97 or (222) 529 26 98
Fax: (222) 292 698
E-mail: j.taya@mr.refer.org, consulatcanada@mauritel.mr

The Embassy of Canada in Agdal-Rabat, Morocco, has consular responsibility for Mauritania. The address is as follows:

Morocco - AGDAL-RABAT, Embassy of Canada
Address: 13 bis, Jaafar As-Sadik Street, Agdal-Rabat, Morocco
Postal Address: P.O. Box 709, Agdal-Rabat, Morocco
Tel.: 212 (37) 68 74 00
Fax: 212 (37) 68 74 30
E-mail: rabat@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.rabat.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Embassy of Canada in Agdal-Rabat, Morocco, and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with Mauritanian authorities and was valid on September 26, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Mauritania. Canadians must also be in possession of a visa. Cholera and yellow fever certification may be required for entry.

Tourist Visa: Required
Business Visa: Required
Student Visa: Required

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the ouguiya (MRO). It is not convertible and cannot be imported or exported. There are no limits on the import of foreign currency, but it should be declared on arrival. The export of foreign currency is limited to the amount declared on arrival. Credit cards can be used at only a few hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou. Mauritanian banks do not accept Canadian currency and only exchange traveller's cheques issued in US dollars or euros.

Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

The Islamic Republic of Mauritania (capital: Nouakchott) is located in Western Africa, bordered by Western Sahara, Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and the Atlantic Ocean. The official language is Arabic, but French is widely used in major cities. Tourist facilities are not widely available.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities and medical supplies are extremely limited.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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