Last Updated:
November 13, 2007 12:51
EST
Still Valid:
November 15, 2007 22:58
EST
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1. RECENT UPDATES
Sections 1 and 2 of this Travel Report have been updated.
For more information on flooding in Mauritania, see our Current Issue.
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2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
There is no Official Warning for this country.
Mauritania
On August 3, 2005, a non-violent coup d'état occurred in Mauritania. After 19 months of military transition, a new president was elected following democratic elections on March 25, 2007, and a new government was formed on April 28. The situation in Mauritania remains stable, and no violence has been reported either during or following the coup. 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: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.
Petty crime, such as pick-pocketing, 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.
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4. 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
A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada.
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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5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS
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
Postal Address: P.O. Box 428, Nouakchott,
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
Postal Address: P.O. Box 709, Agdal-Rabat,
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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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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.
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 13, 2007.
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. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY
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 significant number of shallow shipwrecks.
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 Automated Banking Machine (ABM) services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs 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. ABMs 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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8. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
Mauritania is very hot and receives extremely little rain throughout the year. The rainy season extends from July to October.
For more information on flooding in Mauritania, see our Current Issue.
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9. 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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10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
Medical facilities and medical supplies are extremely limited.
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11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Returning to Canada
Traveller's Checklist
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. See Canada's Health Portal.
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.
Adoption: 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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12. ANNEX
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