The U.S. Embassy informs U.S. citizens in Mauritania that criminal activity in Nouakchott continues to rise. In recent months, a number of homes and private individuals, including U.S. citizens, have been targeted by violent criminals.
In Nouakchott, armed robberies and burglaries are occurring at homes as well as on busy streets in broad daylight. Some of these incidents have been violent in nature, and the use of knives and other weapons is becoming more common.
Because of the increase in criminal activity, the United States Embassy has directed its official staff to not walk to and from work and to avoid walking in general, especially if doing so alone.
U.S. citizens should follow the below recommendations:
- Be cognizant of persons and vehicles around you at all times.
- Vary your travel routes and times daily.
- Do not wear or exhibit jewelry and other valuables.
- Do not leave valuable items visible in a vehicle, even if it is attended by a driver.
- Be on the lookout for pickpockets.
- Always maintain good situational awareness.
- Keep important belongings on your person rather than in your bag.
- If you choose to carry a bag, keep it close to and in front of your body.
For further information:
- See the State Department’s travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Mauritania Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy Nouakchott located between the presidency building and the Spanish Embassy on Rue Abdallaye, Nouakchott, and can be reached by phone at +222- 4525-1145, or 4525-3038. Our opening hours are 8:00a.m – 5:00p.m. Monday – Thursday, and 8:00am – 12:00pm on Friday. After-hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +222- 4525-3288 and +222- 3662-8163.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
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