smartraveller.gov.au - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
It's a must see destination.
It's a must see destination.
Mauritania
| Mauritania overall | This Advice is current for Monday, 15 March 2010. | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
| Border areas with Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara | ||||
| Be alert to own security | Exercise caution | High degree of caution | Reconsider your need to travel | Do not travel |
This advice has been reviewed and reissued. The overall level of the advice has not changed.
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Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Mauritania due to the unpredictable security situation and the high threat of terrorist attack.
We continue to receive reports suggesting that terrorists are planning attacks against a range of targets in Mauritania. These attacks could occur at anytime, anywhere in Mauritania.
Al-Qa’ida is active in North Africa and has, in the past, claimed responsibility for terrorist acts in Mauritania.
Past terrorist incidents include:
Terrorist attacks could be directed against any locations known to be frequented by foreigners, as well as premises and symbols associated with the Government of Mauritania. In planning your activities, consider the kinds of places known to be terrorist targets and the level of security provided. Possible targets include clubs, restaurants, embassies and high commissions, international schools, international hotels, expatriate housing compounds, churches and other places of worship, shopping centres, outdoor recreation events, tourist areas and transport hubs or identifiably western interests, including businesses.
There is an ongoing high threat of kidnapping against Westerners in the north and west regions of Africa, including Nouakchott and Atar in Mauritania. Credible information indicates that terrorists are planning to kidnap and possibly kill westerners in northern Mali and remote and desert areas of Mauritania, southern Algeria and Niger. A stream of credible reporting suggests that terrorists may be planning to kidnap Western tourists, mine workers, oil workers and aid workers in Mauritania. Past reports indicate that terrorists have planned to kidnap foreigners, including Australians, travelling between Mauritania and Morocco or who may be close to the Mauritania / Mali border, and to conduct attacks against oil facilities in Mauritania. You should maintain a high level of vigilance at all times when travelling in Mauritania and avoid unnecessary travel in remote areas.
Australians should take increased security precautions when in their homes and watch for any suspicious or unusual activity.
Border areas with Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara: We strongly advise you not to travel to the border areas with Mali, Algeria and Western Sahara because of the risk of extremist groups, banditry and the activities of armed smugglers. There are continuing reports that AQIM, the terrorist group responsible for the kidnapping of foreign hostages in North Africa, is active throughout this region and poses a significant security threat.
If after reading our advice you should still decide to travel to these areas, you should ensure you have adequate and continuous close personal protection.
We advise you to reconsider your need to travel to Mauritania at this time due to the unpredictable security situation. If you do decide to travel to Mauritania, you should exercise extreme caution. If you are in Mauritania, avoid unnecessary local travel and monitor the media and other local information sources for information about possible new safety or security risks.
Political tensions between the government and opposition groups were heightened in the period surrounding elections in July 2009 and the Presidential inauguration in August 2009, but have since calmed.
You should avoid protests and demonstrations as they may turn violent.
Crime levels in Mauritania continue to increase. Bandits are a major risk across Mauritania. Bandit attacks have occured at night in beach areas of Nouakchott (including the district of Le Cinquieme), and at deserted beach areas, even during daylight hours. Bandits have attacked vehicles travelling by road between Mali and Mauritania and in the north of Mauritania. Pickpocketing and other theft also occur. There are increasing reports of carjackings and theft associated with organised people smugglers who are using Mauritania as a transit point for illegal travel by sea to the Canary Islands. When travelling by car, you should keep the doors locked, the windows up and keep valuables out of sight.
Commercial and internet fraud is prevalent and often originates in West African countries. Victims have been defrauded and those who travel to the originating country have had their lives endangered. Some victims have been killed. Criminals have been known to seek details of 'safe' bank accounts overseas in which to transfer large sums of money (as a donation or for a percentage of the amount involved). They may also provide fake cashier cheques for 'urgent' shipments of large quantities of goods, request sizeable fees for a fake government contract and extort money from individuals they have convinced to travel to Africa for a business opportunity. If you are a victim of a financial scam, we advise you to obtain legal advice and not to travel to Africa to seek restitution as there is a risk of physical assault from the perpetrators. Our information on International Financial Scams provides more detail on these types of scams.
Some Australian citizens have also been defrauded or had their lives endangered by bogus internet friendship, dating and marriage schemes operating from West African countries. These scams typically result from connections made through internet dating schemes or chat rooms. Once a virtual relationship develops, the Australian citizen is asked by their friend or prospective marriage partner to send money to enable travel to Australia. Once the money has been received, the relationship is usually terminated and any chance of recovering the funds is highly unlikely. In some instances, foreigners who have travelled to Africa to meet their friend or prospective marriage partner have been kidnapped and held to ransom.
There are reports of unexploded landmines in the area of Mauritania bordering Western Sahara. Mines have been known to shift in sandstorms. You should not stray from well-travelled roads.
If you decide to travel to the Western Sahara you should be aware that travel from Morocco is restricted by the Moroccan Government and you will need to obtain permission from Moroccan authorities.
Driving can be dangerous. Poor road conditions, lack of vehicle maintenance and poor local driving standards increase the risk of accidents. Because of the risk of shifting sand dunes and accidents with other vehicles and animals, you are advised to avoid driving at night. Travel to the desert is dangerous for travellers not familiar with the area and who do not have a roadworthy vehicle and adequate supplies of food, water and fuel. Travellers should check the credentials and references of desert guides.
For further advice on road safety, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.
Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.
If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.
The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.
Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.
Before you go, organise a variety of ways of accessing your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques and Euros or US dollars cash. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas.
Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.
While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.
As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering and theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.
Australians are required to pay an additional fee to have their passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.
For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling Parents brochure.
If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.
Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.
When you are in Mauritania, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.
Drug penalties are severe and possession of even small amounts of 'soft drugs' can lead to prison sentences.
Penalties for treason and murder include the death sentence.
Homosexual activity between men is illegal in Mauritania and is punishable by prison sentences of up to three years.
Importation of non-Islamic religious materials is prohibited. Non-Islamic preaching is also banned.
Importation of alcohol, firearms and pork products is prohibited.
Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.
Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.
There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in Mauritania, particularly for women, and you should take care not to offend.
Physical contact between men and women in public should be avoided. Public displays of affection can cause offence, particularly in rural and traditional areas and near mosques, religious shrines and religious educational institutions.
During Ramadan, Muslims are not permitted to eat, drink or smoke in public between sunrise and sunset.
Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information.
Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Mauritania for the most up to date information.
Depending on any recent prior travel to countries affected by Yellow Fever, and the length of your stay in Mauritania, you may be required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Mauritania. For further information contact the nearest Mauritanian Embassy or Consulate.
Mauritania is listed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as endemic for yellow fever. Some airlines may require passengers to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of the country. If in doubt, check with your airline.
If you have visited Mauritania in the last six days prior to your date of return to Australia, Australian Customs officials will ask you to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate on entry into Australia.
Make sure your passport has at least six months' validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.
Pandemic (H1N1) 2009 has spread throughout the world. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides useful information for individuals and travellers on its website. For further information and advice to Australians, including on possible quarantine measures overseas, see our travel bulletin on Pandemic (H1N1) 2009.
We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.
Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our Travelling Well brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while overseas.
Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited, particularly outside Nouakchott. Most doctors and private hospitals will require up-front payment regardless of whether you have travel health insurance. In the event of a serious accident or illness, medical evacuation to a destination with appropriate facilities may be necessary. Medical evacuation could cost up to $A50,000 depending on circumstances.
Malaria is a risk throughout the year in most areas except in the northern regions of Dakhlet-Nouadhibou and Tiris-Zemmour. Other mosquito-borne diseases (including dengue fever and yellow fever) also occur in the region. We recommend that you take prophylaxis against malaria and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times.
Water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, cholera, typhoid, hepatitis, bilharzia, leptospirosis, meningitis, tuberculosis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.
The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.
Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Mauritania. You can obtain consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in France:
Australian Embassy
4 Rue Jean Rey
75724 Cedex 15
Paris
Telephone +33 1 4059 3300
Facsimile +33 1 4059 3315
Website: www.france.embassy.gov.au
There is no formal agreement between the United States and Australia for the provision of consular assistance to Australians in Mauritania, however, Australians in Mauritania may wish to consult the Embassy of the United States, located between the Presidency building and the Spanish Embassy in Nouakchott. The address is:
Embassy of the United States of America
Rue Abdallaye
Nouakchott
Mauritania
Telephone +222 525 2660 or +222 525 2663 or +222 525 1141 or +222 525 1145
Facsimile +222 525 1592
If you are travelling to Mauritania, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.
In a consular emergency, if you are unable to contact the Australian Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.
In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
While every care has been taken in preparing this travel information for travellers, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees including any member of Australia's consular staff abroad, can accept liability for injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained therein.
