FAQs

Where is the Embassy located?

The American Embassy is located in the heart of Nouakchott, in the area where many diplomatic institutions are located, between the Presidential palace and the Spanish Embassy on the street “Rue Abdallaye,” presently numbered 42-100.

What are the Embassy’s working hours?

EMBASSY HOURS:
The Embassy is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5: 30 p.m. and on Fridays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon.  Mauritania is on UTC/GMT meantime.

Phone: 222-525-2660 or 2663

Fax: 222-525-1592

Street Address:  288, rue 42-100, (rue Abdallaye)

Mailing Address: BP 222, Nouakchott, Mauritania

Email Address: tayebho@state.gov

What is the history of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and the U.S.?

The American Embassy in Nouakchott opened in 1961, shortly after Mauritania obtained its independence.  It was closed in June 1967 when diplomatic relations were broken in the wake of the six-day Arab-Israeli War and was reopened in 1970.  The United States and Mauritania have continuously maintained relations since then.

Chiefs of Mission and their terms:

Ambassador Henry S. Villard, November 1960 – April 1961
Ambassador Philip M. Kaiser, June 1961 – May 1962
Chargé William L. Eagleton, Jr., June 1962 – August 1964
Ambassador Geoffrey W. Lewis, March 1965 – June 1967
Chargé Robert A. Stein, March 1970 – October 1971
Ambassador Richard W. Murphy, November 1971 – June 1974
Ambassador Holsey G. Handyside, April 1975 – December 1977
Ambassador E. Gregory Kryze, December 1977 – June 1980
Ambassador Edward L. Peck, January 1983 – July 1985
Ambassador Robert Pugh, August 1985 – July 1988
Ambassador William H. Twaddell, October 1988 – July 1991
Ambassador Gordon S. Brown, August 1991 – August 1995
Ambassador Dorothy M. Sampas, September 1995 – July 1997
Ambassador Timberlake Foster, November 1997 – October 2000
Ambassador John W. Limbert, November 2000 – August 2003
Ambassador Joseph E. LeBaron, August 2003 – August 2006