U.S. Embassy, Nouakchott
Warden Message
22 May 2006

The Embassy has recently received reports that there is an increase of criminal activity in Nouakchott.  Reports of violent encounters that appear to target the expatriate community are becoming more frequent.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to use particular caution when visiting the beaches near Nouakchott, where a number of sporadic thefts and violent incidents have occurred in the last several years.  Especially avoid remote beach areas such as near the golf course.  Avoid going to the beach at night.  During the day, travel in large groups or stay in popular areas when going to the beach.

Crime in Mauritania is increasing in the cities and larger towns.  Most incidents are petty crimes such as pick pocketing and the theft of improperly secured and openly visible valuables left in vehicles.  But there have also been some residential burglaries, robberies, rapes, and assaults, occasionally involving the American community. 

Most criminal activity occurs at night, and walking alone at night is not advised.  Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are rare, but they are increasing.  

Be watchful and report any unusual activity to the Embassy.  The U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott will continue to monitor the situation in Mauritania and provide updates as appropriate.

The Department of State will also continue to monitor security conditions in Mauritania, as it does elsewhere overseas, and will, as always, promptly disseminate information affecting the safety of Americans abroad through its Consular Information Program. 
American citizens are encouraged to take responsibility for their own safety and periodically assess their personal security.  For further information, the Embassy urges all American citizens to visit the Department of State's travel website on emergencies and crises at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html.
U.S. citizens in Mauritania are also encouraged to register and obtain updated information on travel and security in Mauritania at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy at rue Abdallaye, Nouakchott, telephone (222) 525-2660/2663, 525-1141/45 or 525-3038 (ext. 4551/3551); fax 525-1592; or email ConsularNkc@state.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements and Travel Warnings can be found.  Americans in Mauritania who have not registered their presence with the U.S. Embassy in Nouakchott are urged to register via the Internet through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov.  

The Embassy is located at rue Abdallaye, Nouakchott, and remains open for all American citizen services and visa services.  In case of an emergency, you may call the Embassy Duty Officer at 662-8163, or the Embassy guard post at 525-3288.