High riskAfrica · Western AfricaMauritania Travel Health Guide
High risk
Mauritania carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Mauritania except in Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour regions. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas south of the Sahara Desert and required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
Overall risk
High risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccinations are current before traveling to Mauritania.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccinations before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccination is recommended for all travelers to Mauritania age 1 year and older.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers to Mauritania.
Measles
Measles cases are rising worldwide. All travelers should be fully vaccinated with MMR vaccine at least two weeks before departure.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccination is recommended for most travelers to Mauritania, especially if staying with locals or visiting rural areas.
Meningococcal Disease
Meningococcal vaccination is recommended if traveling to meningitis belt areas of Mauritania during dry season (December-June).
Rabies
Rabies is present in dogs in Mauritania. Consider pre-exposure vaccination if you'll have animal contact or limited access to medical care.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas south of the Sahara Desert and required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists throughout Mauritania except in Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour regions. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Traveler's Diarrhea
All areas; especially southern regions with limited sanitation.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists throughout Mauritania except in Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour regions. Take antimalarial medication as prescribed by your doctor.
Emergency numbers
Police
117
Medical / Ambulance
101
Fire
118
U.S. Embassy
+222-4525-2660
Mauritania travel health FAQ
Do I need vaccines to travel to Mauritania?▼
For travel to Mauritania, Routine Vaccines, COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Measles and Typhoid are recommended; Meningococcal Disease, Rabies and Yellow Fever may be advised depending on your itinerary. Make sure your routine vaccinations (such as MMR, Tdap, polio and seasonal flu) are up to date, and see a travel-health provider about 4–6 weeks before you leave.
Is there malaria in Mauritania?▼
Yes — malaria is present in Mauritania. Antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended for most travelers, alongside insect-bite precautions such as repellent and treated bed nets.
Is it safe to travel to Mauritania?▼
From a travel-health standpoint, Mauritania is currently rated high risk. Mauritania carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Mauritania except in Dakhlet Nouadhibou and Tiris Zemmour regions. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for areas south of the Sahara Desert and required for entry if coming from countries with yellow fever risk.
What are the emergency phone numbers in Mauritania?▼
Key emergency numbers in Mauritania are Police 117, Medical / Ambulance 101, Fire 118 and U.S. Embassy +222-4525-2660. Save them before you travel and confirm the current numbers with your accommodation on arrival.
More country guides
BeninHigh riskBenin carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Benin. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Burkina FasoHigh riskBurkina Faso carries a CDC Level 2 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists throughout Burkina Faso. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Cape VerdeLow riskCape Verde carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Plan your Mauritania trip
Get vaccines, prescriptions and a personalized health plan for Mauritania — matched to your itinerary and travelers.
Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.