Capital city, Mauritania
Is Nouakchott safe?
Calmer than the region's reputation, but terrorism and kidnapping risks exist in the east and north.
Is Nouakchott safe?
Calmer than the region's reputation, but terrorism and kidnapping risks exist in the east and north. In the city, theft and traffic are the main concerns.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 3: Reconsider travel, updated 2026-08-17.
- Homicide rate in Mauritania: 1.0 per 100,000 people (2020, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Mauritania: 25.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 118.
Safety in Nouakchott at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Bag snatching, pickpocketing in markets, and muggings in poorly lit streets after dark; occasional car-window theft. |
| At night | Quiet after dark; take a taxi from the door and avoid walking, especially outside Tevragh Zeina. |
| Solo women | Conservative society: cover shoulders and knees, expect stares and comments. Avoid empty beaches, use taxis at night and sit in the back. |
| Other risks | Strong Atlantic currents at beaches; Sandstorms and extreme heat; Rough desert roads and long distances |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Taxi drivers quoting inflated fares to foreigners
- Fixers and 'guides' at markets demanding fees
- Street changers short-changing foreign currency
Take care
- Beaches near the port: strong currents have drowned swimmers
- Streets at night outside Tevragh Zeina
- East and north of the country: check advisories before traveling
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Alcohol is banned for Muslims and hard to find; do not bring it in.
- Photographing police, military sites or airports leads to detention.
- Same-sex relations are punishable by death.
Quick answers
Is Nouakchott safe for solo female travelers?
Conservative society: cover shoulders and knees, expect stares and comments. Avoid empty beaches, use taxis at night and sit in the back.
Is Nouakchott safe at night?
Quiet after dark; take a taxi from the door and avoid walking, especially outside Tevragh Zeina.
What is the crime rate in Nouakchott?
Bag snatching, pickpocketing in markets, and muggings in poorly lit streets after dark; occasional car-window theft. Nationally, Mauritania records 1.0 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2020).
What number do I call in an emergency in Nouakchott?
Police 17 · Ambulance 101 · Fire 118.
More about Nouakchott
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Mauritel
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.