From: 76702.1202@CompuServe.COM (Charlie Smith)
Newsgroups: rec.travel
Subject: *NEW* TRAVEL INFORMATION -- Mauritania
Date: 6 Jan 1993 13:17:05 -0600
Organization: UTexas Mail-to-News Gateway
NNTP-Posting-Host: cs.utexas.edu

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Mauritania
============================================================
Mauritania - Consular Information Sheet
 December 24, 1992

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located in  the capital city 
of Nouakchott between the Presidency Building and the Spanish 
Embassy.  The postal address is B.P. 222 in Nouakchott.   The 
telephone number is (222) (2)526-60 and the Fax number is (2) 525-89.

Country Description:  Mauritania is a developing country in 
northwestern Africa.  It is a Muslim country with a conservative 
dress code.  Women are expected to wear garments with sleeves, to 
have dress lengths that cover the knee and to not wear shorts.

Entry Requirements:  U.S. citizens need a passport and visa.  
Evidence of yellow fever and cholera immunization and proof of 
sufficient funds are required.  Further information on entry 
requirements can be obtained from the Embassy of the Republic of 
Mauritania, 2129 Leroy Place N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, telephone 
(202) 232-5700, or from the Mauritanian Permanent Mission to the 
U.N., 6100 Third Avenue, 37th Floor, New York, N.Y. 10016, telephone 
(212) 737-7780.

Civil Disorder:  Incidents of civil disorder occurred in Mauritania 
following both the January 1992 presidential elections and the 
government's decision in October 1992 to devaluate the Mauritanian 
currency.  Both incidents were short-lived, however, and the 
situation is calm at present.  

Areas of Instability:  Surface travel between Mali and Mauritania 
is dangerous due to a series of violent incidents related to the 
domestic insurgency and Mauritanian refugees in Mali.  Only overland 
travel to Kayes, Mali from Kankossa in south-central Mauritania can 
be considered safe.  It is not possible to get a Malian visa in 
Mauritania.  Surface travel between Mauritania and the former 
Western Sahara is dangerous because of the continuing conflict 
between Morocco and the Polisario movement.  Although a ceasefire is 
presently in place, several violations have occurred and the area 
cannot be considered safe.  Both surface and air travel between 
Mauritania and Senegal resumed in April 1992; however, surface 
travel is restricted to several designated border crossing-points 
and the likelihood of recurring violence is great.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities in Mauritania are limited.  
Medicines are difficult to obtain.  Cash payments must be made 
directly to doctors and hospitals in most cases.  U.S. medical 
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  
Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved to be useful.  Information on health matters can be obtained 
from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers 
hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Petty crime occurs.  Useful information on 
safeguarding valuables and protecting personal security while 
traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A 
Safe Trip Abroad," available from the Superintendent of Documents, 
U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Local currency may not be imported or 
exported.  Credit cards other than American Express are not accepted 
in Mauritania and American Express cards can only be used at a few 
hotels in Nouakchott and Nouadhibou.

Drug Penalties:  Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in 
illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted offenders can expect 
jail sentences and fines.

Tips for Travelers:  Information on travel in the region is 
available in the Department of State publication "Tips for Travelers 
to Sub-Saharan Africa" which is available from the Superintendent of 
Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy can 
obtain updated information on travel and security.

 No. 92-154


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Date: Thu, 7 Jan 1993 12:57:03 GMT
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