The postal address is B.P. 222 in Nouakchott. Facilities for tourism are largely available. Although the spoken languages are French and Creole, English is the official language. U.S. citizens do not need visas for a stay of three months or less for business or tourism. Doctors and private clinics require cash or credit card payment for health care services.
Public hospitals provide limited facilities.
U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved to be useful. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Both are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced.