Although a ceasefire is presently in place, several violations have occurred, and the area cannot be considered safe. Travelers are at risk of being caught up in hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario movement. There are reports of thousands of unexploded mines in the western Sahara area and in areas of Mauritania adjacent to the western Sahara border. Exploding mines are occasionally reported and have caused death and injury. Surface travel between Mali and Mauritania can be dangerous since the border region has historically been plagued by banditry and, in recent years, has been the scene of insurgency.
Medicines are difficult to obtain.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage has proven useful. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately 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.