18 Mar 2021 | 11:27 AM UTC
Mauritania: COVID-19 restrictions in effect nationwide as of March 18; amended international travel measures in place /update 16
Authorities maintain COVID-19-related restrictions in Mauritania as of March 18; amended international travel restrictions also in effect.
Event
As of March 18, restrictions in force in Mauritania as part of the government's efforts to curb the spread of COVID-19 remain largely unchanged compared to during late January. Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) remains open for limited international commercial passenger travel, and domestic flights are operating. However, travelers to Mauritania must present a negative result from a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than five days before arrival. Travelers arriving also face screening measures and 10 days of self-isolation; travelers who test positive or display symptoms of the disease will be quarantined at a state health facility.
Travelers from countries with new variants of the disease will be required to isolate at the port of entry. The traveler will then be transported to a secure facility ahead of a possible quarantine at personal expense. A PCR test will be administered at the facility; travelers who test negative will be allowed to continue with regular COVID-19 travel procedures.
Land borders with Senegal and Mali are reportedly open. Freight travel remains permitted at several border crossings but is subject to enhanced inspections. However, noncommercial overland travel with Morocco remains banned.
Domestic Restrictions
Although the nationwide nightly curfew has been shortened by four hours to run 00:00-06:00 rather than the previous 20:00-06:00, schools and universities remain closed. Government facilities are still operating with a reduced number of civil service staff, and working hours remain altered. Hygiene and social distancing measures are mandatory at local markets. The use of facemasks is compulsory in public and a ban on large gatherings, including religious events, is in place. The government has established a civil defense group to enforce the restrictions.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.
