27 Jul 2021 | 08:56 PM UTC
Mauritania: Authorities lengthen COVID-19-related nightly curfew hours as of July 27 /update 22
Mauritania lengthens nightly curfew hours to 20:00-06:00 as of July 27; other COVID-19-related measures remain largely unchanged.
Event
Mauritanian authorities have lengthened the country's COVID-19-related curfew by two hours effective July 27. The new curfew hours will run 20:00-06:00 nightly, rather than the previous 22:00-06:00.
Other restrictions remain largely unchanged. Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC) remains open for limited international commercial passenger travel and domestic flights are operating. Travelers to Mauritania must present a printed negative result from a COVID-19 PCR test taken no more than three days prior to travel. Arriving travelers may also be subject to temperature screening at airports; persons who exhibit an elevated temperature or display other symptoms of the disease will be tested immediately. Lastly, all passengers over the age of 11 must have a negative COVID test prior to leaving the country.
Travelers from countries with new variants of the virus (i.e., Brazil, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and India) will be required to isolate at the port of entry for 10 days. Such individuals will be transported to a secure facility ahead of a possible quarantine period at their own 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
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.
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.