

STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL ADVISORY - Mauritania
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MAURITANIA - WARNING
 June 25, 1992

The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to exercise caution
when traveling to Mauritania.  U.S. citizens are urged to defer
overland travel between Mauritania and all neighboring countries,
except for travel to Senegal via the Rosso ferry and travel on the
road to Kayes, Mali from Kankossa, Mauritania.

With the resumption of diplomatic relations between Mauritania and
Senegal, it is now possible to travel by air between Nouakchott,
Mauritania and Dakar, Senegal.  Surface border crossings are
permitted only at Rosso.  Mauritania and Senegal intend to establish
embassies in each other's capitals in the near future.  Until they
do, U.S. citizens wishing to travel to Mauritania from Senegal
should obtain a Mauritanian visa prior to arriving in Senegal.

Border with Mali:  Overland travel to Mali and along the
Mali-Mauritanian border should be deferred, except for travel to
Kayes, Mali from Kankossa in south-central Mauritania.  Travel
between Mali and Mauritania in other regions is dangerous.  There
has been a series of violent incidents related to the insurgency in
Mali.  In addition, it is not possible to get a Malian visa in
Mauritania.

Border with Western Sahara:  The land border between Mauritania and
Western Sahara remains closed due to 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.

Within Mauritania, political tensions have eased following the
January 24 presidential elections and subsequent incidents of civil
disorder.  U.S. citizens traveling to Mauritania are encouraged to
contact the U.S. Embassy to register their presence and receive an
update on the current situation.  The Embassy telephone number is
52660.

 No. 92-134

This replaces the travel advisory dated April 17, 1992, to reflect
the opening of the border with Senegal and the resumption of
diplomatic relations between Mauritania and Senegal.


