Is Mauritania safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?
Significant restrictions
Mauritania carries significant legal restrictions for LGBTQ+ travellers — the clearest concern is same-sex relationships (criminalised).
What to know as an LGBTQ+ traveller
the sourced facts that weigh most for you · concerns first
Same-sex sexual activity is criminalised.
There is no legal process to change gender.
There is no general anti-discrimination protection covering sexual orientation or gender identity.
LGBTQ+ people face a hostile legal environment — Equaldex scores 4/100 (2026); expect few or no protections, and in some places active criminalisation. Research local law and discretion carefully.
Blasphemy or religious-insult laws are actively enforced.
Identity & recognition
Same-sex relationships
CriminalisedSame-sex sexual activity is criminalised.
Legal gender recognition
Not possibleThere is no legal process to change gender.
Anti-discrimination protection
No general protectionThere is no general anti-discrimination protection covering sexual orientation or gender identity.
Disability rights
CRPD ratifiedRatified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2012.
Women's legal rights
Severe legal inequalityWomen face severe legal inequality — the WBL index scores 48/100 (2023), with major restrictions across mobility, marriage, work and property. Research local rules on freedom of movement carefully.
LGBTQ+ legal equality
Few or no protectionsLGBTQ+ people face a hostile legal environment — Equaldex scores 4/100 (2026); expect few or no protections, and in some places active criminalisation. Research local law and discretion carefully.
Body & health
Abortion access
ProhibitedAbortion is prohibited.
Cannabis & personal drug law
Illegal — severeCannabis is illegal and carries severe penalties.
Faith & conscience
Government restriction of religion
Very high restrictionsRated “very high” on the Pew Research Government Restrictions Index (2022 data).
Blasphemy & apostasy law
Actively enforcedBlasphemy or religious-insult laws are actively enforced.
Speech & press
Freedom of expression
Not free · 38/100Rated Not Free, 38/100, by Freedom House (2025).
Your obligations on arrival
Address / residence registration
Foreign students should confirm any residence-permit or registration requirement with Mauritania’s immigration authority soon after arrival.
Student work rights
Whether a student visa permits paid work varies — check the conditions of your Mauritania student visa.
Health insurance
Comprehensive health insurance valid in Mauritania is strongly recommended and is often required for the student visa.
Bringing medication
Carry prescriptions in original packaging; controlled medicines may be restricted — check Mauritania’s rules before travelling.
Laws differ from lived experience and this is not legal advice. Each fact shows its evidence type, date and source. Full method & sources →
Emergency numbers
Travel-medical cover that works abroad with no local address, and a data eSIM so maps and messaging work the moment you land.