Mauritania entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Mauritania. This has been the standard procedure for years and remains in place in 2026. You handle the visa at the airport or land border — no need to apply before you travel.
Apply for Mauritania eVisaOfficial portal: Mauritania eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or USD) — around €55 for a single-entry tourist visa valid for 30 days. Have two passport-size photos ready.eVisa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Valid passport | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Mauritania. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you'll be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Return or onward ticket | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport asks for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Proof of accommodation | Carry a hotel booking confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Proof of funds | Have a bank statement or cash showing you can support yourself during your stay. Around $100–$200 per day is a safe benchmark — immigration rarely checks, but it's better to have it. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash — euros or US dollars. Cards are not accepted at the visa counter. Bring enough cash to cover the fee and some extra for emergencies. ATMs are available in Nouakchott but can be unreliable.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Nouakchott airport is well-established for South Africans. You don't need a pre-arranged visa or an invitation letter. Just show up with your passport, cash, and a return ticket.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Nouakchott or Nouadhibou airport
After landing, follow signs to the visa-on-arrival counter before passport control. This is usually a small window or desk near immigration.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — basic personal details, passport info, and your address in Mauritania. Have your accommodation address ready.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, and cash payment (€55 or equivalent). The officer will process your visa and stick it into your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the passport control queue. Present your passport and boarding pass. You may be asked for your return ticket — have it ready on your phone.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. The whole process usually takes 30–60 minutes depending on the queue.
Download Mauritania Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost€55 (~$60 USD)
Apply at Mauritanian embassy abroad; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay30 days per entry, extendable
Validity6 months
Cost€90 (~$100 USD)
For frequent travellers; must apply at embassy.
work visa
Travail et Séjour (Work and Residence Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200–500 USD (employer-sponsored)
For foreign workers with a Mauritanian employer. Requires work contract and approval from Ministry of Labor.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at recognized Mauritanian institutions. Requires proof of admission and sufficient funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (EUR or USD) at the airport upon arrival. | 55 EUR (approx. 60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent fines and future entry issues. | Unknown (estimated 10-20 USD per day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel documents20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Mauritania
No transit visa needed
South African passport holders transiting through Mauritania do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsNouakchott–Oumtounsy International Airport (NKC)
Health & vaccines for Mauritania
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialPolioRecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in southern regions; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to limited sanitation; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk in all regions; CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Nouakchott
Direction Générale de la Documentation et des Migrations
Avenue Gamal Abdel Nasser, Nouakchott
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00, Fri 08:00–13:00
Main office for visa extensions and residency matters.
Nouadhibou
Direction Régionale de la Documentation
Near Port de Pêche, Nouadhibou
Mon–Thu 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration for northern region and border crossings.
Practical information for ZA travellers
Country basics
CapitalNouakchott
LanguageArabic
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 3 months; an International Driving Permit is recommended.
Money
CurrencyMauritanian ouguiya (MRU)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 39.92 MRU
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage220V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,E,FTypes C (Europlug), E (French), and F (Schuko) are used.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; use bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The same visa-on-arrival process is available at major land border crossings, including the border with Senegal at Rosso and with Western Sahara. The procedure is similar — fill out a form, pay in cash, get your visa.
The fee is typically around €55 (or the equivalent in US dollars). It can vary slightly depending on your nationality and the exchange rate. Bring euros or dollars in cash — no cards accepted.
The visa on arrival is usually valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott. Extensions are not guaranteed and may take a few days to process.
If you're arriving from a country with yellow fever, you'll need to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. South Africa is not a yellow fever country, so you won't need it if you're flying directly from South Africa. But if you've been in a yellow fever zone recently, get the shot and carry the card.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Nouakchott. The process involves filling out a form, providing a reason, and paying a fee. Extensions are not automatic and may take a few days. It's best to apply before your current visa expires.
Overstaying can result in a fine at the airport when you leave. The amount depends on how long you've overstayed. It's better to apply for an extension or leave on time to avoid complications.
Mauritania is generally safe for travellers, but you should be aware of the security situation in remote areas, especially near the borders with Mali and Algeria. Stick to main cities and tourist areas. Register with your embassy before you go.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.