Mauritania entry requirements for South Africa passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Visa on arrival | Mauritania offers a visa on arrival at Nouakchott International Airport for South African passport holders. The eVisa portal at maave.gov.mr lets you pre-apply online to save time at the border — you'll get a QR code to present on arrival. Have a printed copy of the approval ready, plus the $55 USD fee in cash (exact change preferred).Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your South African passport needs at least one blank page for the visa sticker. Mauritania does not enforce a 6-month validity rule — just make sure it covers your entire stay. Airlines at OR Tambo or Cape Town may still ask for 6 months, so check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Mauritania | Immigration at Nouakchott Airport routinely asks for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed itinerary or digital copy ready — they may check it before stamping your visa on arrival. A bus or ferry ticket to Senegal works if you're leaving overland. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Mauritania. Immigration officers rarely ask for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the visa-on-arrival counter. A simple Booking.com confirmation works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | You don't need to show a specific amount, but have at least $200–$300 USD in cash or a recent bank statement handy. Mauritania is a cash-heavy country — most hotels and taxis expect payment in ouguiya or dollars. ATMs in Nouakchott are unreliable. | 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 May 21, 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 euros or USD cash at the airport or border. | €55 (~$60 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid exceeding authorized stay. | Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD/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 = 40.08 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 May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.