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Mauritania Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

South African citizens need an e-Visa for Mauritania, applied for online before travel through the official e-visa portal, with a single-entry fee of roughly USD 120-160 and processing of 3-5 working days.

Guide last updated October 22, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months from your intended entry date, with at least 2 blank pages
  • Scanned passport bio-data page (colour, all four corners visible)
  • Digital passport-style photo, white background, taken within the last 6 months
  • Confirmed flight itinerary (onward or return ticket)
  • Proof of accommodation such as a hotel booking confirmation or invitation letter if staying with a host
  • Bank statement or proof of funds for the duration of stay
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo are captured on arrival at Nouakchott-Oumtounsy International Airport, not required for the online application itself
  • Travel health insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended given limited healthcare infrastructure

Visa types

  • Tourist e-Visa: single entry, 30 days validity from date of issue, must be used within 90 days of approval, approximate fee USD 120
  • Business e-Visa: single or multiple entry, up to 30 days per visit, requires an invitation letter from a Mauritanian company, approximate fee USD 150-160
  • Transit visa: short validity of a few days for travelers continuing to a third country, lower fee around USD 50

How to apply online

  • Portal: the official Mauritanian e-visa system linked from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site (mfa or equivalent national portal); applications can also be lodged through the Mauritanian embassy network where no direct e-visa link is available
  • Steps: create an account, complete the application form with passport and travel details, upload passport scan and photo, pay the fee by credit card, and await e-mail approval
  • Fee: approximately USD 120-160 depending on visa category, paid in USD or local currency equivalent (Mauritanian ouguiya) via the online payment gateway
  • Processing time: standard 3-5 working days; some applicants report same-day approval during off-peak periods
  • Approval arrives as a PDF e-visa authorization sent by email - print it and carry it along with your passport; it is checked against the passport at the port of entry and the visa sticker/stamp is finalized on arrival

Fees & processing time

  • e-Visa fee: approximately USD 120 (tourist, single entry) to USD 160 (business)
  • No separate VFS or BLS service fee - the e-visa platform charges the full amount directly
  • Total cost estimate: USD 120-165 all-in for a standard tourist application
  • Standard processing time: 3-5 working days
  • Expedited processing is not officially offered; allow at least a full week before travel to account for delays

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your trip to allow for any requests for additional documents
  • A common rejection reason is a blurry or non-compliant passport photo, or a passport with fewer than 2 blank pages - double-check both before submitting
  • Since there is no e-visa-specific outsourced centre, keep a copy of your payment confirmation and approval email in case of a system query at the airport
  • There is no Mauritanian embassy in South Africa, so the online e-visa route is the practical option; for complex cases contact the nearest Mauritanian mission (such as in Morocco or Senegal)
  • Extensions beyond 30 days must be requested in person at the Direction Générale de la Sûreté Nationale in Nouakchott before the visa expires

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.