Mauritania passport → South Africa

South Africa visa for citizens of Mauritania

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Tourist/Business Transit)

Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business Transit)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	10–15 days
Government fee	ZAR 425
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Proof of sufficient funds for the stay (e.g., bank statements, payslips, or sponsor letter).

How to apply

1
Determine visa type
Select the appropriate visa (e.g., tourist, business, transit) and check requirements on the South African Department of Home Affairs website.
2
Complete application form
Fill out Form DHA-84 (visitor visa) legibly and print it.
3
Gather required documents
Assemble all documents including passport, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation, bank statements, and employment letter.
4
Book a biometric appointment
Schedule an appointment at the nearest VFS Global centre or South African embassy/consulate.
5
Attend appointment in person
Submit application, pay fee, provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph), and do a brief interview if required.
6
Track application
Use the reference number from VFS to track processing status online.
7
Receive decision
Wait for 10–15 business days. If approved, passport will be stamped or visa stuck in.
8
Collect passport
Collect passport in person or arrange courier (if available).
9
Travel to South Africa
Present passport with visa, onward ticket, and proof of funds upon arrival.
10
Respect visa conditions
Do not overstay; max stay 90 days per entry. Multiple entries allowed during validity.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages
Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond intended departure.
Flight itinerary (round trip or onward ticket)
Confirmed booking showing entry and exit from South Africa.
Hotel booking or accommodation proof
For the entire stay.
Travel insurance (minimum R50,000 coverage)
Recommended but not mandatory.

Financial

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Original or certified copies.
Proof of payment of visa fee
Receipt from VFS/embassy.
Proof of funds (sponsor letter or cash)
At least ZAR 3,000 per month of stay.

Employment

Proof of employment or leave approval
If employed.

Supporting

Completed visa application form (DHA-84)
Available from VFS Global or embassy.
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Color, white background, 35x45mm.
Yellow fever vaccination certificate
Optional
Required if traveling from a yellow-fever-endemic country.
Biometric appointment confirmation
Appointment must be pre-booked at a VFS centre or embassy.
Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)
Optional
Include host's ID or passport copy.
Minors: birth certificate and parental consent
Optional
If traveling without both parents.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Approximately ZAR 3,000 per month of stay

Bank statements (3 months)
Payslips
Sponsor letter with sponsor's bank statements
Cash or traveler's cheques

Funds can be in applicant's or sponsor's name.

Good to know

Incomplete applications may be rejected without refund.
Biometrics are mandatory; you must attend in person.
Processing times may be longer during peak travel seasons.
Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Mauritania passport holders may face additional scrutiny due to security checks.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all fields and use official form DHA-84.

Insufficient proof of funds

Provide bank statements showing sufficient balance and a sponsor letter if applicable.

Criminal record or misrepresentation

Declare any previous convictions; provide police clearance if required.

Invalid passport (less than 30 days beyond intended stay)

Ensure passport is valid for at least 30 days beyond departure date.

Missing travel itinerary or accommodation proof

Provide confirmed bookings and flight details.

FAQ

Do citizens of Mauritania need a visa for South Africa?

Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Tourist/Business Transit).

How long can citizens of Mauritania stay in South Africa?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the South Africa visa cost for citizens of Mauritania?

Government fee: ZAR 425.

How long does South Africa visa processing take?

Typically 10–15 days.

What documents do citizens of Mauritania need for South Africa?

Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages; Completed visa application form (DHA-84); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Flight itinerary (round trip or onward ticket); Hotel booking or accommodation proof; Bank statements (last 3 months); and 8 more.

How long must my passport be valid for South Africa?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to South Africa

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for South Africa.

Plan the trip in Nowah All visa guides