--- title: South Africa visa for citizens of Mauritania description: "Citizens of Mauritania need a visa for South Africa and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: ZAR 425. Processing: 10–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps." canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/south-africa/mauritania lastModified: 2026-09-05 --- # South Africa visa for citizens of Mauritania 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 - **Valid passport with at least 2 blank pages** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 30 days beyond intended departure. - **Completed visa application form (DHA-84)** (Supporting): Available from VFS Global or embassy. - **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Supporting): Color, white background, 35x45mm. - **Flight itinerary (round trip or onward ticket)** (Travel): Confirmed booking showing entry and exit from South Africa. - **Hotel booking or accommodation proof** (Travel): For the entire stay. - **Bank statements (last 3 months)** (Financial): Original or certified copies. - **Proof of employment or leave approval** (Employment): If employed. - **Travel insurance (minimum R50,000 coverage)** (Travel): Recommended but not mandatory. - **Yellow fever vaccination certificate** (Supporting, optional): Required if traveling from a yellow-fever-endemic country. - **Biometric appointment confirmation** (Supporting): Appointment must be pre-booked at a VFS centre or embassy. - **Proof of payment of visa fee** (Financial): Receipt from VFS/embassy. - **Letter of invitation (if visiting friends/family)** (Supporting, optional): Include host's ID or passport copy. - **Minors: birth certificate and parental consent** (Supporting, optional): If traveling without both parents. - **Proof of funds (sponsor letter or cash)** (Financial): At least ZAR 3,000 per month of stay. ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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. ## More - [South Africa visa for every passport](/visa/south-africa) - [Every destination for Mauritania passport holders](/visa/passport/mauritania)