Senegal: Entry Rules for VisitorsLast check:Last update:Data statusLast check:Last update:
Senegal:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Senegal: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
- For visa-free short-term entry, the passport or an accepted temporary travel document must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry into Senegal. The maximum permitted visa-free stay is shorter than three months.
- The traveler must have a return ticket, a circular travel ticket, or a transport document showing onward travel to a destination outside Senegal.
- Persons traveling on a special travel document issued for refugees, stateless persons, or foreigners cannot automatically benefit from the exemption granted to normal passports and may be required to obtain a visa in advance.
- According to the health regulation that entered into force in March 2026, travelers arriving from places where no epidemic or endemic situation is encountered are not required to present a vaccination card upon entry. Yellow fever, diphtheria-tetanus-polio, measles, and hepatitis A and B vaccinations are only recommended for these travelers for health and protection purposes. As different health checks may apply to points of departure where an epidemic or endemic exists, current instructions should be checked before travel.
Visa on Arrival Requirements
- Visa on arrival is not a general and unconditional practice. This method can only be used in specific cases where Senegal has no diplomatic or consular representation and provided that the Senegalese authorities deem the relevant traveler suitable for this procedure.
- Travelers requiring prior authorization must obtain permission from the Senegalese authorities before boarding the aircraft. Travel to Senegal should not proceed without prior authorization.
- The visa on arrival procedure is described in the verified official guide only for Blaise Diagne International Airport in Diass.
- The passport must be valid for at least six months. The traveler must have a return ticket, circular ticket, or onward ticket to a destination outside Senegal.
- The traveler must obtain the written procedure from the competent diplomatic representation of Senegal or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travel.
Consular Visa Application Requirements
- The application must be made through the competent Senegalese embassy or consulate. Some applications may be subject to preliminary review or approval by the Senegalese authorities. The applicable procedure may vary depending on the applicant’s travel document, country of residence, purpose of travel, and the representation where the application is made.
- The application form must be completed fully and legibly and signed. The form of the Brussels representation may be completed in French or English. The form requests first and last name, birth details, current and previous nationality, marital status, address, occupation, telephone, passport number, passport issuance and expiry dates, planned duration of stay, number of entries, purpose of travel, references of persons or organizations in Senegal, accommodation address and telephone, and the means of transport to be used.
- The applicant’s passport must be valid for at least six months and a photocopy of the passport must be submitted. The central application page specifically requests a copy of the first page containing the photograph and identification information. The Brussels application form also includes a photocopy of the residence permit in the country where the application is made in the list of documents.
- The Brussels representation requests one identity photograph. The Algiers representation requests two recent identity photographs depending on the purpose of travel.
- A flight ticket or flight reservation must be attached to the application. The Brussels representation additionally requests a legalized invitation letter or hotel reservation and travel insurance covering the entire period to be spent in Senegal.
- For professional travel, a work certificate and assignment order or invitation may be submitted. For commercial travel, in addition to these, the company’s trade registry may be requested. For family visit applications, an invitation or accommodation document legalized by the police or gendarmerie may be required.
- For tourist applications, a legalized invitation or accommodation document or a confirmed hotel reservation may be required. Additionally, a bank account statement and, for employees, a work certificate or leave authorization may be requested.
- The blank passport page requirement may vary by representation. The Algiers representation, in its published checklists for professional, commercial, family visit, and tourist travel, requests two facing blank passport pages.
- The visa for entry and stay in Senegal is normally granted for a period not exceeding 90 days. A longer period may only be possible with exceptional evaluation by the competent authority.
- In the official government guide, the entry visa is described as free of charge.
- Processing time may vary depending on the representation and whether prior approval from Senegalese authorities is required. The applicant should obtain processing time information from the relevant representation before purchasing a flight ticket.
- The competent representation may request additional documents, additional explanations, prior authorization, or an interview in line with the applicant’s personal circumstances and purpose of travel. Incomplete applications may not be processed.
Transit Visa Requirements
- Senegal’s official network of representations publishes a common consular application form for short stay and transit. The transit visa application must be made through the competent Senegalese embassy or consulate, rather than through an electronic system.
- The application form must be completed legibly and signed. The passport must be valid for at least six months and a copy of the passport page containing the photograph and identification information must be submitted.
- A flight reservation or ticket showing the transit route and travel to the next destination outside Senegal may be requested. The representation where the application is made may request a copy of the residence permit, photograph, or other supporting documents.
- The traveler must obtain written confirmation from the relevant Senegalese representation according to the travel itinerary.