Like most countries, Senegal controls the entry and exit of travellers at its borders: be it at a port, airport or land crossing. As a result, anyone looking to move to Senegal, whether for a few weeks or a few years, should be aware of the travel regulations before they set off.
Conditions for entering Senegal
Some countries*, including the US, those in the EU and ECOWAS nations, can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days in Senegal. Upon arrival, you will receive a stamp in your passport, and you're good to go.
For those countries that are not exempt, visas cost €50 and can be obtained in Senegalese embassies or online. In addition, bank fee charges can range from €2.5-€5, but they are refunded in case of visa refusal. If heading to a consulate or embassy, travellers are advised to look up the exact papers and documents they will need in advance and leave up to a full day to get their visa in peak times.
Visa-exempt citizens can enter and exit Senegal multiple times during their stay, but those issued with a biometric visa will need to request a multiple entry visa or long-stay visa at the Foreigners and Travel Documents Police Department.
Police Directorate of Foreigners and Travel Documents
Direction de la Police des étrangers et des Titres de voyage (DPETV)
Allées Serigne Ababacar Sy - Dakar
Phone: 33 869 32 10
If the visa is accepted, travellers will receive a pre-visa via email, which they should present at the consulate or border post.
Important:
- All visitors must hold passports that are at least valid for six months.
- Yellow Fever vaccination is a requirement for entry. Although you are unlikely to be asked for it at the border, it's a good idea to take your vaccination certificate with you.
- If a minor is travelling to Senegal with only one parent, it's a good idea to have written authorisation from the absent parent saying he or she agrees with this trip.
Good to know:
- An applicant may send a third person to pick up their visa. The latter is required to produce the original registration receipt, as well as a power of attorney signed by the applicant and a photocopy of their identity card.
- Entry requirements are liable to change with various government officials keen on reinstating visas for countries that require visas for Senegalese citizens. As a result, always check before you travel.
*Visa-exempt countries, include: All European Union citizens, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iceland, India, Israel, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Monaco, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Swaziland, Switzerland, Thailand, Timor Leste, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Useful links:
Official website of the Senegalese government
Senegal Administrative Services
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