Get Your Senegal Visa Online
Fast, secure visa processing for culture, beaches, and the warm hospitality of West Africa
TrustpilotHow to Get Your Senegal Visa
Simple 4-step process — most applications approved within 48-72 hours
1
Complete the online application
Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and intended activities in Senegal. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Senegal's immigration requirements.
2
Upload your documents
Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Senegal Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.
3
We submit to Senegal Immigration
Your verified application is transmitted directly to Senegal's official visa portal. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.
4
Receive your visa by email
Your approved Senegal eVisa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Senegalese immigration along with your passport. Teranga awaits — welcome to one of West Africa's most welcoming destinations!
Senegal Visa Requirements & Entry Information
Tourist Visa
Up to 90 days
For leisure travel and cultural exploration
Business Visa
Up to 90 days
For commercial activities and meetings
Transit Visa
Up to 72 hours
For connecting through Senegalese airports
Visa Exemption
Up to 90 days
Visa-free access for eligible nationalities
Essential Requirements
- Passport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
- Passport photo 35x45mm, white background
- Hotel booking or invitation letter from host
- Return flight or onward travel itinerary
- Proof of sufficient funds for your stay
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
Tourist & Visitor Visas
Senegal welcomes visitors from around the world to experience its rich culture, vibrant music scene, and legendary Teranga hospitality. The country offers a streamlined electronic visa system making entry convenient for most nationalities.
Tourist Visa — Single Entry
The standard Senegal tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days — perfect for exploring Dakar's bustling markets, visiting the historic Goree Island, witnessing the unique Pink Lake (Lac Rose), and experiencing the country's diverse landscapes from the Sahel to the Atlantic coast. This visa suits most leisure travelers visiting Senegal for the first time. You can engage in tourism activities, visit friends and family, and attend cultural events.
Visa-Free Access
Senegal maintains generous visa-free arrangements with many countries. Citizens of ECOWAS member states, European Union countries, and several other nations can enter without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This makes Senegal one of the most accessible countries in West Africa for international tourists seeking authentic African experiences.
Business & Special Visas
Business Visa
The Senegal business visa caters to professionals conducting commercial activities within the country. This includes attending business meetings, trade fairs, and conferences; exploring investment opportunities in Senegal's growing economy; establishing trade contacts; conducting market research; and negotiating contracts. Business visas allow stays up to 90 days and can be issued for single or multiple entries. Required documentation includes an invitation letter from a Senegalese company, your company's registration documents, and a detailed business itinerary.
Long-Term Visas
For extended stays beyond 90 days, travelers may apply for long-term visas or residence permits. These are suitable for expatriates, students, researchers, and those with ongoing business interests in Senegal. Applications typically require sponsorship from a Senegalese organization or employer and additional documentation proving the purpose and duration of stay.
Entry Requirements
Essential Requirements
All Senegal visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements:
• Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps
• Yellow fever vaccination: Required for all travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival.
• Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months
• Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation, guesthouse reservation, or invitation letter if staying with friends/family
• Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Senegal
• Sufficient funds: Evidence of financial means to support your stay (bank statements recommended)
ECOWAS Citizens
Citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries enjoy free movement within Senegal and do not require a visa. A valid national ID card or passport is sufficient for entry.
Entry Points & Processing
Entry Points & Immigration
Senegal visas are valid at all official entry points including:
• Airports: Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar (main international gateway), Leopold Sedar Senghor International Airport
• Land borders: Rosso (Mauritania), Kidira (Mali), Karang (Gambia), Mpack (Guinea-Bissau), and Kedougou (Guinea)
• Seaports: Port of Dakar, Ziguinchor
Processing Times & Application Timing
Standard eVisa processing takes 2-5 business days, though most applications receive decisions within 48-72 hours. During peak tourist season (November-February dry season) and around major events like the Dakar Rally, processing may take slightly longer. We recommend applying at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date to allow buffer time for any additional documentation requests.
Why Choose DoVisa?
See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service
| Feature | Applying Yourself |  With DoVisa |
|---|---|---|
| Application reviewExpert review before submission | ✗No expert check | ✓100% reviewed by experts |
| Document validationCheck documents meet requirements | ✗Risk of rejection | ✓Pre-checked for errors |
| Customer supportHelp when you have questions | ✗Government offices only | ✓24/7 dedicated support |
| Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms | ✗Complex forms alone | ✓Step-by-step guidance |
| Status trackingKnow where your application is | ✗Manual checking | ✓Real-time updates |
| Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected | ✗No refund possible | ✓Money-back guarantee |
1,000+Visas processed
24/7Expert support
4.6Customer rating
98%Approval rate
"Got my Senegal visa in just 2 days! The process was incredibly smooth and the support team answered all my questions about visiting Goree Island. Highly recommend!"
"First time visiting West Africa and was nervous about the visa process. DoVisa made it completely stress-free. Now I'm planning my trip to see the Pink Lake!"
"Applied on Tuesday, approved by Thursday. The document checklist was super helpful and immigration at Dakar airport was smooth with my printed visa."
"Excellent service for my business visa. Processing was quick and customer support kept me informed throughout. Will definitely use again for future trips!"
"Trip of a lifetime to Senegal! The visa application was the easiest part of planning. DoVisa handled everything perfectly and I had my approval within 48 hours."
"Family of 4 all needed visas for our Senegal holiday. DoVisa processed all applications together and everyone was approved on the same day. Great service!"
"The Teranga hospitality started before I even arrived thanks to DoVisa's friendly support team. They helped me understand all the requirements clearly."
"French speaker here and was delighted the support team could help in my language. Visa approved quickly and my trip to Saint-Louis was unforgettable."
"Business visa for a conference in Dakar sorted quickly. The invitation letter guidance was particularly helpful. Professional service throughout."
"Visited Senegal for the music and culture. The visa process with DoVisa was seamless. Already planning my return trip for the next festival season!"
Senegal Visa FAQs
What types of visas are available for Senegal?
Senegal offers several visa categories to accommodate different travel purposes. Tourist visa allows stays up to 90 days for leisure travel, cultural exploration, visiting friends and family, and attending events. Business visa caters to commercial activities including meetings, conferences, trade fairs, and establishing business contacts. Transit visa permits stays up to 72 hours for travelers passing through Senegal to another destination. Long-term visas are available for extended stays, work, study, or residence purposes. Many nationalities also benefit from visa-free access for stays up to 90 days, making Senegal one of the most accessible countries in West Africa.
Do I need a visa to visit Senegal?
Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Visa-free access is available for citizens of ECOWAS member states, European Union countries, United States, Canada, and many other nations for stays up to 90 days. Visa required for citizens of certain countries who must apply in advance through the eVisa system or at a Senegalese embassy. Check current requirements for your specific nationality as policies may change. Even if visa-free, you must have a passport valid for at least 6 months and proof of return travel.
What documents are required for a Senegal visa?
Essential documents for all applications: Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with minimum two blank pages; recent passport-sized photograph (35x45mm, white background, taken within 6 months); completed application form with accurate travel details. Tourist visa: Proof of accommodation (hotel bookings or invitation letter), round-trip flight itinerary, travel insurance recommended. Business visa: Invitation letter from Senegalese company on letterhead, employer support letter, company registration documents, detailed business itinerary. All applicants: May be asked for proof of sufficient funds (bank statements), yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic region. Documents should be clear, legible scans in PDF or JPEG format.
How long can I stay in Senegal with a tourist visa?
A standard Senegal tourist visa allows stays of up to 90 days. This period is sufficient for most tourism activities including visiting Dakar, Goree Island, the Pink Lake, Saint-Louis, and exploring the diverse regions of the country. Extensions: If you wish to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Etrangers in Dakar before your visa expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and typically require proof of sufficient funds and valid reasons for extended stay. Overstaying is a serious offense that can result in fines, detention, and future visa restrictions.
Can I extend my Senegal visa?
Yes, Senegal visas can be extended under certain circumstances. Where to apply: Direction de la Police des Etrangers in Dakar (immigration police office). Requirements: Valid passport with remaining pages, completed extension application, passport photographs, proof of sufficient funds for extended stay, valid accommodation, and the extension fee. Process: Apply before your current visa expires — extensions are not guaranteed and are granted at the discretion of immigration officials. Important: Overstaying your visa before applying for an extension may result in fines and complications. For stays exceeding 90 days, consider applying for a long-term visa or residence permit.
Can I work in Senegal with a tourist visa?
No, Senegal tourist visas do not permit employment. Tourist visas are strictly for leisure activities, sightseeing, visiting friends and family, and attending cultural events. Business visas allow commercial activities like meetings, conferences, and establishing trade contacts, but not paid employment or receiving salary from a Senegalese entity. Legal employment requires a work permit, which involves employer sponsorship by a registered Senegalese company and extensive documentation. Volunteer work: Genuine volunteer activities with registered NGOs may be permitted, but consult with the organization and immigration authorities to ensure compliance. Penalties: Working illegally risks fines, deportation, and future visa bans.
Do I need a yellow fever vaccination for Senegal?
Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers arriving from or transiting through yellow fever endemic countries. You must show your International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) at immigration. The vaccination must be administered at least 10 days before arrival. Recommendation: Even when not strictly required by entry regulations, the WHO recommends yellow fever vaccination for all travelers to Senegal as the disease is present in the country. Consult a travel health clinic 4-6 weeks before departure. The vaccination provides lifetime protection. Other health considerations: Malaria prophylaxis is recommended; ensure routine vaccinations are current; consider hepatitis A and typhoid vaccinations.
How long does Senegal visa processing take?
Senegal eVisa processing typically takes 2-5 business days, with most applications receiving decisions within 48-72 hours. Processing times can vary based on several factors: Peak seasons (November-February dry season, major cultural events, and holidays) may experience slightly longer processing. Application completeness significantly impacts speed — applications with clear documents, correct photos, and accurate information process faster. Business visas may take longer due to additional verification. Recommendations: Apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow buffer time; ensure all documents meet requirements; respond promptly to any additional information requests.
What happens if my Senegal visa is rejected?
Senegal visa rejections are relatively uncommon but can occur. Common rejection reasons: Incomplete or unclear documentation; passport validity issues; photos not meeting specifications; previous immigration violations; concerns about purpose of visit; missing proof of accommodation or return travel; insufficient financial evidence. If rejected: You can reapply immediately with improved documentation addressing potential issues. There's no formal appeals process, but fresh applications are considered on their own merit. Prevention: Ensure documents are complete and clear before submission; verify passport validity requirements; provide comprehensive travel plans. DoVisa guarantee: If rejection results from our processing error, we provide a full refund of service fees and complimentary reapplication assistance.
Do I need to print my Senegal eVisa?
Yes, you should print your Senegal eVisa on A4 paper and carry it with you. Present the printed visa along with your passport at immigration upon arrival. While some airports may accept digital copies on smartphones or tablets, printing ensures you have a backup in case of technical issues. Tips: Print multiple copies in case one gets damaged or lost; keep a digital copy on your phone as backup; ensure the printout is clear and legible with all information visible including the QR code if present.
When is the best time to visit Senegal?
Senegal offers year-round travel opportunities, but timing affects your experience. November-February (Dry Season): The most popular time to visit with pleasant temperatures (24-27C), minimal rainfall, and ideal conditions for beach activities and wildlife viewing. This is peak tourist season with higher prices. March-May: Hot and dry, temperatures can exceed 40C in interior regions. Good for bird watching as migratory species are present. June-October (Rainy Season): Humid with regular rainfall, particularly July-September. Lush green landscapes, fewer tourists, lower prices. Some areas may be difficult to access due to flooding. The Pink Lake is most vibrant during dry season when salt concentration is highest.
What are the main attractions in Senegal?
Senegal offers diverse attractions for every type of traveler. Goree Island: UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic center of the Atlantic slave trade with the haunting House of Slaves museum. Pink Lake (Lac Rose): Unique pink-colored lake caused by algae, famous as the former finish line of the Dakar Rally. Dakar: Vibrant capital with markets, museums, the African Renaissance Monument, and excellent nightlife and music scene. Saint-Louis: UNESCO-listed colonial city with French architecture, jazz festival, and nearby Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary. Casamance: Southern region with lush forests, traditional villages, and pristine beaches. Sine-Saloum Delta: Mangrove ecosystem with incredible bird watching and traditional fishing villages.
Is Senegal safe for tourists?
Senegal is generally safe for tourists and is considered one of the most stable countries in West Africa. Safe areas: Dakar, Goree Island, Saint-Louis, the Petite Cote beaches, and most tourist circuits have good security. The famous Teranga (hospitality) means visitors are welcomed warmly. Areas of caution: The Casamance region (southern Senegal) has experienced some instability, though the situation has improved significantly. Check current travel advisories for this area. Practical advice: Use registered taxis and guides; avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas; keep valuables secure; drink bottled water; be aware of petty theft in crowded areas. Health considerations: Malaria prophylaxis recommended; comprehensive travel insurance advised.
What currency is used in Senegal?
Senegal uses the West African CFA Franc (XOF), which is pegged to the Euro. Exchange: Euros are easily exchanged at banks and forex bureaus; US Dollars are also accepted but may get slightly lower rates. ATMs are widely available in Dakar and major towns. Card acceptance: Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) accepted at larger hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas. Many smaller establishments and markets are cash-only. Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated for good service (10% in restaurants, small amounts for guides and drivers). Bargaining: Expected in markets and with taxi drivers; always agree on a price before services.
Do children need their own Senegal visa?
Yes, every traveler including infants requires their own visa if one is needed for their nationality. Requirements for children: Valid passport in child's own name with 6+ months validity; passport-sized photograph meeting same specifications as adults; completed application with child's details; parental/guardian consent documentation if traveling with only one parent or without parents. Application process: Parents typically apply for children's visas simultaneously with their own. Each child's visa is processed separately. Fees: Children pay the same visa fees as adults. Tip: Apply for all family members together to ensure visas are processed at the same pace.
Can I travel to other countries with my Senegal visa?
A Senegal visa is only valid for Senegal — you cannot use it to enter other countries. However, Senegal's location makes it an excellent base for regional travel. Neighboring countries: Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia (which is surrounded by Senegal) each have their own visa requirements. ECOWAS: If you're a citizen of an ECOWAS member state, you can travel freely between member countries. The Gambia: Many visitors combine Senegal and The Gambia trips — check Gambian visa requirements for your nationality. Practical tip: If planning multi-country travel, research and apply for each country's visa separately in advance.
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