Senegal Entry Requirements
Visa, immigration, and customs information
Information last reviewed December 2024. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Visa Requirements
Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.
Senegal now funnels most nationalities through an e-visa or simple ETA, scrapping the old embassy queue for many.
Some passports, listed on the airport noticeboard, get a straight 90-day stamp, no fee, no form ahead of time.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date
Countries requiring electronic pre-authorization before travel
Cost: Mid-range processing fee
Print confirmation and present at immigration
Countries requiring traditional visa application through embassy
Requires invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation
Arrival Process
Blaise Diagne International pairs glass-and-steel efficiency with drum loops, jasmine scent, and officers who greet you like a neighbor.
Documents to Have Ready
Tips for Smooth Entry
Customs & Duty-Free
Customs rules protect local farmers yet still let you bring two bottles and a camera; khaki-clad officers under fluorescent tubes wave most tourists past.
Prohibited Items
- Narcotics and illegal drugs - severe penalties including imprisonment
- Counterfeit currency and goods - immediate confiscation
- Pornographic materials - cultural offense
- Endangered species products - violates CITES agreements
Restricted Items
- Medications - bring prescription and doctor's note
- Professional equipment - may require temporary import permit
- Food products - meat and dairy products require veterinary certificate
Health Requirements
Yellow-fever card is non-negotiable. The officer flips every page looking for that yellow sticker.
Required Vaccinations
- Yellow fever - if arriving from endemic country
- COVID-19 - check current requirements
Recommended Vaccinations
- Hepatitis A and B
- Typhoid
- Meningitis
- Routine vaccinations (MMR, DPT)
Health Insurance
Buy travel insurance that includes med-evac; Dakar's private clinics ask for cash up front before they even hand you a gown.
Protect Your Trip with Travel Insurance
Comprehensive coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellation, lost luggage, and 24/7 emergency assistance. Many countries recommend or require travel insurance.
Get a Quote from World NomadsRead our complete Senegal Travel Insurance Guide →
Important Contacts
Essential resources for your trip.
Special Situations
Additional requirements for specific circumstances.
Kids with one parent need a birth certificate plus a notarized no-objection letter. Border police read every comma.
Dogs and cats need a rabies shot dated 30 days out, a vet health certificate within 10 days, and an import permit e-mailed from Dakar vet services.
Stay longer than 90 days? Haul your lease, bank statement, and two photos to Direction de la Police des Affaires Étrangères in Dakar within 30 days of arrival.
Know What to Pack
Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.
View Senegal Packing List →Ready to plan your trip to Senegal?
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