Planning a trip to Senegal? By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which visa you need, how to apply, what to pack, and even the special rules you might not find elsewhere.

Types of Visas for Senegal

Senegal offers several visa categories depending on your purpose of visit. According to VisaGuide.World’s comprehensive overview of Senegal visa categories, these include:
– Tourist Visa (Category L): For sightseeing and short visits up to 90 days.
– Transit Visa (Category A-1): For travelers connecting through Senegal.
– Business Visa (Category B-1): For attending trade fairs, meetings, and commercial activities.
– Work and Residence Permits: For longer stays that require local sponsorship.
– Diplomatic and Service Visas: For official government travel and accredited personnel.

Details on the Tourist e-Visa

You can complete the application entirely online—no embassy appointment required—via iVisa’s streamlined Senegal tourist e-Visa service. This e-Visa is valid for 90 days from your date of entry and is available as either a single-entry or double-entry permit.

Who Needs a Visa—and Who Doesn’t

Most non-ECOWAS nationals must secure a visa before arrival. The Visa policy of Senegal on Wikipedia confirms these general requirements and lists specific exemptions.

Exceptions include:
– Citizens of all ECOWAS member states, who enjoy visa-free entry for up to 90 days.
– Holders of diplomatic or service passports from designated countries (for example, Brazil, China, and India).

ECOWAS Privileges

If you’re from Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, or another ECOWAS state, you can enter Senegal without obtaining a visa in advance, thanks to the ECOWAS protocol on free movement among member countries.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit Senegal’s official e-Visa portal to start your application.
2. Fill out personal information and travel details.
3. Upload the required documents (see list below).
4. Pay the processing fee online using a credit or debit card.
5. Receive your e-Visa by email—print a copy to present upon arrival.

Required documents for most nationalities:
– Scan of your passport’s bio page (valid for at least six months)
– Recent passport-style photograph
– Proof of accommodation (hotel reservation)
– Return or onward flight ticket
– Bank statement covering the last three months

Applying at a Visa Application Centre

If you prefer submitting a paper application, book an appointment at VFS Global or your local embassy, where you’ll provide forms, biometrics, and fees in person.

Visa on Arrival and Event-Specific Exemptions

Senegal offers visa on arrival for select nationalities (for example, Japan and Australia) at Blaise Diagne International Airport when you present:
– Confirmed accommodation details
– Proof of onward travel arrangements
– Evidence of sufficient funds

Senegal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs publishes temporary visa waivers for cultural events—such as the Dakar Biennale—on its official portal, so always check for the latest updates before you travel.

Fees, Processing Times, Validity & Photo Requirements

• Fees range from EUR 50 to EUR 100, depending on nationality.
• Processing time is typically 3–5 business days.
• Validity: Tourist visas are valid for up to 90 days.
• Photo specifications: 35 × 45 mm, white background, recent.

Crossing by Land, Air, or Sea

Your point of entry can affect additional requirements:
– Airports: Dedicated e-Visa or visa-on-arrival lanes ensure a smooth arrival.
– Land borders: You may face extra identity checks, proof of yellow fever vaccination, and sometimes local transit permits; Lonely Planet’s guide to overland travel in West Africa provides practical insights.
– Seaports: Procedures are similar to airports, but it’s wise to carry extra copies of your visa and the ship’s manifest.

Regional Agreements Shaping Senegal’s Visa Policies

Senegal’s approach to visas is influenced by key regional frameworks:
– The ECOWAS protocol guarantees free movement for West African citizens, reducing border formalities.
– The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) seeks to harmonize visa policies across Africa, supporting more digital and flexible visa procedures, as outlined by the African Union’s AfCFTA initiative.

Passport in Hand: Your Next Steps

Now that you’ve explored every angle—from visa-free perks and e-Visas to land-border specifics—your Senegal adventure is within reach. Gather your documents, visit the official e-Visa portal, and prepare to experience the vibrant markets, Atlantic beaches, and energetic culture of Dakar.