Practical information to visit Senegal

Visa for Senegal

Since the 1st of July 2013, a biometric visa is required to enter Senegal.

The biometric visa, for stays from 1 to 90 days with single entry, is issued after prior collection of biometric data (fingerprints, photo) and biographical data of the applicant. Fingerprinting is mandatory for all except for children under 12 years old, but their presence is necessary.

Who can issue biometric visas?

• The biometric visa may be issued directly upon arrival at the airport in Senegal, on presentation of pre-visa (Proof of pre-enrollment obtained during pre-registration on the Internet, more information below).
• The biometric visa is also issued at the diplomatic and consular posts, in 13 countries:

  France (Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux), Spain (Madrid), Belgium (Brussels), U.S.A. (Washington, New-York), Italy (Rome, Milan), China, Cameroon, India, Germany (Berlin), Mauritania, South Africa, Russia, Gambia (Banjul), and the border posts / customs of Senegal.

Warning: at present, the only equipped consulates are those of Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, Marseille, Brussels, Berlin and Banjul.

The application procedure

1. The "pre-enrollment"

Apply easily without having to go anywhere
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The visa application (pre-enrollment) is posted on the following website SNEDAI, upon payment of 50€ + processing fees of 2.5 or 5 euros depending on the type of credit card you use (online payment via Visa or Mastercard).

The applicant completes an online form, and sends attached all the required documents by clicking on "Submit".

The following electronic files must be prepared when applying online:

• Photocopy of the first five pages of the passport
• Copy of air ticket reservation or a photocopy of a return air ticket
• Hotel reservation, accommodation proof

Warning: the applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months.

If the application is accepted, the applicant will receive a pre-visa by email (that displays a bar code and all the information on the application). This document is required at the border in Senegal's airport or at the Consulate.

*These amounts will not be refunded if the visa is denied.

2. Request an appointment at the Consulate

Once the pre-enrollment and the online payment have been made, the applicant must print the pre-enrollment's receipt and request an appointment on the Consulate Website.

3. The enrollment

• At the International Airport of Dakar

  The applicant boards with the "pre-enrollment". On his arrival at the airport, he has to go to the "Airport Visa" area, where he proceeds to his biometric enrollment (the visa will be printed and affixed to the passport). He must also complete police formalities.

• At the Embassy or Consulate

  The day of the appointment, the applicant fills out the form and is enrolled on site. An officer gives him a receipt for filing the application and assigns a second appointment for retrieving the visa.

  Documents required for visa issuance:

  • Original receipt for payment of visa fees
  • Visa application form completed and signed by the applicant
  • A photo ID
  • Passport valid for at least 6 months + photocopy of the first five pages
  • Copy of air ticket reservation or a photocopy of a return air ticket
  • Hotel reservation, accommodation proof
  • Parental consent signed and notarized by the parents for minors traveling alone

4. Visa issuance

The visa issuance can be done 48 hours after the collection of biometric data. The applicant goes personally to the Consulate with the receipt of enrollment in order to retrieve his Visa.

Note: It is possible for a third person to collect your visa when issued, by an authorized person upon presentation of an identity card, the enrollment a photocopy of the applicants ID and the enrollment receipt.

Characteristic

1. Extension of the stay and multiple entries in Senegal

The visa is valid for a period of 90 days.

Foreigners that have to travel frequently in Senegal may ask, once in the country, a 90 days visa with multiple entries or a long stay visa with multiple entries.

The application must be made to the Police Department for Foreigners and Travel (DPETV).

Note: Visas that are currently issued at the airport in Dakar are multiple entries.

2. For residents

Residents who have a foreign identity card or a receipt of a valid application are exempt from visa. They must present the document during boarding and at the border posts / customs.

If minors (children of residents) are traveling alone, it is required to provide a proof of residence and a copy of the ID or a proof of parentage (birth certificate, copy of the family book / certificate ... etc

3. For bi-national residents

Bi-national Senegalese residents traveling with a foreign passport are exempt from visa if they have a Senegalese passport or a valid Senegalese national identity card.

Vaccinations for Senegal

Vaccinations

1. Compulsory vaccinations before departure

Yellow fever: you should be vaccinated regardless of the type of trip and administrative obligations. Plan 1 injection at least 10 days before departure (international vaccination center).

2. Vaccinations recommended before departure

• Hepatitis A and B
• Diphtheria
• Meningitis A and C
• Tetanus
• Poliomyelitis
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Rage

Consult your doctor for more information.

Other risks

• Related to the environment and travel behavior: Without risk.
• Related to insects and animals: Very rare, only few snakes.
• Related to food and beverages:
• Varied diet without risks.
• The water is not drinkable outside major cities. We strongly recommend you to filter or boil water. Mineral water is available everywhere.

Official Contacts

Infoline from Tuesday to Friday - 8am to 5pm: (00 221) 78 149 96 96
Email: contact@snedai.sn
Website: www.snedai.sn