Senegal entry requirements for United Arab Emirates passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
UAE passport holders can enter Senegal without a visa for up to 90 days. This policy is in effect for 2026, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at Dakar airport. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Senegal. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Officers rarely ask, but it is better to have proof on hand. | Recommended |
Passport validity counts from entry date
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the day you land in Senegal, not from your departure date. If your passport expires sooner, renew it before you travel.
Overstaying is serious
The 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. Overstaying can lead to fines, detention, or a re-entry ban. Set a reminder to leave before day 90.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Most flights land at Dakar's main airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'.
2
Queue at the foreign passport line
Join the line for non-Senegalese passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
3
Present your documents
Hand over your passport. The officer may ask your purpose of visit, length of stay, and where you're staying. Answer clearly.
4
Receive your entry stamp
The officer stamps your passport with the entry date. Check the stamp says 90 days or less. Keep the stamp visible until you leave.
5
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, go to baggage claim, then customs. Green channel if nothing to declare.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · United Arab Emirates Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (varies by embassy)
For longer stays or if visa-free is not suitable. Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$100 USD (varies)
Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stayUp to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD (varies)
For work, study, or family reunification. Requires sponsorship and additional documents.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (application fee)
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (application fee)
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (application fee)
For investors with a minimum investment in Senegal (amount varies). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Stay extension (if available)Extensions are not officially available for visa-free stays; must exit and re-enter. | Unknown |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are not clearly published; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Senegal
No transit visa needed
United Arab Emirates passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), Dakar
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)EssentialYellow Fever (if not required)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, with highest risk in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is recommended for most travellers.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Dakar
Direction de l'Immigration et des Frontières
Avenue Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa and residency issues. Bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la République, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Senegal. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for AE travellers
Country basics
CapitalDakar
LanguageFrench
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS visitors can drive with a valid US license for up to 90 days; an IDP is recommended.
Money
CurrencyWest African CFA franc (XOF)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 563.41 XOF
Time zone
Local timeUTC+0
vs New York+5h
vs Los Angeles+8h
Electricity
Voltage230V / 50Hz
Plug types
C,D,E,FTypes C, D, E, and F; Type C is most common.
⚠ US adapter needed
Water & health
Tap water
Not safe — use bottled
Tap water is not safe to drink; stick to bottled or boiled water.
Emergency numbers
Frequently asked questions
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you must apply for a visa or leave Senegal before the 90 days are up and re-enter.
Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. UAE is not a risk country, so you likely don't need it. But if you've recently traveled to a risk area, carry your certificate.
Overstaying can result in fines, detention, or a ban from re-entering Senegal. The exact fine amount varies but expect to pay at immigration when leaving. Avoid overstaying.
No. The visa-free stay is for tourism, business meetings, or short visits. Paid work requires a work permit or appropriate visa. Working without authorization can lead to deportation.
No, Senegal does not require an online arrival declaration for UAE passport holders. You simply present your passport at immigration.
No, you don't need any visa — it's visa-free. There's no visa on arrival process because you're already allowed entry without one.
The currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Dakar, but cash is king elsewhere. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange at banks or exchange offices.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.