Senegal entry requirements for Canada passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 31, 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
Canadians don't need a visa for Senegal for stays up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and you'll get a free entry stamp at the airport. This policy is in effect as of 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Canadian passport needs to be valid only for the time you plan to stay in Senegal — no 6-month rule. Airlines at YUL, YYZ, or YVR will check this before boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) routinely asks for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight booking ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Border officers sometimes ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or a letter from your host with their address in Senegal works fine. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Officers rarely ask, but having a bank statement or credit card showing access to around 500,000 XOF (~$800 USD) covers you if they do. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport expires within 6 months of your entry date, you will be denied boarding. No exceptions.
No visa needed — but have your documents ready
The visa-free entry is straightforward, but immigration officers may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Keep digital copies on your phone.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Arrivals'. Join the queue for non-Senegalese passports. Have your passport and boarding pass ready.
2
Present documents to immigration officer
Hand over your passport and boarding pass. The officer will check your passport validity, may ask for your return ticket and accommodation. Answer clearly. You'll receive a free entry stamp valid for up to 90 days.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After immigration, proceed to baggage claim. Then go through customs (usually green channel for nothing to declare). You're in.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Canada Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 31, 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 (estimated)
Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad for a single-entry visa if you need to stay longer or have specific requirements.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries within validity period.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship and additional documentation.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (estimated)
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
retirement visa
Carte de Résident (Retraité)
1 year, renewable
~$250 USD (estimated)
For retirees with proof of pension or sufficient income. Requires health insurance and local address.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are not officially published; travellers should avoid overstaying to prevent penalties or bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
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
Canadian passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialHepatitis BRecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food, practice good hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, especially during rainy season (June–November). Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 de l'Émigration
Rue de la République, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Senegal; limited services, call ahead.
Practical information for CA 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 = 565.17 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 90-day visa-free period is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Senegal and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Senegalese embassy before travel.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you are arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Canada is not a risk country, so if you fly directly from Canada, you don't need it. But if you've been in a risk country (e.g., Brazil, Nigeria) within 6 days before arrival, you'll need proof of vaccination.
Yes, the same visa-free policy applies at land borders and seaports. Just show your Canadian passport and you'll get a free entry stamp.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Cash is king — credit cards are accepted only in upscale hotels and restaurants in Dakar. Bring euros or US dollars to exchange, or withdraw from ATMs (which are common in cities).
No. There is no arrival declaration required for Canadian passport holders. Just show your passport and boarding pass.
You may face a fine or be banned from re-entering Senegal. Overstaying is taken seriously. Leave before day 90.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 31, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.