Senegal entry requirements for China passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 20, 2026·View sources
Visa on arrival
Max stay
No fixed limit
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Chinese passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Senegal's airports. Just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, this option is available for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get your visa at the airport upon arrival in Senegal. Have 50,000 CFA francs (about $85 USD) in cash ready for the single-entry tourist visa — the visa counter does not accept cards. You will need a passport photo and your return ticket. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from your date of entry into Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers at Blaise Diagne International Airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have your printed or digital booking ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation 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 at least 200,000 CFA francs (about $330 USD) in cash or a credit card statement ready. Immigration officers occasionally ask to see proof of sufficient funds for your intended stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash (XOF or euros). No cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival only at Dakar airport
This option is only available at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). If you're entering Senegal by land or sea, you need a visa from a Senegalese embassy before you travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at the airport
You'll land at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. Follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration' — it's usually a separate counter before the main passport control.
2
Fill out the visa form
At the counter, you'll get a short application form. Fill it out with your personal details, passport info, and accommodation address. Have a pen handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay the fee in cash (XOF or euros). The officer will give you a receipt. Keep it safe — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp or stick the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Then proceed to passport control.
5
Pass through immigration
At the main passport control, present your passport with the new visa. You may be asked for your return ticket or accommodation — have them ready.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · China Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 20, 2026
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 (approx. $55 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost€100 (approx. $110 USD)
For frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost€200 (approx. $220 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Card)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (processing fee)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$50 USD
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For investors with a minimum investment of CFA 50 million (approx. $85,000 USD). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge for stays up to 30 days. | Free (no fee charged at border for Chinese passport holders) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)For longer stays or if preferred, apply at Senegalese embassy. | €50 (approx. $55 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 3 months. | €100 (approx. $110 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | CFA 5,000 per day (approx. $8 USD), max CFA 100,000 (approx. $165 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documents20%
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
Chinese passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, a visa on arrival is available if you need to enter the country.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, UK, or Schengen visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) · Léopold Sédar Senghor International Airport (DKR)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Consider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible during rainy season. Practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended for all 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 de l'Émigration
Rue de Thiong, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and overstay fines.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
For travellers in northern Senegal.
Practical information for CN 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 = 564.8 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
The fee is typically around 50-100 EUR equivalent, paid in XOF (West African CFA francs) or euros. Cash only — no cards. Having exact change speeds things up.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'll have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Visa on arrival is only available at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. At land borders, you must have a visa obtained in advance from a Senegalese embassy.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The vaccination certificate may be checked at immigration. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
Usually 15-30 minutes, but can be longer during peak hours (multiple flights arriving at once). Plan for up to an hour to be safe.
No, only cash is accepted. Bring euros or XOF. There are ATMs after immigration, but not before — so have cash ready.
You will be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before traveling. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 20, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.