Senegal entry requirements for Colombia passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 7, 2026·View sources
Visa required
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
Colombian passport holders need a visa to enter Senegal for any purpose, including tourism. You must arrange this visa before you travel — there is no visa-on-arrival option for Colombian citizens. Plan ahead and apply through a Senegalese embassy or consulate, as processing can take several weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for SenegalYou cannot get a visa on arrival or through an eVisa—start the embassy application well in advance. Apply at an embassy or consulate | A visa is required for Colombian passport holders. You must apply at a Senegalese embassy or consulate before travel; online eVisa applications are not available for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport's expiry date—if it's too close, renew it before applying for the visa. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Senegal. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe page must be blank on both sides—no stamps or markings. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least one blank page for the entry stamp. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave a printed or digital copy of your itinerary ready. Proof of departure | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward flight ticket at immigration. | Required |
| Proof of fundsCarry bank statements or a credit card to show you can support yourself. Sufficient for your stay | Immigration may request evidence of sufficient funds to cover your stay in Senegal. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou don't need to fill out any online arrival form before landing. Not required | No arrival declaration is required for Senegal for your nationality. | Not required |
| Vaccination certificateGet vaccinated and carry the certificate—it's often checked at the border. Yellow fever | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is typically required for entry into Senegal from Colombia. | Required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Colombian citizens cannot get a Senegalese visa at the airport. Airlines may refuse boarding if you don't have a valid visa, and even if you reach Dakar, immigration will send you back. Apply well in advance.
Embassy application may be remote
Since there's no Senegalese embassy in Colombia, you'll likely need to apply through an embassy in another country (e.g., Brazil or the USA) or use a visa service. This adds time and cost — factor in shipping and processing delays.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Senegal enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement strictly. Without the certificate, you'll be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport. Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel and carry the certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate
Find the Senegalese embassy or consulate that covers your region. In Colombia, there is no Senegalese embassy, so you'll likely need to apply through the Senegalese embassy in a neighbouring country (e.g., Brazil or the United States) or via a visa service. Call or email first to confirm their jurisdiction and application procedures.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: valid passport, completed application form, photos, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, yellow fever certificate, and financial evidence. Make copies of everything — the embassy will keep the originals of some documents.
3
Submit your application and pay the fee
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. Pay the visa fee (typically $50–$100 USD, but varies by embassy and visa type). Get a receipt and note the expected processing time, which can range from 5 to 15 business days.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take up to 3 weeks. Check with the embassy if you haven't heard back within the stated timeframe. Avoid booking non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Verify the visa details (dates, number of entries) are correct before you leave the embassy. If anything is wrong, ask for a correction immediately.
6
Arrive in Senegal and go through immigration
At Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), join the 'Visas' queue for foreigners. Present your passport with the visa, your yellow fever certificate, and any other documents the officer asks for. You'll receive an entry stamp — check that it's dated correctly. Keep your passport safe; you'll need it for hotel check-ins and any police checks.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Colombia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (obtained in advance from Senegalese embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
CostVaries by embassy (approx. $100–$150 USD)
Required for stays over 30 days or for work/study. Apply at the Senegalese embassy in Bogotá or nearest embassy (e.g., in Washington D.C.).
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) plus employer fees
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
For enrolled students at recognized Senegalese institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Résident Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Senegal. Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (at Dakar airport)Payable in cash (XOF, EUR, USD). Single entry, 30 days. | 50,000 XOF (approx. $80 USD) |
| Visa extension (at Police des Frontières in Dakar)Extension of stay up to 30 additional days. Apply before current visa expires. | 20,000 XOF (approx. $32 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
Transit passengers staying airside and not passing immigration do not need a visa. However, if you need to enter Senegal (e.g., to change terminals or overnight), a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and no checked luggage may remain in international transit area without a visa.
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; Colombia is not endemic, but certificate may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidRecommendedRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisRecommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Saint-Louis
Bureau Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:30–15:30
Handles extensions for northern region; limited services.
Practical information for CO 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 = 574.19 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. Colombian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Senegalese embassy or consulate before you travel. Arriving without a visa will result in being denied entry and sent back on the next flight.
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days, but it can take up to 3 weeks depending on the embassy's workload and whether they need to refer your application to Dakar for approval. Apply at least a month before your planned departure to be safe.
The fee varies by embassy and visa type (single entry vs. multiple entry). Expect to pay roughly $50 to $100 USD, but confirm the exact amount with the embassy where you apply. Fees are usually non-refundable, even if your visa is denied.
There is no Senegalese embassy in Colombia. The closest options are the Senegalese Embassy in Brasília, Brazil, or the Senegalese Embassy in Washington, D.C., USA. You can apply by mail to some embassies, but it's best to contact them first to confirm their jurisdiction and whether they accept applications from non-residents.
Yes. Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, which includes Colombia. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival, and you'll need to show the certificate at immigration. Without it, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on the spot (which can be unpleasant and may delay you).
No, the Senegalese visa is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than your visa allows, you must leave the country and apply for a new visa from abroad. Plan your trip duration carefully to avoid overstaying, which can lead to fines or deportation.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You may face a fine, detention, or deportation, and you could be banned from re-entering Senegal for a period. Always keep track of your visa's expiry date and leave before it lapses.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 7, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.