Senegal entry requirements for Israel passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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

Israeli passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Senegal. Just show up at Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport with the right documents and pay the fee in cash. As of 2026, the process is straightforward.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Visa on arrival
Visa on arrival
Get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport and other land borders. Pay in cash (EUR or USD) — the fee is around 50 EUR for a single-entry visa valid up to 90 days. Have two passport-size photos with you.Check visa portalRequired
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Senegal. Airlines at Ben Gurion may ask for 6 months validity — carry a printout of Senegal's official entry rules if your passport has less than 6 months left.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Senegal
Immigration officers at Dakar airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot of your booking ready. A bus or ferry ticket to a neighboring country also works.Required
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Officers may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. Have a printed hotel confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host ready.Recommended
Proof of funds
Cash or bank statement
Immigration can ask for proof you can support yourself during your stay. Carry at least 200,000 CFA (~300 EUR) in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient balance.Recommended
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — euros or CFA francs. ATMs are available in the arrivals hall but can have long queues. Bring enough cash to avoid delays.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Dakar airport is well-established for Israeli passport holders. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes at the visa counter. Have your documents organized to speed things up.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. Have your passport and flight details handy. Staff can help if needed.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (euros or CFA francs) at the counter. Keep the receipt — you'll need it later.
4
Receive your visa sticker
An officer will stamp the visa into your passport. Check the validity dates before you walk away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. Answer any questions about your stay.
6
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're free to enter Senegal.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Israel Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 2026
Download PDF

Staying longer & fees

Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:

Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in XOF, varies by embassy)

Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad for a longer single-entry stay; requires passport, photos, and itinerary.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months to 1 year
Cost~$100–150 USD (varies by embassy)

For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips or business ties.

Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$200 USD (estimated)

For extended stays (e.g., family visit, research); requires sponsorship and local police clearance.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated, plus employer sponsorship)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer to obtain work authorization, then apply for residence permit. Allows long-term stay and multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (estimated, plus proof of enrollment)
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance. Allows part-time work with authorization.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated, plus minimum investment ~$50,000 USD)
For investors who create jobs or invest in key sectors. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and local partner. Fast-track for high-value investments.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Israeli citizens can obtain a visa on arrival at Dakar airport at no cost for up to 30 days.Free (no fee charged at border for Israeli passport holders)
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not publicly standardized; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or future entry bans.Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD per day, no official cap confirmed)

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

Israeli passport holders transiting through Senegal (e.g., Dakar airport) do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.

Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
  • If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa on arrival may be required.
  • Holders of diplomatic or official passports may have different rules.
Transit hubsAéroport International Blaise Diagne (DSS), Dakar

Health & vaccines for Senegal

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission (e.g., parts of Africa or South America). Proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow Fever (if not required)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Widespread throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.

Dengue FeverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season (June–October). Use mosquito repellent.

Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk

Common due to contaminated food/water. Stick to bottled water and well-cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

High risk throughout the country, including urban areas. CDC recommends atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine prophylaxis. Use DEET repellent and sleep under mosquito nets.

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 (DIE)
Route de l'Aéroport, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and residency permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of funds.

Dakar
Service des Étrangers (Police des Frontières)
Aéroport International Blaise Diagne (AIBD), Dakar
24/7 (for entry/exit issues)

Handles visa-on-arrival issues and entry denials; located at the airport.

Practical information for IL 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
updated May 29
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
Police17
Medical15
US EmbassyFind contact

Frequently asked questions

The fee is typically around 50-100 euros, depending on the length of stay. Pay in cash — euros or CFA francs are accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
The visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a longer-term visa at a Senegalese embassy before travel.
You'll likely be denied entry. The 6-month validity rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. It's not specifically required for Israeli passport holders, but carry your certificate if you've been in an affected area recently.
Visa on arrival is available at Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport. At land borders, it's less reliable — you may be turned away. If entering overland, get a visa in advance from a Senegalese embassy.
The standard stay is up to 30 days, but this can vary. The officer will stamp the allowed duration in your passport. Don't overstay — fines apply.
Your passport, completed application form, return ticket (printed or on phone), and cash for the fee. Having a hotel booking helps but isn't always required.

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.