Senegal entry requirements for Sri Lanka 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
Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Senegal. There is no visa-on-arrival or eVisa option for Sri Lankan nationals, so you need to apply through the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate. Start the process well in advance to avoid travel disruptions.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Senegal visaYou need to get this visa approved before you fly – you cannot get it on arrival. Apply at an embassy or consulate | Sri Lankan passport holders must obtain a visa before travelling to Senegal. There is no eVisa option for Sri Lankan citizens. Contact the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate to submit an application in person or by mail. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, renew it before starting your visa application. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Senegal. Check the expiry date well before you apply for the visa. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe immigration officer needs a clean page to stamp your passport. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case of additional stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketAirlines and border officials may ask to see this before boarding or entry. Proof of departure from Senegal | You must be able to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Senegal before your visa or authorised stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsImmigration may ask how you plan to pay for your trip – having proof helps. Sufficient means of support | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds (cash, bank statements, or credit cards) to cover your stay in Senegal. The exact amount is not fixed, but you should have enough for accommodation, food, and emergencies. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any extra online form before you travel. Not required | Senegal does not require a separate arrival declaration for Sri Lankan passport holders at this time. | Not required |
No eVisa — apply early
Sri Lankan passport holders are not eligible for Senegal's eVisa. You must go through an embassy or consulate, which takes time. Start the process at least 6–8 weeks before your planned departure.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
You will be asked for your yellow fever certificate both at visa application and at immigration in Senegal. Without it, you may be denied entry or vaccinated on arrival at your own expense.
Visa is not extendable
Once in Senegal, you cannot extend your visa. Overstaying is a serious offence. Make sure your travel dates align with your visa's validity.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate
There is no Senegalese embassy in Sri Lanka. The designated mission for Sri Lankan residents is typically the Senegalese Embassy in New Delhi, India. Contact them by email or phone to confirm jurisdiction, application procedures, and appointment requirements.
2
Prepare your application documents
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, completed application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, bank statements, and yellow fever certificate. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy will likely keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Depending on the embassy, you may need to appear in person for biometrics or an interview. If mail-in is allowed, use a trackable courier. Submit your complete application and pay the fee. Obtain a receipt and note the expected processing time.
4
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until you have the visa in hand.
5
Collect your passport with the visa
Once approved, you will get your passport back with the visa sticker. Check the visa details — dates, number of entries, duration — to ensure they match your travel plans. Report any errors immediately.
6
Arrive in Senegal and go through immigration
At Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), proceed to the 'Visas' or 'Foreign Passports' queue. Present your passport with the visa, your yellow fever certificate, and any supporting documents if asked. Have your return ticket and accommodation details handy. The officer will stamp your passport with your entry date and authorised stay.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Sri Lanka 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 (e.g., work, study, family)
Max stay1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for duration of contract/study; must be obtained at Senegalese embassy before travel
Cost$100–$200 (varies by type)
Requires invitation letter, police clearance, and medical certificate. Not available on arrival.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (processing fee)
For those 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 (processing fee)
For enrolled students at recognized institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Résident (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (processing fee)
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Senegal. Includes family reunification.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 90 days)Payable in cash (USD, EUR, XOF) at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport. Have a passport photo and proof of accommodation. | $50 (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension (per 30 days)Apply at the Police des Frontières in Dakar before current visa expires. | $30 (approx. 18,000 XOF) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)Most international flights include departure tax; no separate payment at airport. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete visa application20%
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
Transit visa required
Sri Lankan passport holders transiting through Senegal (even airside) require a visa. Obtain a transit visa (valid for up to 5 days) from a Senegalese embassy before travel.
Exceptions & conditions
- Diplomatic or official passport holders
- Passengers with confirmed onward ticket and staying airside for less than 24 hours may be allowed to remain in the international transit area without a visa, but this is at the discretion of border police. Confirm with airline.
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; recommended for all travellers.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially during rainy season.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food and water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers, especially in rural areas. Use insect repellent and bed 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'Emigration
Route de l'Aéroport, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for northern region.
Practical information for LK 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. Senegal does not offer visa-on-arrival for Sri Lankan nationals. You must obtain a visa from a Senegalese embassy or consulate before you travel.
No. Senegal's eVisa system is not available to Sri Lankan passport holders. You must apply through an embassy or consulate.
There is no Senegalese embassy in Sri Lanka. The nearest embassy that handles visa applications is typically the Senegalese Embassy in New Delhi, India. You may need to send your application by mail or use a visa service. Contact the embassy directly to confirm procedures for Sri Lankan residents.
Processing times vary by embassy. It can take anywhere from 5 working days to 3 weeks, depending on the embassy's workload and whether they need to refer your application to Dakar for approval. Always check with the specific embassy for current timelines.
Visa fees vary by nationality and visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). The embassy will provide the exact fee. Expect to pay in the local currency or as directed. Fees are non-refundable.
Yes. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Senegal. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Immigration officials will ask to see the certificate.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Senegal before your authorised stay expires. Overstaying can result in fines or deportation. If you need to stay longer, you would have to leave and re-enter with a new visa, but that is not guaranteed.
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.