Senegal entry requirements for Latvia passport holders

Checked daily · Updated May 19, 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

Latvian passport holders can enter Senegal without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This has been the policy since at least 2026, so no embassy visit is needed before you go. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Entry requirements

RequirementDetailsStatus
Valid passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you'll be denied boarding.Required
Return or onward ticket
Proof of departure from Senegal
Immigration at Blaise Diagne International Airport asks for a return or onward ticket before they stamp you in. Budget airlines enforce this strictly — have a printed or digital copy ready.Recommended
Proof of accommodation
Hotel booking or host invitation
Have your first night's hotel confirmation or a letter from your host ready. Officers occasionally ask for it, especially if you're arriving without a clear itinerary.Recommended
Proof of funds
Show you can support yourself
Carry a bank statement or credit card showing you have enough money for your stay. Immigration rarely checks it, but having it avoids delays if they do.Recommended
No visa needed, but don't skip the basics
Even though you don't need a visa, immigration officers at Dakar airport do check for return tickets and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed to avoid delays.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines often refuse boarding if your passport has less than 6 months validity from your arrival date. Don't risk it — check your passport now.

What happens at the border

1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are usually two queues: one for Senegalese/ECOWAS nationals, one for everyone else. Join the 'Other Passports' line.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (with at least 6 months validity and a blank page). The officer may ask for your return ticket and accommodation proof. Have them ready on your phone or printed.
3
Get your entry stamp
The officer will stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry. No fee is charged. The whole process usually takes 2–5 minutes per person.
4
Collect luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel. Customs is usually a green channel unless you have something to declare.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Latvia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 19, 2026
Download PDF

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 date
Cost~$50 USD (estimated)

For those who need a visa in advance; apply at Senegalese embassy.

Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD (estimated)

Allows multiple entries; useful for frequent travellers.

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

Requires proof of purpose (work, study, etc.) and sponsorship.

work visa
Carte de Séjour (Work Permit)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (estimated)
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications.
student visa
Student Visa
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD (estimated)
For enrolled students at recognized Senegalese institutions. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (estimated)
For those investing a minimum amount (e.g., $50,000 USD) in Senegal. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
ServiceCost
Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are not officially published; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans.Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD per 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

Latvia passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.

Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)

Health & vaccines for Senegal

Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningococcalConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk

Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.

Dengue feverModerate risk

Occasional outbreaks; mosquito avoidance advised.

Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk

Common; drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.

Malaria risk: high

Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 des Frontières
Avenue Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.

Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la République, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00

Regional office for northern Senegal.

Practical information for LV 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 = 564.91 XOF
updated May 20
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

No, you don't need a visa for stays up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport (6+ months validity) and a return ticket.
Up to 90 days per entry. The 90-day period starts from the day you arrive. Overstaying can result in fines or trouble at departure.
Officially, extensions are possible but rarely granted for tourists. You'd need to visit the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar before your 90 days expire. In practice, most people leave and re-enter if they want more time.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Latvia is not a risk country, so you won't need it if you're flying directly from Europe. But if you've recently traveled to a yellow fever endemic country, you'll need the vaccine certificate.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros are sometimes accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, but you'll get a better rate using ATMs or exchanging at banks. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but not everywhere.
Senegal is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) happens in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Check your government's travel advisory before booking.

Official sources

Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 19, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.