Senegal entry requirements for Madagascar passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 30, 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
As a Malagasy passport holder, you can get a visa on arrival at any Senegalese airport or land border. No advance application needed — just bring your documents and pay the fee. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for the entire time you plan to stay in Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in. If your passport expires within 6 months, carry a printed copy of your onward ticket to show you won't overstay. | Required |
| Visa on arrival Obtain at the airport upon arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. Have 50,000 XOF (about $85 USD) in cash ready — the visa counter does not accept cards. Fill out the arrival form on the plane or at the counter before queuing.Check visa portal | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers at Dakar airport routinely ask for a printed or digital onward ticket showing you leave within the visa-on-arrival validity period (usually 30 days). Airlines also check this before boarding. Have a copy on your phone or printed. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask where you're staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. A simple booking confirmation email works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Carry at least 200,000 XOF (about $340 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but if you look like you're traveling on a shoestring, they may request proof. A credit card with a decent limit also works. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival fee must be paid in cash — Euros or CFA francs. There are no ATMs before immigration. Bring enough to cover the fee and a little extra for incidentals.
Yellow fever certificate required
If you're arriving from Madagascar or any country with yellow fever, you must show your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Without it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry. Get the shot at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter for visa-on-arrival applicants. Join the queue and have your passport, photo, and cash ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be handed a short form — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. Fill it in while waiting. A pen is handy.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo, and cash. The officer will process your visa sticker and paste it into your passport. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, go to the main passport control queue. Present your passport with the visa, and your boarding pass. They may ask your purpose of visit and how long you're staying.
5
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 · Madagascar Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 30, 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 date
Cost~50,000 XOF (~80 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad; allows single entry.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~100,000 XOF (~160 USD)
For frequent travellers; allows multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~200,000 XOF (~320 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; for extended stays.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Permit) for Employment
1 year, renewable
~150,000 XOF (~240 USD) application fee
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from the Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (~80 USD) application fee
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese educational institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident pour Investisseur)
2–5 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~800 USD) application fee
For individuals investing a minimum of ~50 million XOF (~80,000 USD) in Senegal. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Citizens of Madagascar can obtain a visa on arrival at no cost for stays up to 90 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are assessed at immigration upon departure; maximum cap may apply. | ~5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day |
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
Madagascar passport holders transiting through Senegal do not require a transit visa if they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket within 24 hours.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 48 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, including Madagascar.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, etc.)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
SchistosomiasisModerate risk
Risk from swimming in fresh water; avoid contact with untreated water.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present nationwide, with highest risk 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 du Contrôle 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 MG 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 = 562.67 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 (or equivalent in CFA francs). Exact amounts can vary slightly — bring a mix of Euros and CFA to be safe. Payment is in cash only; no cards accepted at the visa counter.
Yes. The visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, including the main ones from Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. The process is the same — fill a form, pay, get the sticker.
The standard visa on arrival is valid for 30 days. If you need longer, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost extra.
Immigration may deny you entry if you can't show proof of onward travel. A refundable ticket booked and then cancelled after entry is a common workaround, but it's safer to have a real onward booking.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including Madagascar). You'll need to show your yellow fever vaccination certificate (the 'yellow card') at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated on arrival or denied entry.
Yes, you can apply for a 30-day extension at the immigration office in Dakar (Direction de la Police des Frontières, near the airport). The cost is around 20,000–30,000 CFA. Apply before your initial visa expires.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined per day overstayed (around 5,000–10,000 CFA per day) and may be banned from re-entering Senegal for a period. Always extend or leave on time.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 30, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.