Senegal entry requirements for Philippines passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 22, 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
Philippine passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Senegalese airports and land borders. No need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and pay the fee. As of 2026, the process is straightforward for tourism and short business visits.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). Have 50,000 XOF (about $85 USD) in cash for the single-entry visa — the counter does not accept cards. You need a printed invitation letter or hotel booking confirmation to show at the visa desk.Check visa portal | Required |
| 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 Manila (MNL) check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dakar airport ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket before stamping you in. Budget airlines flying into Senegal enforce this at check-in — have a printed itinerary or e-ticket ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Have a printed hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. The visa-on-arrival counter may ask for it, and immigration officers occasionally request it during entry questioning. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry at least 300,000 XOF (about $500 USD) in cash or have a bank statement showing available funds. Immigration rarely asks, but the visa-on-arrival counter may request proof of sufficient funds for your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash (EUR or XOF). Cards are not accepted at the immigration counter. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not mandatory for direct arrivals from the Philippines, carrying a yellow fever vaccination certificate is strongly advised. It may be requested if you've transited through a country with yellow fever risk.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Visa on Arrival'. Join the queue at the designated counter. Have your passport, return ticket, and accommodation confirmation ready.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, hotel address. A pen is handy; counters sometimes run out.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (EUR or XOF) at the counter. Keep the receipt. The officer will then issue a visa sticker in your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa sticker, boarding pass, and any requested documents. The officer will stamp you in. You're now cleared for entry.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Philippines Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 22, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay30 days, extendable 30 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost50 EUR (~55 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad; same as VoA but pre-arranged.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity1 year
Cost100 EUR (~110 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires proof of multiple trips.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay90 days to 1 year
Validity1 year
Cost150 EUR (~165 USD)
For work, study, or family reunion; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Card) - Work
1 year, renewable
~100,000 XOF (~160 USD) per year
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Student Visa (Visa Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (~80 USD) per year
For enrolled students at a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Investor Visa (Carte de Résident)
2 years, renewable
~200,000 XOF (~320 USD) initial fee
For individuals investing at least 50 million XOF (~80,000 USD) in Senegal. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or XOF at the airport; valid for up to 30 days. | 50 EUR (~55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum fine cap is 500,000 XOF (~800 USD). | 5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extension is not guaranteed; apply at immigration office before expiry. | 10,000 XOF (~16 USD) per 30 days |
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
Philippines passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a 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), Dakar
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially during rainy season (June–November).
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking habits.
Malaria risk: high
Prophylaxis recommended for all travellers; use mosquito repellent and bed nets, especially in rural areas.
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 residency permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles extensions for northern region; limited services.
Practical information for PH 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 = 564.97 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 the equivalent in West African CFA francs (XOF). Exact amounts can change, so bring a mix of EUR and XOF cash. Cards are not accepted.
Yes, visa on arrival is available at most official land border crossings, including from Mali, Mauritania, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia. The process is similar — fill a form, pay the fee, get the sticker.
The standard stay is 30 days. Extensions are possible at the immigration office in Dakar, but the process can be slow. Plan your trip within 30 days if possible.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (including transit over 12 hours). Philippine passport holders coming directly from the Philippines are usually not required, but it's strongly recommended to have the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
You will be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions are made for visa on arrival.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar. The process takes a few days and costs around 20,000–30,000 XOF. You'll need a valid reason and proof of funds.
Yes, but keep it secure. Use a money belt or hidden pouch. ATMs are available at the airport after immigration, but you'll need cash before that point. Exchange a small amount at the airport if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 22, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.