Senegal entry requirements for Russia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 21, 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
Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dakar's Blaise Diop International Airport and at the land border from Mali. This has been the case since 2023, so no need to apply in advance — just show up with the right documents and cash for the fee.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Apply online before travel | Russian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport. Apply online at the Senegal Visa Portal before you fly — the e-application generates a pre-approval letter you show at the visa counter. Pay the visa fee (around €50–€80 depending on duration) in cash or by card at the airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires before you leave, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dakar airport routinely ask for proof of a return or onward flight. Have a printed or digital copy of your ticket ready — they will check the date matches your visa validity. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Senegal. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least €200–€300 in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check this, but it helps if they question your ability to cover your stay. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa-on-arrival counter at Dakar Airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring euros or CFA francs in cash. There is no ATM before immigration, so you can't withdraw after landing.
Visa on arrival is for all entry points
You can get this visa at Dakar's Blaise Diop International Airport and at the main land border from Mali. It's not available at all land borders — check before traveling overland from Guinea or Mauritania.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dakar Airport
After landing at Blaise Diop International Airport (DSS), follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control queue.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to complete — name, passport number, flight details, accommodation address. Have your hotel booking and return ticket ready to copy details.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash. The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. Keep the receipt — you may need it when leaving.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The visa is a sticker placed in your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away. Typical duration is 30 days, but confirm with the officer.
5
Proceed to passport control
With the visa in hand, join the main passport control queue. Present your passport, visa, and boarding pass. You'll get an entry stamp and you're in.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Russia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 21, 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
Cost80 EUR (~88 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
Cost150 EUR (~165 USD)
Ideal for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost200 EUR (~220 USD)
Requires proof of accommodation and financial means.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Salarié)
1 year, renewable
~100,000 XOF (~165 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires work contract and employer to sponsor. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (~82 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and financial means.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~825 USD) + investment proof
For investors with a minimum investment of ~50 million XOF (~82,000 USD). Requires business plan and local partnership.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in EUR or XOF at the airport; cash only. | 50 EUR (~55 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of 100,000 XOF (~165 USD). | 5,000 XOF (~8 USD) per day |
| Tourist visa (single entry, pre-arranged)Obtained from Senegalese embassy before travel. | 80 EUR (~88 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Valid for multiple entries within 3 months. | 150 EUR (~165 USD) |
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
Russian passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or changing terminals that require immigration, a visa on arrival may be needed.
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) – mostly domestic now
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; proof of vaccination (ICVP) may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialMalaria prophylaxisEssentialRabiesConsiderMeningitis (ACWY)Recommended
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; use mosquito repellent.
CholeraLow risk
Rare but possible; practice food and water safety.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. 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 la Police des Frontières (DPAF)
Avenue Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and fee in cash.
Saint-Louis
Commissariat Central de Saint-Louis
Place de l'Indépendance, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Limited services; extensions may require referral to Dakar.
Practical information for RU 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 around 50–100 EUR depending on the length of stay and current rates. Pay in euros or CFA francs — no credit cards. Bring cash.
Yes, the visa on arrival is also available at the main land border crossing from Mali (Kidira). But it's less predictable — bring extra cash and patience. Airports are smoother.
Typically 30 days. You can extend it once at the immigration office in Dakar for an additional fee. Don't overstay — fines apply.
You may be denied the visa on arrival. Immigration officers often ask to see proof of onward travel. Book a refundable ticket or a cheap bus to a neighboring country just in case.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (most of Africa and South America). Russian passport holders coming directly from Russia don't need it, but carry your vaccination card if you've been elsewhere recently.
Yes, you can extend once at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar. The extension costs around 20,000–30,000 CFA (30–45 EUR) and gives you another 30 days. Start the process at least a week before your visa expires.
Both. The visa on arrival covers tourism, business, and family visits. Just state your purpose clearly on the form. For long-term work or study, you'll need a proper visa from a Senegalese embassy.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 21, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.