Senegal entry requirements for Saudi Arabia 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
Saudi Arabian passport holders need a visa to enter Senegal. You must obtain this visa before you travel, as there is no visa-on-arrival option for your nationality. Plan ahead and apply through the Senegalese embassy or consulate.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Senegal visaYou cannot get a visa on arrival or online; you need to visit a Senegalese diplomatic mission in advance. Apply at an embassy or consulate | A visa is required for Saudi Arabian passport holders. You must apply in person at a Senegalese embassy or consulate before travel. There is no eVisa option for your nationality. | Required |
| Passport validityCheck your passport expiry date — if it's within 6 months, renew it before you travel. At least 6 months beyond your intended stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of entry into Senegal. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesMake sure there's a clean, unused page for the immigration officer to stamp. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must contain at least one blank visa page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketHave your flight itinerary handy — immigration often asks to see it. Proof of departure from Senegal | You may be asked to show a confirmed return or onward ticket proving you will leave Senegal before your visa expires. | Required |
| Proof of fundsNot always checked, but it's wise to have proof you can support yourself. Sufficient means of support | Carry evidence of sufficient funds for your stay, such as bank statements or cash (CFA francs, USD, or EUR). | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCheck if you've been in a yellow fever risk area recently — if so, you need the certificate. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Saudi Arabia is not currently a risk country, but if you have transited or stayed in a risk country, you must present a certificate. | Required |
| Travel insuranceMedical care can be expensive; insurance protects you. Recommended for medical coverage | Although not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses and evacuation is strongly recommended. | Recommended |
No visa on arrival — don't chance it
Saudi passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Senegal. If you fly without a visa, you'll be denied entry and sent back. Get your visa from the Senegalese embassy before you book your flight.
Yellow fever certificate is mandatory
Senegal enforces the yellow fever vaccination requirement strictly. Without the certificate, you may be refused entry or forced to get vaccinated on arrival (if available). Get vaccinated at least 10 days before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Senegalese embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Senegalese diplomatic mission (embassy or consulate) in your country. In Saudi Arabia, that's the Embassy of Senegal in Riyadh. Call or email them to confirm the exact visa application process, fees, and whether you need an appointment.
2
Prepare your application file
Gather all required documents: passport, photos, application form, flight itinerary, accommodation proof, and yellow fever certificate. Make copies of everything for your records.
3
Submit your application in person or by mail
Deliver your complete application to the embassy or consulate. Some missions allow mail-in applications, but many require a personal appearance for biometrics or an interview. Confirm this beforehand.
4
Pay the visa fee
Pay the applicable visa fee. Fees vary by nationality and visa type, so ask the embassy for the exact amount. Payment is usually by bank draft or money order, not cash.
5
Wait for processing
Processing can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. Plan well ahead of your travel date. Check with the embassy for current processing times.
6
Collect your visa and travel
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa sticker. Double-check the visa dates and personal details. On arrival at Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), go through immigration with your passport and yellow fever certificate.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Short-stay visa (issued by Senegalese embassy)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue date
Cost$50 (approx.)
For tourism, business, or family visits. Requires passport with 6 months validity, return ticket, and proof of funds.
Long-stay visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity1 year
Cost$150 (approx.)
For frequent travelers or business purposes. Apply at a Senegalese embassy or consulate.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Temporary Residence Card)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF) per year
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and proof of qualifications. Allows multiple entries and long-term stay.
student visa
Visa Étudiant (Student Visa)
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) per year
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds. Allows part-time work with authorization.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur (Investor Visa)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (approx. 300,000 XOF) initial fee
For individuals investing a minimum of $50,000 USD in Senegal. Requires business plan and proof of investment. 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.) |
| Visa extension (up to 90 additional days)Apply at the Police des Frontières in Dakar before your current visa expires. | $30 (approx.) |
| Overstay fine (per day)Payable at immigration when leaving if you overstay your visa. | $10 (approx.) |
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
No transit visa needed
Saudi Arabian 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
- If you need to leave the international transit area or stay overnight, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Widespread throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occurs in urban and semi-urban areas; mosquito avoidance is key.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
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 l'Immigration et de l'Émigration
Rue de la République, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and proof of funds.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
Regional office for northern Senegal. Limited services; call ahead for appointments.
Practical information for SA 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. Saudi Arabian passport holders are not eligible for visa on arrival. You must obtain a visa from a Senegalese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing times vary, but typically it takes 5 to 10 working days. Some embassies may take longer, especially during peak seasons. Apply at least 3-4 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees are set by the Senegalese government and can change. Contact the Embassy of Senegal in Riyadh for the current fee. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150 depending on the visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.).
Yes. Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. You must be vaccinated at least 10 days before arrival. Carry the certificate with your passport — you'll be asked for it at immigration.
No. The visa for Saudi passport holders is not extendable. You must leave before your visa expires. If you overstay, you may face fines or difficulties with future travel.
You will be denied entry and likely put on the next flight back. There is no visa-on-arrival facility for Saudi nationals. Don't risk it — get the visa beforehand.
No. Senegal does not offer an eVisa for Saudi Arabian passport holders. You must apply through the embassy or consulate in person or by mail.
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.