Senegal entry requirements for Saudi Arabia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 24, 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 arrange this before you travel — there is no visa on arrival for Saudi nationals. Plan ahead, as processing can take a couple of weeks.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eVisa application Apply before departure | Apply for a Senegal eVisa at the official portal before you fly. The application takes about 15 minutes and you'll receive the approved visa by email within 72 hours. Print two copies — one for the airline check-in counter and one for immigration at Blaise Diagne International Airport.Apply for eVisa | Required |
| Valid passport Must cover entire stay | Your passport needs at least one blank page for the entry stamp and must be valid for the full duration of your stay. Senegal does not enforce the 6-month validity rule — just cover your travel dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure | Immigration officers at Dakar airport routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or the booking confirmation on your phone ready. Airlines also check this before issuing a boarding pass. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a hotel reservation confirmation or a letter of invitation from your host in Senegal. Immigration rarely asks for it, but having it ready avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card showing access to at least 500 USD equivalent. Officers rarely request it for short visits, but it's a standard requirement in the immigration code. | Recommended |
Visa required — apply in advance
There is no visa on arrival for Saudi passport holders. Start your visa application at least 3 weeks before your trip to avoid delays.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for a visa
Contact the Senegalese embassy in Riyadh or Jeddah to get the application form. Submit your passport, photos, and fee. Processing usually takes 5–10 business days.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Book a return flight and your first night's stay. Keep confirmations handy — you'll need them for the visa application and at immigration.
3
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
At Dakar's airport, go to the immigration counter. Present your passport with the visa, your return ticket, and accommodation proof. The officer will stamp you in.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, pick up your bags from the carousel, then proceed through customs. There's usually no customs declaration for personal items.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Saudi Arabia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 24, 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 date
Cost~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF)
Standard single-entry visa for tourism, can be extended once at immigration office.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF)
Multiple-entry visa for frequent travellers, allows stays up to 90 days per entry.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$200 USD (approx. 120,000 XOF)
For longer stays, requires proof of purpose (e.g., work, study, family reunion).
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 |
|---|---|
| Tourist visa (single entry)Fee for a single-entry tourist visa, typically valid for 30 days. | ~$100 USD (approx. 60,000 XOF) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)Fee for a multiple-entry visa, valid for up to 90 days. | ~$150 USD (approx. 90,000 XOF) |
| Visa extension feeFee for extending a tourist visa by up to 30 days, subject to approval. | ~$50 USD (approx. 30,000 XOF) |
| Overstay fine per dayFine for overstaying visa validity, with no official maximum cap. | ~$10 USD (approx. 6,000 XOF) per day |
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 Arabia passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need 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, UK, or Schengen 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.
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 = 563.41 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. Senegal does not offer visa on arrival for Saudi nationals. You must get a visa before you travel.
Processing usually takes 5–10 business days. Apply at least 2–3 weeks before your trip to be safe.
You apply at the Senegalese embassy in Riyadh or the honorary consulate in Jeddah. Check their website for the latest application form and fee.
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. Expect around 50–100 USD for a single-entry tourist visa. Confirm with the embassy before paying.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever. Saudi Arabia is not considered a risk country, but it's recommended to get the vaccine and carry the certificate — immigration may ask.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost a fee. Apply before your current visa expires.
You'll be fined per day overstay. The fine is typically around 5,000–10,000 XOF (about 8–16 USD) per day. Pay at the immigration office before leaving.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 24, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.