Senegal entry requirements for Thailand 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
Thai passport holders can get a visa on arrival at any Senegalese airport or land border. This has been the case since 2024 and remains in effect. You'll need to pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF) and have a few documents ready.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | Get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) and other land borders. Pay the fee in cash (CFA francs, euros, or US dollars) — around 50,000 XOF for a single-entry tourist visa valid up to 90 days. Have a passport photo ready.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 intended stay in Senegal. Airlines at Bangkok check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Required for entry | Immigration officers at Dakar airport routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Recommended to carry | Officers may ask for a hotel booking or an invitation letter from your host. Have a printed reservation or a digital copy on your phone. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Recommended to carry | Carry evidence of sufficient funds — around 200,000 XOF (approx. 11,000 THB) per person for your stay. A bank statement or credit card works. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash — EUR or XOF. No cards, no mobile money. Have the exact amount ready to avoid delays. ATMs are available at the airport but may charge high fees.
Visa on arrival is straightforward
The process at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is well-organized. The visa counter is clearly signposted. Expect to spend 15-30 minutes total. Bring a pen to fill out the form.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control. Queue there first.
2
Fill out the visa application form
A short form asking for your name, passport number, flight details, and address in Senegal. They'll provide it at the counter. Fill it in while queuing.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed form, photo, and cash (EUR 50 or XOF 33,000). The officer will process it and issue a visa sticker in your passport.
4
Proceed to passport control
With the visa sticker in hand, go to the main passport control queue. Show your passport and boarding pass. They may ask for your return ticket and accommodation — have them ready.
5
Collect your luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. You're in Senegal.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Thailand 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 date
Cost~$50 USD (equivalent in XOF at embassy)
Apply at Senegalese embassy in Bangkok or nearest embassy. Requires passport, photos, flight itinerary, and proof of accommodation.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue date
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries. Useful for travellers planning to leave and re-enter Senegal. Apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year from issue date
Cost~$150 USD
For longer stays, requires proof of sufficient funds, accommodation, and purpose. Apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (employer usually pays)
For foreign workers with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship, work contract, and approval from Ministry of Labour.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~$100 USD
For students enrolled in a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For individuals investing at least $50,000 USD in Senegal. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and approval from investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Visa on arrival is issued free of charge at Dakar airport for stays up to 30 days. Confirm with airline before travel. | Free (no fee for most nationalities, including Thailand) |
| Stay extension (if allowed)Extensions are generally not granted for visa-on-arrival. You must leave and re-enter or apply for a longer visa beforehand. | Unknown (not officially available for visa-on-arrival) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced at immigration. Avoid overstaying as it may lead to fines or future entry bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10–20 USD per day, no official cap) |
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
Thailand passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, you must have a confirmed onward ticket and valid visa for the final destination.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you need to leave the airport transit area, you must obtain a visa on arrival (free) or a regular visa beforehand.
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 (Thailand is not endemic, but transit through endemic countries may require certificate).
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow Fever (if not required)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal MeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Malaria is widespread throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue FeverModerate risk
Dengue outbreaks occur, particularly in urban areas. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and Waterborne DiseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat thoroughly cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria risk is high throughout Senegal, including urban areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended. Use mosquito nets and repellent.
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 (DIE)
Rue de Thiong, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main immigration office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, photos, and supporting documents.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters in northern Senegal. Limited services; call ahead.
Practical information for TH 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
Yes, the visa on arrival is available at all official land border crossings, not just airports. The process is similar — you'll fill out a form, pay the fee, and get a sticker. But note that not all land crossings are equally busy; some may have limited hours. Stick to major crossings like Rosso (from Mauritania) or Kidira (from Mali).
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry visa. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar. Extensions are not guaranteed and cost around XOF 20,000.
No. Only cash is accepted — EUR or XOF. No credit cards, no mobile payments. Have the exact amount ready. ATMs are available at the airport but may charge high fees.
There's a photo booth at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) near the visa counter. It costs about XOF 1,000. But it's faster to bring your own.
Yes, the yellow fever vaccine is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Thailand is not on that list, so you won't be asked for proof. But if you're coming from a country with yellow fever (e.g., Nigeria, Ghana), you'll need the certificate. The vaccine is recommended anyway — it's a one-time shot.
Yes, you can apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar (near the airport). Extensions are usually granted for 30 additional days and cost about XOF 20,000. You'll need your passport, a completed application form, and a reason for the extension. Processing takes 1-3 business days.
Overstaying is taken seriously. You'll be fined XOF 5,000 per day of overstay, and you may be questioned at the airport. In extreme cases, you could be banned from re-entering Senegal. Always extend before your visa expires.
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.