Senegal entry requirements for Vietnam 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
Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Senegal for any purpose, including tourism. There is no visa-on-arrival option for Vietnamese citizens. Apply through the Senegalese embassy or consulate well in advance of your planned departure in 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa for SenegalYou cannot get a visa on arrival; you must secure it before you fly. Apply at an embassy/consulate | Vietnamese passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Senegal. There is no eVisa option for Vietnamese citizens. Apply at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate well in advance of your departure. | Required |
| Passport validityIf your passport expires sooner, you may be denied boarding or entry. At least 6 months beyond your stay | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your intended date of entry into Senegal. Ensure your passport does not expire before this period. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesThe entry stamp needs a clean page; without it, you could be refused entry. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for the entry stamp. It is wise to have more than one blank page in case additional stamps are needed. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketA confirmed outbound flight is often checked at check-in and entry. Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration may require proof of a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Senegal before your visa or authorized stay expires. | Required |
| Proof of accommodationThis helps demonstrate your purpose of visit and where you will stay. Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Senegal, including their contact details and address. | Recommended |
| Proof of sufficient fundsImmigration may ask to see that you can support yourself during your visit. For your stay | Be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your expenses in Senegal, such as recent bank statements or traveler's checks. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination certificateCarry your International Certificate of Vaccination or you may be denied entry. Required for entry | A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. Vietnam is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you have traveled through an endemic area, you must present the certificate. | Required |
| Travel insuranceProtects you from unexpected medical bills while abroad. Medical coverage | Although not mandatory, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses and evacuation, as healthcare costs can be high. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to fill out any arrival form before landing. Not required | Senegal does not require an arrival declaration for Vietnamese passport holders. | Not required |
No visa on arrival — don't risk it
Vietnamese passport holders cannot get a visa on arrival in Senegal. Arriving without a visa means you'll be refused entry and sent back on the next flight at your own expense. Always secure your visa before departure.
Yellow fever certificate required
Bring your yellow fever vaccination certificate. Senegal requires it for travelers from yellow fever endemic zones, and Vietnam is on that list. Without it, you may be denied entry or forced to get vaccinated at the airport (if available).
Apply well in advance
Since there's no embassy in Vietnam, processing involves mailing your passport to an embassy abroad or using a visa agency. This adds time — start the process at least 4-6 weeks before your planned travel date.
What happens at the border
1
Contact the Senegalese embassy or consulate
Find the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate that handles visa applications for Vietnamese citizens. In Vietnam, this is typically the Senegalese Embassy in Beijing, China, or you may need to use a designated visa service. Call or email them to confirm the exact application process, required documents, and fees.
2
Prepare your application package
Gather all required documents: your passport, completed application form, photos, accommodation proof, flight itinerary, and bank statements. Make photocopies of everything — the embassy may keep copies and return originals.
3
Submit your application
Submit your application in person or by mail, depending on the embassy's rules. If you're applying from Vietnam, you may need to send your passport to the embassy in Beijing or use a visa agency. Ensure you include the visa fee and a prepaid return envelope if mailing.
4
Wait for processing
Processing times vary — typically 5-10 business days, but it can take longer. Check with the embassy for current timelines. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa is approved.
5
Collect your visa and travel
Once approved, your passport will be returned with the visa sticker. Check the visa details (dates, number of entries) for accuracy. At Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport, present your passport and visa at immigration. Have your return ticket and accommodation details ready in case they ask.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Vietnam Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 7, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Long-stay visa (e.g., work, study, or family)
Max stayUp to 1 year (renewable)
ValidityIssued for the duration of the purpose; typically 1 year
CostVaries; approximately 50,000–100,000 XOF (about $85–$170)
Requires sponsorship and approval from Senegalese authorities; apply at a Senegalese embassy or consulate.
work visa
Carte de Séjour Temporaire (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD (200 USD)
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~$150 USD (150 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Résident (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD (500 USD)
For investors with a minimum investment of $50,000 USD in Senegal. Provides long-term residency and business rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport)Available for Vietnamese citizens; must have a valid passport and proof of onward travel. | Free for stays up to 90 days |
| Visa extension (at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar)Extensions are granted for up to 90 days; apply before your current visa expires. | Approximately 20,000 XOF (about $35) |
| Exit fee (airport tax)No separate payment required at the airport. | Included in airline ticket |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete documentation20%
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
Vietnamese citizens 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, you must obtain a visa on arrival.
Transit hubsDakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsiderMeningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; practice safe eating and drinking.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round, with highest risk in rural areas. 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 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits. Bring passport, visa, and fee.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for northern region. Limited services.
Practical information for VN 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. Senegal does not offer visa-on-arrival for Vietnamese citizens. You must obtain a visa from a Senegalese embassy or consulate before you travel.
Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, but it can take longer depending on the embassy's workload and your application's completeness. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to be safe.
Visa fees vary by embassy and visa type (single entry, multiple entry, etc.). Contact the Senegalese embassy handling your application for the exact fee. Expect to pay anywhere from $50 to $150, but confirm directly.
There is no Senegalese embassy in Vietnam. You'll need to apply through the Senegalese Embassy in Beijing, China, or use a visa agency that handles Senegal visas. Some travelers also apply through the Senegalese consulate in a neighboring country if they are already abroad.
No. The visa is not extendable. You must leave Senegal before your visa expires. If you need to stay longer, you would need to exit and re-enter with a new visa, but this is not guaranteed.
You will be denied entry. Senegal strictly requires at least 6 months of passport validity beyond your intended departure date. Renew your passport before applying for the visa.
Yes. Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for travelers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Vietnam. You must have the certificate with you — immigration may ask to see it.
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.