Senegal entry requirements for South Africa 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
South African passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Senegal. You fly into Dakar and sort out your visa at the airport without applying beforehand. As of 2026, this is the standard entry method for tourism and short business trips.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) | You get a visa on arrival at Dakar airport. Have 50,000 XOF (about $85 USD) in cash for the visa fee — the ATM is unreliable and the card machine sometimes goes down. The visa is valid for up to 90 days and is not extendable.Check visa portal | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your South African passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | 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. Without it, you may be refused entry. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Senegal. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself during your stay | Have bank statements or a credit card ready to show you have enough money for your trip. Immigration officers rarely ask, but it is better to have proof available. | Recommended |
Cash only at visa counter
The visa on arrival fee must be paid in cash. Euros or CFA francs are accepted. No credit or debit cards. There are ATMs in the arrivals hall, but they sometimes run out of cash. Bring enough Euros with you.
Yellow fever vaccine required
Senegal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination for all travellers over 1 year old. Even if you're coming from South Africa (not a yellow fever country), carry your WHO yellow card. You may be asked for it at immigration.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before the main passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a short form to complete. It asks for basic info: name, passport number, flight details, and where you're staying.
3
Pay the visa fee
Pay in cash (Euros or CFA francs). As of 2026, the fee is around €50–€80 depending on your nationality. Credit cards are not accepted at the counter.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will stamp and stick the visa into your passport. Check that the dates are correct before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Show your passport with the new visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket. You'll be through in a few minutes.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · South Africa 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, pre-arranged)
Max stay90 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost50 EUR (approx. 55 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy before travel; may allow longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost100 EUR (approx. 110 USD)
For frequent travellers; must be arranged in advance.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost150 EUR (approx. 165 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work/study permit; apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~100,000 XOF (approx. 165 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires work contract, employer sponsorship, and approval from Ministry of Labour. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (approx. 82 USD)
For enrolled students at a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrollment, sufficient funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Carte de Résident (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (approx. 820 USD) + investment proof
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~$50,000 USD). Requires business plan and approval from investment agency.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 30 days)Payable in EUR or XOF at the airport. Cash only. | 50 EUR (approx. 55 USD) |
| Visa on Arrival (single entry, up to 90 days)For longer stays; must be requested at entry. | 100 EUR (approx. 110 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap not specified; avoid overstay. | 5,000 XOF (approx. 8 USD) per day |
| Stay extension (if applicable)May be possible at immigration office; subject to approval. | 20,000 XOF (approx. 33 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
South Africa passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if leaving the airport or needing to collect luggage, a visa on arrival may be required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, UK, or Canadian visa may transit without visa for up to 24 hours.
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS), Dakar
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; South Africa is not endemic, but proof may be requested if transiting through endemic areas.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur, especially in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water, eat well-cooked food, and practice hygiene.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high throughout Senegal, especially 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 08:30–16:30
Main office for extensions and visa issues; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:00
For visitors in northern Senegal; limited services.
Practical information for ZA 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 = 564.8 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–€80 (approximately 33,000–52,000 CFA francs). Pay in cash — Euros or CFA francs are accepted. No credit cards.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
Yes, proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for all travellers over 1 year old arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever. South Africa is not a yellow fever endemic country, but if you've recently travelled to one, you'll need the certificate. Carry your WHO yellow card.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before travelling.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar. Land border crossings may have different rules — it's safer to fly in.
You need proof of onward travel. A bus ticket or a flight out of a neighbouring country may be accepted, but a return flight is the safest option.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer during peak arrival times (multiple flights landing at once). Factor in an extra 30 minutes to be safe.
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.