Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Streamlined e-Visa System
Senegal has expanded its e-Visa platform for easier applications, allowing most travelers to apply online for a 30-90 day visa ($50-100 fee) with processing in 3-7 days. This digital process reduces embassy visits and includes options for extensions directly through the portal.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Senegal, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This ensures compliance with West African border standards and avoids issues at immigration checkpoints.
Always renew early if nearing expiration, as some airlines may deny boarding without sufficient validity.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of ECOWAS member states (like Nigeria, Ghana, and Mali) and select others such as Brazil, Japan, and South Korea can enter visa-free for up to 90 days, promoting regional travel and tourism.
Even visa-free visitors must register with local authorities if staying beyond 24 hours in some cases, especially near borders.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa (including US, UK, Canada, and EU citizens), apply via the official e-Visa website (www.evisa.gouv.sn) with a fee of $50 for single-entry, submitting scans of passport, itinerary, proof of accommodation, and financial means ($50/day minimum).
Processing typically takes 3-7 business days; apply at least two weeks in advance to account for holidays or peak seasons.
Border Crossings
Primary entry is via Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, where e-Visas are verified electronically; land borders with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Gambia require physical stamps and may involve waits of 1-2 hours due to manual checks.
Visa on arrival is available at the airport for some nationalities ($55 fee), but pre-approval is recommended to avoid queues during high-traffic periods.
Travel Insurance
While not mandatory, comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas like the Casamance region), trip delays, and activities such as safaris or beach excursions.
Policies from international providers start at $10-20 per week; ensure coverage for tropical diseases like malaria, which is prevalent year-round.
Extensions Possible
Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be requested at the Direction de l'Administration du Territoire in Dakar or regional offices, requiring proof of funds, accommodation, and a valid reason like extended tourism or business.
Fees range from $30-50, with processing in 5-10 days; overstay fines are $10/day, so apply early to avoid penalties.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Dakar by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Opt for street vendors or maquis serving thieboudienne (national dish) for under 3,000 XOF, avoiding upscale tourist spots in Dakar to cut food costs by up to 60%.
Fresh markets like Sandaga offer affordable fruits, grilled fish, and communal meals that immerse you in Senegalese culture while staying budget-friendly.
Public Transport Passes
Use bush taxis (sept-place) for intercity travel at 5,000-15,000 XOF per leg, or get a Dakar Dem Dikk card for unlimited urban bus rides at 500 XOF/day, slashing transport expenses.
Shared aluguers (minivans) connect remote areas cheaply; negotiate fares upfront for group savings on longer routes like to Saint-Louis.
Free Attractions
Explore Gorée Island's history (ferry 2,000 XOF round-trip), Pink Lake's natural wonders, or Dakar's beaches and markets without entry fees, providing authentic experiences at no extra cost.
Many national parks like Bandia Reserve offer free birdwatching zones; join free walking tours in colonial districts to learn without guided expenses.
Card vs Cash
Cash is king in rural areas and markets, but cards (Visa/Mastercard) work in Dakar hotels and supermarkets; ATMs are plentiful in cities but charge 500-1,000 XOF fees.
Exchange USD/EUR at banks for better rates than airports; carry small notes (1,000-5,000 XOF) to avoid change issues in informal spots.
Multi-Site Discounts
Purchase a Senegal Heritage Pass for bundled entry to museums, reserves, and sites like the Sine-Saloum Delta at 10,000 XOF for multiple visits, ideal for cultural explorers.
It covers 5-7 attractions and pays off quickly; combine with free festivals like the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival for comprehensive savings.
Smart Packing for Senegal
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection and mosquito deterrence during evenings in coastal areas.
Respect local Muslim customs with modest attire like knee-length skirts or pants for women and covered shoulders for all; include a scarf for mosques and dusty harmattan winds.
Electronics
Bring adapters for Type C, D, E, or K plugs (220V), a portable power bank for off-grid spots like the Ferlo region, and a waterproof phone case for beach trips.
Download offline maps (e.g., Maps.me), a translation app for Wolof/French, and a solar charger to handle frequent power outages in rural Senegal.
Health & Safety
Carry proof of yellow fever vaccination (mandatory), malaria prophylaxis, a comprehensive first-aid kit with antidiarrheals, and high-SPF sunscreen (50+) for intense UV exposure.
Include rehydration salts for heat-related issues, personal medications, and a health insurance card; pack a mosquito net for Casamance eco-lodges where bites are common.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with anti-theft features for markets, a reusable water bottle with filter for safe hydration beyond bottled water, and a lightweight sleeping sheet for variable accommodations.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for cash security, and a headlamp for evening power cuts or stargazing in the Sahel desert areas.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for dusty roads and national parks like Niokolo-Koba, where terrain can be rugged and sandy.
Pack flip-flops for beach relaxation in Saly or Saloum, and waterproof boots for rainy season treks; break them in to avoid blisters on long walks in Dakar.
Personal Care
Include DEET-based insect repellent (30%+), biodegradable soap for eco-sensitive areas, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield from equatorial sun during midday explorations.
Travel-sized wet wipes and dry shampoo help in hot, humid conditions; don't forget lip balm with SPF and a compact fan for relief in non-air-conditioned transport.
When to Visit Senegal
Dry Season (December-February)
The coolest and most comfortable period with temperatures of 20-30°C, low humidity, and minimal rain, ideal for exploring Dakar, Gorée Island, and the Petite Côte beaches without discomfort.
Perfect for cultural festivals like the Dakar Carnival and wildlife viewing in reserves, though harmattan winds may bring dust to northern areas.
Hot Dry Season (March-May)
Warm to hot weather (25-40°C) with clear skies, great for birdwatching migrations in Djoudj National Park and beach hopping in Cap Skirring before the rains arrive.
Expect fewer crowds and lower prices, but stay hydrated; it's prime time for sailing on the Saloum Delta or visiting remote villages in the east.
Rainy Season Start (June-August)
Heavy showers (30-35°C, humid) turn landscapes lush green, offering discounted eco-tours in the Niokolo-Koba Park and fewer tourists at Sine-Saloum's mangroves.
Ideal for cultural immersion during Tabaski celebrations, though roads may flood; pack rain gear for short, intense downpours that refresh the air.
Post-Rainy Transition (September-November)
Decreasing rains with warm temperatures (25-32°C) and blooming flora, excellent for hiking in Bassari Country and fishing communities along the coast.
Harvest season brings vibrant markets and festivals like the Saint-Louis Jazz event; humidity drops, making it a shoulder season gem for balanced weather and costs.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF). Fixed rate to Euro (1 EUR = 655.957 XOF). Cards accepted in cities; cash essential elsewhere. ATMs in major towns.
- Language: French is official; Wolof widely spoken. English understood in tourist hubs like Dakar and Saly; basic phrases help in rural areas.
- Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC+0) year-round, no daylight saving.
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz. Type C, D, E, K plugs (mix of European and African standards); power surges common, use a stabilizer.
- Emergency Number: 112 for general emergencies; 17 for police, 18 for fire, 15 for ambulance. Medical services vary by location.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10% in restaurants, 500-1,000 XOF for guides or porters. Round up taxi fares.
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or filtered. Avoid ice in rural areas to prevent gastrointestinal issues.
- Pharmacies: Available in cities (look for "Pharmacie" signs); stock basic meds, but bring prescriptions for chronic conditions.