Are you ready for an exciting journey? Senegal, located on the west coast of Africa, is a young and vibrant country waiting to be explored. Whether you're looking for higher education, business opportunities, or to simply discover the country’s beauty and history, Senegal has something for everyone. From the bustling streets of Dakar to the ancient town of Saint-Louis, there's no shortage of amazing places to visit and things to do.
Are you rather looking for information on leaving Senegal? Click here
Do I need a passport to enter Senegal?
Citizens of certain countries can enter Senegal using a valid national ID card instead of a passport. This applies to member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Côte d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo.
For citizens of other countries, a valid passport is generally required to enter Senegal.
Are you looking for general information on passports? Click here
Do you need to know how to obtain a passport as a Senegalese citizen? Click here
Do I need a visa to enter Senegal?
If you are a national of one of the countries listed below, you do not need a visa for a stay of less than 3 months, but you must have a passport or laissez passer issued by that country valid for at least 6 months:
- African countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Congo (Brazzaville), Central African Republic, Côte d'Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Kenya, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Togo and Tunisia.
- European countries: France, Allemagne, Autriche, Belgique, Bulgarie, Chypre, Croatie, Danemark, Espagne, Estonie, Finlande, Grèce, Hongrie, Italie, Lettonie, Lituanie, Luxembourg, Malte, Pays-Bas, Pologne, Portugal, République Tchèque, Roumanie, Royaume Uni, Slovaquie, Slovénie, et Suède.
- Others: Brazil, Canada, China, Djibouti, Mauritius, India, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, United Arab Emirates, United States of America.
If you are a national of a country not mentioned above, you will need a visa to enter Senegal. People holding a refugee travel document also need a visa.
If you require further information, you can visit the website of the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs. There, you will also find contact details for specific inquiries, which you can make by phone or email.
How do I apply for a Senegalese visa?
Visas can be applied for at the Senegalese embassy or consulate in your country. You can consult the list of Senegalese embassies and consulates abroad on the website of the Ministry of African Integration and Foreign Affairs, where you’ll find their respective phone numbers and physical addresses.
Common requirements include a completed application form, a valid passport with at least six months' validity beyond the intended stay and at least two blank pages, recent passport-sized photos, proof of accommodation, a travel itinerary, proof of sufficient funds, travel insurance, and documents supporting the purpose of the visit. Payment of the non-refundable visa application fee is also required.
Additionally, on the "Au Sénégal" website, you can access information about Senegal. It provides detailed and up-to-date information about Senegalese embassies and consulates worldwide. The site is highly regarded for its comprehensive coverage of various aspects of Senegal, including tourism, culture, and practical information for the diaspora.
Can I get a residence permit in Senegal?
A residence permit is an official document that allows you to live in a country for an extended period, beyond the duration typically allowed by a standard tourist or family visit visa. This permit often grants additional rights, such as the ability to work, study, or access.
To apply for a residence permit in Senegal, you need to visit the Police des Étrangers (Foreign Police) located at Allées Ababacar Sy, next to the Commissariat de Police de Dieuppeul in Dakar.
The process to get your residence permit follows these main steps:
- Gather required documents: Collect all necessary documents (listed below).
- Submit application: Submit your application and documents in person at the Police des Étrangers.
- Biometric data collection: Undergo fingerprinting and photograph collection.
- Interview: Attend an interview if required.
- Collect temporary permit: Receive a temporary residency permit which you must renew every 6 months until the permanent card is issued.
Here are the required documents to submit your residence permit request:
- Application letter: Addressed to the Minister of Interior, specifying it is for a residency application.
- Passport: Copies of the first five pages, including the entry stamp to Senegal.
- Photos: Three passport-size photos.
- Birth certificate: Certified copy or an attestation provided by the consular section.
- Criminal record: From your country of origin or an attestation provided by the consular section.
- Stamp: 15,000 CFA (around 25 USD) stamp, available at local post offices or from street vendors.
- Work contract: If applicable, a one-year work contract legalized by Senegal Labour Inspection.
- Accommodation proof: Certificate of residence or a letter of accommodation.
- Medical certificate: From a local general practitioner.
- Repatriation bond: Submit a copy of the quittance to the Police des Étrangers.
For more detailed information about the Senegalese residence permit, you can visit the U.S. Embassy in Senegal's website.
Where can foreign nationals find legal assistance in Senegal?
Foreign nationals can find legal assistance in Senegal through several resources. First, they should contact their nearest embassy or consulate, which can provide advice and referrals to local legal services. In Senegal, the Ministry of Justice provides legal assistance and services to foreign nationals. They oversee various legal aid programmes and ensure access to justice for all residents, including immigrants and refugees.
For more specific assistance, you can contact the Direction de l'Administration Pénitentiaire et de la Réinsertion under the Ministry of Justice. They handle matters related to legal aid and the rights of detainees and foreign nationals.
International organizations, such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and various NGOs, often provide legal assistance or can direct individuals to appropriate resources. Other organizations through which foreign nationals in Senegal can find legal assistance are:
- Rencontre Africaine pour la Défense des Droits de l’Homme (RADDHO):
- Services: Provides legal counselling and services for refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Contact: B.P. 15246, Dakar, Sénégal. Tel: +221 82 46 056 or +221 77 521 66 36. Email: raddho@orange.sn or siegeraddho@gmail.com.
- Caritas Senegal - Point d’Accueil pour Réfugiés et Migrants (PARI):
- Services: Offers support for refugees and migrants, including legal assistance.
- Contact: Km 2, Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop B.P. 5915 Dakar, Sénégal. Tel: +221 33 822 01 53. Email: caritaspari@arc.sn
- Office Africaine pour le Développement et la Coopération (OFADEC):
- Services: Offers legal assistance and support for refugees and migrants.
- Contact: Villa No. 302 Hann Maristes II Dakar, Espace Residence, BP 1887, Dakar. Tel: +221 33 83 22 460. Email: info@ofadec.org
Additionally, many countries have legal aid societies or pro bono legal services that might assist foreigners in need.
To seek assistance from your embassy or consulate, you should:
- Contact them directly: Google the address, call their phone number or send an email detailing the nature of the assistance needed if an email address is provided, and plan to visit the embassy or consulate in person.
- Prepare documentation: Have relevant documents ready, such as your passport, proof of identity, and any documents related to the issue at hand.
- Follow their guidance: Embassy and consulate staff will provide instructions on the next steps, including filling out forms or attending meetings.
Embassies and consulates are essential resources for nationals abroad, offering support and services that can be crucial in times of need. For more information on legal assistance here.
Find resources and organizations to guide and support your journey.
Firefighters: 18
Gendarmerie: 123
SOS Medicin: +221 338891515