Everything You Need To Know About A Senegal Visa

Visitors from the UK traveling to Senegal do not need a visa to enter the country if they are entering its borders for tourism or business purposes. 

British passport holders can stay in Senegal for up to a maximum period of 90 days.

The UK falls in the list of 57 countries that are included in the visa-free regime. Additionally, visas on arrival are available for the nationalities of 69 nations. 

All other citizens must visit the nearest embassy and apply for a consular visa.

If your intended period of stay in Senegal exceeds 3 months, you need to register with the local authorities and get a ‘Carte d’Etranger’.

What should you know before the availing of visa exemption to enter Senegal?

Passport requirements

You can use an ordinary British passport to enter Senegal under the visa-exemption policy. Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 3 months from the date of departing Senegal. However, it is advisable to always carry a 6-month valid passport at all times during international travel.

Additionally, your passport should have a minimum of 2 blank pages for immigration authorities to place the required stamps during entry into and exit from Senegal.

Transit requirements

One of the most important requirements that sometimes travelers tend to ignore is to check if their flight itinerary has overseas connecting flights. If the answer is yes, you should know that some countries may have separate transit visa requirements. Therefore, ensure that you go through the transit checklists of countries that may form a part of your travel itinerary.

Additionally, confirm with your airlines, before your travel dates, whether they allow boarding without a visa. Sometimes, these rules change without prior notification.

Required documentation

Additional documents that you are advised to carry (apart from your passport) include:

• Evidence of return or onward travel. At times, immigration officials may refuse you entry if you do not present your return/onward tickets.
• Proof of sufficient funds to sustain your stay in Senegal. You can present this in the form of bank statements or cash.
• Necessary documentation that allows you entry into the next destination on your itinerary.
• Documents that specify the exact purpose of your trip.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

The government of Senegal accepts UK Emergency Travel Documents at points of entry, exit, and transit through the nation. You can apply for an ETD when you lose your passport, it gets stolen, damaged, or expired. However, if you still have more than 3 weeks left for your departure, you can apply for a new passport at the British Embassy in Dakar.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Senegal poses a threat of yellow fever throughout the country. Hence, it is advisable that you get the required yellow fever vaccination before entering its borders.

Additionally, Senegal also has a risk of Zika virus transmission. Health facilities are limited in the nation. So, ensure that you carry adequate medical insurance while visiting the country. You should also exercise precautions so that you are not exposed to HIV when staying in Senegal.

Local traditions

Senegal is predominantly an Islamic country. Therefore, it is advisable that you dress modestly while traveling on its streets. Additionally, public display of affection and LGBT activities are a strict no-no within the nation’s borders.