Senegal entry requirements for Australia passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
Australian passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Senegal. You'll handle it at the airport in Dakar — no need to apply before you travel. This has been the case for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Dakar airport | Get your visa on arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). Pay the fee in cash — EUR 50 or USD 55 — and have a passport photo ready. The process takes about 10–15 minutes at the visa counter before immigration. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your Australian passport needs at least 6 months of remaining validity from your date of entry into Senegal. Airlines check this before boarding, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers routinely ask for a confirmed onward or return ticket. Have a printed copy or a digital version on your phone ready to show at the visa counter and passport control. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or an invitation letter from your host. Immigration may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Have at least 200,000 CFA francs (about EUR 300) in cash or a recent bank statement showing sufficient funds. Officers rarely check this, but it's safer to have it ready. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival counter at Dakar airport does not accept credit or debit cards. Bring EUR or XOF in cash. Small bills are best — you don't want to break a large note.
Yellow fever vaccine recommended
While not mandatory for direct flights from Australia, the yellow fever vaccine is strongly recommended. Carry your International Certificate of Vaccination — it may be checked on arrival.
What happens at the border
1
Land at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll get a small form to complete — basic personal info, passport details, and where you're staying. Have your accommodation address handy.
3
Pay the visa fee
Hand over your passport, form, and cash (EUR or XOF). The officer will process payment and issue a receipt. No card payments.
4
Receive your visa sticker
The officer will affix a visa sticker into your passport. Check the validity dates before walking away.
5
Proceed to passport control
Join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the new visa, and your boarding pass. You're in.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Australia Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry)
Max stay90 days
Validity3 months from issue
Cost50,000 XOF (~$85 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad; allows longer stay than VoA.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost100,000 XOF (~$170 USD)
For frequent travellers; requires embassy application.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~100,000 XOF (~$170 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer to sponsor and provide contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) plus proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on Arrival (single entry)Payable in cash (CFA francs) at the airport upon arrival. | 50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayNo official cap reported; avoid overstaying. | 5,000 XOF (~$8.50 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel 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
Australian passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. However, if you need to enter the country (e.g., to change airports or overnight), a visa on arrival is available.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks; use mosquito repellent.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is present year-round in all regions. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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
Route de l'Aéroport, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Senegal.
Practical information for AU 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 = 563.11 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 typically around 50–100 EUR (or the equivalent in XOF). Exact amounts can vary slightly — bring a bit extra in small denominations. Cards are not accepted.
Usually 15–30 minutes, but can be longer if multiple flights arrive at once. The queue moves steadily. Have your form filled out before you reach the counter.
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 entry if you're arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. If you're flying directly from Australia, it's not mandatory, but it's strongly recommended to get the vaccine anyway.
You'll likely be denied the visa on arrival. Renew your passport before you travel. The 6-month validity is strictly enforced.
The visa on arrival is primarily available at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport. Land border crossings may have different rules — check with the nearest Senegalese embassy if you're entering overland.
No, proof of funds is not required for the visa on arrival. But having a credit card or some cash is always sensible for your trip.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 17, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.