Senegal entry requirements for Bahrain passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed June 28, 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
Bahraini passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Senegal. It's valid for up to 90 days and costs 55,000 XOF (about $90 USD). Pay in cash at the immigration desk in Dakar's airport.
Apply for Senegal eVisaOfficial portal: Senegal eVisa Portal
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport | Get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport. Pay the fee in cash (EUR or XOF) — have exact change ready. The visa is valid for up to 90 days, but the officer decides the exact duration at the counter. | Required |
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of stay | Your passport must be valid for at least the length of your stay in Senegal. Airlines at Bahrain International Airport may ask to see your passport before boarding — they sometimes enforce a 6-month validity rule even if Senegal doesn't require it. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers at Dakar airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed copy or a screenshot on your phone ready. A flight booking confirmation showing your name and departure date works. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Have a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host ready. Immigration may ask for it if you look unsure about where you're staying. A printed booking confirmation or a screenshot on your phone works. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash or bank statement | Carry enough cash (EUR or XOF) or a bank statement showing you can support yourself. Immigration rarely asks, but if they do, 500 EUR or equivalent in XOF per week is a safe amount. ATMs at Dakar airport work with international cards. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa on arrival
The visa fee must be paid in cash at the airport. No cards, no mobile payments. Bring 55,000 XOF or equivalent in euros/US dollars. Exchange desks at the airport may give poor rates, so it's better to arrive with XOF.
Visa on arrival is for tourism only
This visa is for short-term tourism, business visits, or family visits. If you plan to work, study, or stay longer than 90 days, you need to apply for the appropriate visa at a Senegalese embassy before travel.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dakar 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. Queue up, fill out a short form (name, passport number, flight details), and hand over your passport and 55,000 XOF in cash. The officer will process the visa sticker and stamp you in. Expect 10–20 minutes.
2
Proceed to passport control
Once you have the visa sticker, join the main passport control queue. Show your passport with the visa, your boarding pass, and your return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp your passport and you're in.
3
Collect luggage and exit
After passport control, head to baggage claim, then customs. There's usually no customs check for personal items. Exit into the arrivals hall.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Bahrain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated June 28, 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
CostFree (0 USD) for Bahrain passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; no need to apply in advance.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months from issue
CostFree (0 USD) for Bahrain passport holders
Multiple entries allowed under visa-free arrangement; no separate visa needed.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~50,000 XOF (~80 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~30,000 XOF (~48 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at recognized Senegalese institutions. Requires proof of enrollment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~100,000 XOF (~160 USD) application fee
For investors making a significant economic contribution (minimum investment ~$50,000). Requires business plan and proof of funds.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Visa on arrival is free for Bahrain passport holders for stays up to 90 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay fines are enforced; avoid overstaying to prevent penalties and future entry issues. | Unknown (estimated 5,000–10,000 XOF per day, ~8–16 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
Bahrain passport holders do not need a transit visa to change planes in Senegal, provided they remain airside and have a confirmed onward ticket.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever transmission risk; certificate may be requested at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialYellow FeverEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
High risk throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled or boiled water, avoid street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) 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
Avenue Léopold Sédar Senghor, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and immigration matters; bring passport and proof of funds.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Rue de la République, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Regional office for northern Senegal; limited services, call ahead.
Practical information for BH 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 = 574.19 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 visa on arrival costs 55,000 XOF (West African CFA francs). That's roughly $90 USD or €80. You must pay in cash — no credit or debit cards accepted. Bring crisp, clean bills if using foreign currency; some exchange desks at the airport may accept euros or dollars but it's safer to have XOF.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. You get up to 90 days on entry. If you need to stay longer, you'd have to leave and re-enter, or apply for a different visa type before travel.
The visa on arrival is available at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). For land borders (e.g., from The Gambia, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea-Bissau), you generally need to arrange a visa in advance. Check with the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate before traveling overland.
Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Bahrain is not a risk country, but if you've recently traveled to any country in sub-Saharan Africa or South America, you'll need to show the yellow card. Even if not required, it's recommended to get the vaccine — it's a one-time shot.
You'll need your passport (valid 6+ months), the visa on arrival fee in cash, and your return or onward ticket. Immigration may also ask for your first night's accommodation booking. Having a printed or digital copy of your hotel confirmation helps.
If you're transiting and staying airside (not passing through immigration), you don't need a visa. But if you need to leave the airport or have a long layover where you want to enter the country, you'll need the visa on arrival. The same rules apply — cash and passport validity.
Carrying 55,000 XOF (about $90) is generally safe, but use common sense. Keep it in a money belt or hidden pouch. The airport is secure, but once you're outside, avoid flashing cash. ATMs in Dakar dispense XOF, so you can withdraw more after arrival if needed.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on June 28, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.