Senegal entry requirements for Spain passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 2026·View sources
No visa required
90 days
Max stay
90 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
Spanish passport holders can enter Senegal without a visa for stays up to 90 days. This visa-free policy started in 2024, making travel straightforward for tourism or short business trips. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your Spanish passport only needs to be valid for the time you plan to stay in Senegal. Airlines sometimes ask for 6 months validity — check with your carrier before flying. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport routinely ask for a return or onward ticket. Have a printed or digital copy ready — they check this before stamping you in. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers rarely ask for it, but having it avoids delays at the counter. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Have a bank statement or credit card ready. Immigration may ask how you'll fund your stay — a recent statement showing a few hundred euros is enough. | Recommended |
| Yellow fever vaccination Required for entry | Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all travellers over 1 year old. Carry the original WHO card — officers at Dakar airport check it before passport control. | Required |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check this before you board. If your passport has less than 6 months validity from your entry date, you'll be denied boarding — no exceptions. Check your passport now, not at the airport.
No visa, but still need a return ticket
Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. A one-way ticket without a return or onward booking can get you refused entry. Always have a confirmed ticket out of Senegal.
What happens at the border
1
Prepare your documents
Before you leave Spain, check your passport validity (6+ months from entry), print or screenshot your return ticket, and save your first night's accommodation confirmation. Also grab a local SIM or eSIM so you're connected on arrival.
2
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Most flights land at Dakar's new airport. Follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passports'. There are separate queues for foreign nationals and Senegalese citizens — join the foreign nationals line.
3
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (with a blank page) and your return ticket if asked. The officer will stamp you in. No visa fee, no forms to fill. The whole process usually takes 5–10 minutes.
4
Collect your luggage and exit
After immigration, head to baggage claim, then customs. Declare any large sums of cash (over €10,000 equivalent) or restricted goods. Otherwise, walk straight out.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Spain Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
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
Cost~$50 USD (varies by embassy)
For longer stays beyond visa-free period; apply at Senegalese embassy.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry
Validity6 months
Cost~$100 USD
Allows multiple entries; suitable for frequent travellers.
Long-stay visa
Max stay1 year
Validity1 year
Cost~$150 USD
Requires sponsorship or specific purpose (work, study).
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~$200 USD
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Student Visa (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~$100 USD
For enrolled students at a Senegalese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Investor Visa
2 years, renewable
~$500 USD
For significant investors in Senegal. Requires proof of investment and business plan.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties may apply; avoid overstaying to prevent fines or bans. | Unknown (estimated ~$10 USD/day) |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds30%
No return ticket25%
Suspicious travel pattern20%
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
Spain holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing immigration.
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 risk; certificate may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)EssentialRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal; prophylaxis recommended.
DengueModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Malaria is high risk nationwide; use prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) and mosquito repellent.
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
Rue de la République, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport and photos.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles immigration matters for northern region.
Practical information for ES 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
No, you don't. Spanish citizens can enter Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days. Just show up with a valid passport and a return ticket.
Up to 90 days per visit. The stay is counted from the date you enter. You cannot extend this period — if you want to stay longer, you'd need to apply for a residence permit or leave and re-enter.
No, the visa-free stay is not extendable. If you need more time, you must apply for a long-stay visa or residence permit at the Direction de l'Immigration in Dakar before your 90 days expire.
You'll likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before you travel — it's the most common reason for problems at immigration.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. Spain is not a risk country, so you won't need it if you fly directly from Spain. But if you've recently been in a yellow fever zone (e.g., parts of South America or sub-Saharan Africa), you'll need to show the yellow card. Check with your doctor.
No, there's no arrival declaration form for Senegal. You just walk up to immigration with your passport and return ticket. Simple.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you'll get better rates using local currency. Bring some euros to exchange at the airport or a bank. ATMs are available in Dakar but may be unreliable outside the capital.
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.