Senegal entry requirements for Ethiopia 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
Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport. This is the standard way to enter Senegal for tourism or business in 2026 — no need to apply in advance.
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 | Ethiopian passport holders can get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport. Have 50,000 XOF (approx. $80 USD) in cash for the single-entry visa valid up to 90 days. The visa on arrival counter is before immigration — follow the 'Visa on Arrival' signs.Check visa portal | 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 Addis Ababa Bole Airport will check this before boarding — they want to see at least one blank page for the visa sticker. | 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 of your booking ready — they check this at the visa on arrival counter. | Required |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Immigration may ask for your hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Have a printed booking confirmation or a digital copy on your phone ready to show. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Evidence of sufficient money for your stay | Officers may ask to see proof you can support yourself during your trip. Carry a bank statement or credit card showing available funds — 100,000 XOF (approx. $160 USD) per week is a safe benchmark. | Recommended |
Cash only for visa fee
The visa on arrival counter does not accept credit cards. Bring Euros or CFA francs in cash. ATMs are available after you pass immigration, but you'll need the fee before that.
Yellow fever certificate may be requested
Senegal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you're arriving from a country with risk of transmission. Ethiopia is on that list. Carry your certificate with your passport.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport
After deplaning, follow signs to 'Visa on Arrival' or 'Immigration'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control. Queue here — it's usually quick.
2
Present documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, completed arrival card (usually given on the plane), and your return ticket. Pay the visa fee in cash — Euros or CFA francs are accepted. As of 2026, the fee is around €55 or 35,000 XOF.
3
Receive visa and proceed to passport control
The officer stamps the visa into your passport. Then walk to the main passport control line, get your entry stamp, and collect your luggage.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Ethiopia 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 Ethiopian passport holders
Visa on arrival is free; no need to apply in advance.
Long-stay visa (carte de séjour)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~50,000 XOF (~80 USD)
Requires sponsorship or work permit; apply at Direction de l'Immigration in Dakar.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~50,000 XOF (~80 USD) plus employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires work permit from Ministry of Labour and proof of employment. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable
~30,000 XOF (~48 USD)
For students enrolled in a Senegalese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds. Allows part-time work.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry)Citizens of Ethiopia can obtain a visa on arrival at Dakar airport at no cost for stays up to 90 days. | Free (0 USD) |
| Overstay fineOverstay penalties are enforced but exact rates may vary; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~5,000 XOF per day, ~8 USD) |
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
Ethiopian passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit, a visa on arrival is required.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- Holders of a valid US, Schengen, or UK visa may transit without visa for up to 72 hours.
Transit hubsAéroport International Blaise Diagne (DSS), Dakar
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk (Ethiopia is endemic). Must show certificate at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks in urban areas; mosquito avoidance advised.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil) 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 (Ministère de l'Intérieur)
Rue de la République, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and residence permits; bring passport, photos, and proof of accommodation.
Dakar
Aéroport International Blaise Diagne (DSS) Immigration Desk
Dakar Airport, Arrivals Hall
24/7
Visa on arrival issued here; for urgent issues, contact this desk.
Practical information for ET 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 approximately €55 or 35,000 CFA francs. Pay in cash — Euros or local currency are both accepted. Credit cards are not accepted at the visa counter.
No, the visa on arrival is not extendable. If you need to stay longer than the initial period (usually 30 days), you must apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar before your visa expires.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission, including Ethiopia. You may be asked to show it at immigration.
Visa on arrival is only available at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). If you enter by land from a neighbouring country, you must have obtained a visa in advance from a Senegalese embassy.
Usually 10–20 minutes at the dedicated counter. The whole process from landing to exiting the airport can take 30–60 minutes depending on queues.
Yes, the visa on arrival covers both tourism and short business visits. For longer work assignments or paid employment, you need a work visa arranged before travel.
Your passport (valid 6+ months), a completed arrival card, a return or onward ticket, and proof of accommodation. Have these ready to speed things up.
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.