Senegal entry requirements for United Kingdom 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
British passport holders can visit Senegal for tourism or business stays up to 90 days without a visa. As of 2026, you only need a valid passport and a return ticket. This applies whether you fly into Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar or cross a land border.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must cover your entire stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the full duration of your stay in Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in, and immigration officers enforce it strictly. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration officers routinely ask for proof of onward travel. Have a printed or digital copy of your return flight or a ticket to your next destination ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host. Officers may ask for it, especially if you arrive without a clear itinerary. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Cash, card, or bank statement | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement, credit card, or cash (CFA francs or euros). Officers rarely check this for short visits, but it helps to have it. | Recommended |
No visa needed for 90 days
British passport holders can stay up to 90 days without a visa. This applies to tourism, business, and family visits. You cannot work or study without the appropriate permit.
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Airlines check this before boarding. If you're close to expiry, renew before you go.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. Join the queue for foreign passports. Have your passport and return ticket ready. The officer will stamp you in — usually takes 1-2 minutes. No visa fee.
2
Collect your luggage
After passport control, head to baggage claim. Bags usually arrive within 15-20 minutes. If you have a connecting flight, follow transit signs.
3
Customs clearance
Walk through the green 'Nothing to Declare' channel if you have no restricted items. Random checks happen occasionally. Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · United Kingdom 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, extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost~50,000 XOF (~$80 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy before travel.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, extendable
Validity1 year from issue
Cost~100,000 XOF (~$160 USD)
For frequent travellers; apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost~200,000 XOF (~$320 USD)
For work, study, or family reunification; requires sponsorship.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~200,000 XOF (~$320 USD) application fee
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer sponsorship and work contract. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Visa Étudiant
1 year, renewable
~100,000 XOF (~$160 USD) application fee
For enrolled students at a recognised Senegalese institution. Requires proof of enrolment and sufficient funds.
investor visa
Visa Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~$800 USD) application fee
For investors with a minimum investment of ~$50,000 USD in Senegal. Includes residency rights.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayOverstay penalties are enforced; avoid overstaying. | Unknown (estimated ~5,000 XOF/day, ~$8 USD) |
| Tourist visa (single entry, for longer stays)For stays beyond 90 days; apply at embassy before travel. | ~50,000 XOF (~$80 USD) |
| Tourist visa (multiple entry)For multiple entries; valid up to 1 year. | ~100,000 XOF (~$160 USD) |
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
UK passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If leaving the airport or staying overnight, a visa may be required.
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with yellow fever risk; otherwise recommended.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country; prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Mosquito-borne; outbreaks occur in urban areas.
Food/waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common; avoid tap water and street food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Senegal, 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 du Contrôle des Frontières
Route de l'Aéroport, Dakar
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Main office for visa extensions and permits; bring passport, photos, and fee.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–16:00
Handles extensions for northern region; limited services.
Practical information for GB 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. The visa-free stay is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you must leave Senegal before day 90 and re-enter. Overstaying can result in fines or a ban.
Yes, if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. The UK is not a risk country, so you won't need it if flying directly from the UK. 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 a vaccination certificate.
You will likely be denied boarding by the airline or refused entry at the border. Renew your passport before traveling. No exceptions.
Yes, British passport holders can enter visa-free at land borders (e.g., from The Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau). The same 90-day limit applies. Have your passport and return ticket ready.
No. There is no arrival declaration required for British passport holders. Just show up with your passport and return ticket.
The local currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and larger shops, but you'll get better rates using local currency. ATMs are available in Dakar and major towns. Credit cards are accepted in upscale hotels and restaurants, but cash is king elsewhere.
Senegal is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime (pickpocketing, bag snatching) happens in crowded areas like markets and bus stations. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Keep valuables out of sight. The political situation is stable, but check your government's travel advisory before booking.
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.