Senegal entry requirements for Malta passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 18, 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
Malta passport holders can enter Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days. No visa application is needed before travel — just show up at the airport with your passport and a few key documents. This policy is in effect for 2026.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport Must be valid for the duration of your stay | Your passport needs to be valid for the entire time you're in Senegal. Airlines check this at check-in. Six months validity beyond departure is not required — just cover your stay dates. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of departure from Senegal | Immigration at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport asks for a return or onward ticket. Airlines also enforce this at check-in. Have a printed or digital copy ready. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or host invitation | Officers may ask where you're staying. A hotel confirmation or letter from a host works. Have it accessible on your phone or printed. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Show you can support yourself | Immigration can request evidence of sufficient funds for your stay. A bank statement or credit card usually satisfies them. No specific minimum amount is published. | Recommended |
Passport validity is strictly enforced
Airlines check your passport validity at check-in. If you have less than 6 months remaining, you will not be allowed to board. Double-check your passport's expiry date before booking.
No visa, no fee — but have cash ready
Entry is free, but you may need cash for taxis, food, or accommodation on arrival. ATMs are available at the airport, but they sometimes run out of cash. Carry some euros or dollars to exchange.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Immigration' or 'Passport Control'. There are separate queues for foreign nationals and Senegalese citizens. Join the foreign nationals line.
2
Present your passport and documents
Hand over your passport (valid 6+ months) and your return/onward ticket. The officer may ask your purpose of visit and where you're staying. Answer clearly. They'll stamp your passport with a 90-day visa-free entry.
3
Collect your luggage and proceed to customs
After immigration, head to baggage claim. Customs is usually a green channel — you walk through unless you have something to declare. No forms to fill.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · Malta Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 18, 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, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
CostCFA 50,000 (~$80 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad. Not needed for visa-free entry but allows longer stay if pre-approved.
Tourist visa (multiple entry)
Max stay90 days per entry, valid 1 year
Validity1 year
CostCFA 100,000 (~$160 USD)
For frequent travellers. Apply at embassy.
Long-stay visa (visa de long séjour)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
CostCFA 200,000 (~$320 USD)
Requires proof of purpose (work, study, family). Apply at embassy.
work visa
Carte de Séjour pour Travailleur Salarié
1 year, renewable
~CFA 200,000 (~$320 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires employer to apply for work permit. Allows long-term residence.
student visa
Carte de Séjour pour Étudiant
1 year, renewable annually
~CFA 100,000 (~$160 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled in a Senegalese institution. Requires acceptance letter and proof of funds.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour pour Investisseur
2 years, renewable
~CFA 500,000 (~$800 USD) + minimum investment of CFA 50 million (~$80,000 USD)
For investors establishing a business in Senegal. Requires business plan and proof of investment.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Overstay fine per dayMaximum cap of CFA 500,000 (~$800 USD). Pay at immigration office before departure. | CFA 5,000 (~$8 USD) per day |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket35%
Insufficient funds25%
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
Malta passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a transit visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration.
Airside transitAllowed
Transit hubsBlaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Health & vaccines for Senegal
Required for entry
Yellow FeverRequired if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Proof of vaccination may be requested.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio, influenza)RecommendedRabiesConsiderMeningococcal meningitisConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout the country, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis recommended.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Occasional outbreaks, especially during rainy season. Use mosquito repellent.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water. Drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
High risk throughout Senegal, including urban areas. CDC recommends prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline, or mefloquine).
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 overstay fines. Bring passport, photos, and fee.
Saint-Louis
Service Régional de l'Immigration
Avenue Jean Mermoz, Saint-Louis
Mon–Fri 08:00–15:30
Handles local immigration matters. Limited services.
Practical information for MT 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. Malta passport holders get visa-free access for up to 90 days. Just show up with your passport and a return ticket.
No. The visa-free entry is not extendable. If you want to stay longer, you'd need to leave and re-enter, or apply for a visa at a Senegalese embassy before travel.
You will be denied boarding by the airline and refused entry at immigration. Renew your passport before traveling.
Senegal requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're arriving from a country with yellow fever risk. If you're traveling directly from Malta, it's not required, but it's recommended to get the vaccine anyway for your own protection.
The West African CFA franc (XOF). Euros and US dollars are sometimes accepted at hotels, but you'll get a better rate at ATMs or exchange offices. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels but not everywhere.
Senegal is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime like pickpocketing and bag snatching occurs in crowded areas, especially in Dakar. Keep valuables out of sight and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas.
No. There is no online arrival declaration or health form required for Senegal. Just show up with your passport and documents.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on May 18, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.