Senegal entry requirements for New Zealand passport holders
Checked daily · Updated May 17, 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
New Zealand passport holders can get a visa on arrival in Senegal. The process happens at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar. As of 2026, you'll need to present a few documents and pay the fee in cash.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Visa on arrival Visa on arrival | You can get a visa on arrival at Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport and other land borders. Have 50,000 CFA francs (about $85 USD) in cash for the single-entry tourist visa, valid for up to 90 days. The visa on arrival is not extendable. | Required |
| Valid passport Passport validity | Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Senegal. Airlines check this before boarding — if your passport expires sooner, you will be denied boarding. | Required |
| Return or onward ticket Proof of onward travel | Immigration officers routinely ask for a return or onward ticket at passport control. Have a printed or digital copy of your outbound flight booking ready — they may refuse entry without it. | Recommended |
| Proof of accommodation Hotel booking or invitation letter | Carry a printed hotel reservation or a letter of invitation from your host in Senegal. Immigration may ask where you are staying, especially if you arrive without a pre-booked hotel. | Recommended |
| Proof of funds Financial means | Have evidence of sufficient funds for your stay — a bank statement or credit card showing at least 200,000 CFA francs ($330 USD) for a short trip. Officers rarely ask, but it helps if questioned. | Recommended |
Cash is king at the airport
The visa fee must be paid in cash. There are ATMs at the airport, but they can be unreliable. Bring euros or CFA francs. US dollars are not accepted.
Yellow fever vaccine is mandatory
You must have a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. It's checked at immigration. If you don't have one, you may be vaccinated on the spot (for a fee) or refused entry.
What happens at the border
1
Arrive at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
After landing, follow signs to 'Arrivals' and then 'Visa on Arrival'. There's a dedicated counter before passport control.
2
Fill out the visa application form
You'll be given a small form. Fill in your details (name, passport number, flight info, where you're staying). Keep it simple.
3
Submit documents and pay the fee
Hand over your passport, photos, completed form, and cash. The officer will process it. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
4
Receive your visa and proceed to passport control
The visa sticker is placed in your passport. Then head to the main immigration queue. Show your passport and onward ticket if asked.
Download Senegal Entry Checklist
PDF · New Zealand Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated May 17, 2026
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Tourist visa (single entry, 30 days)
Max stay30 days, non-extendable
Validity3 months from issue
Cost50,000 XOF (~$85 USD)
Apply at Senegalese embassy abroad or on arrival.
Tourist visa (multiple entry, 90 days)
Max stay90 days total, max 30 days per visit
Validity6 months from issue
Cost100,000 XOF (~$170 USD)
Requires supporting documents for multiple entries.
Long-stay visa (visiteur)
Max stay1 year, renewable
Validity1 year
Cost200,000 XOF (~$340 USD)
Requires proof of accommodation, funds, and purpose.
work visa
Carte de Séjour (Travailleur)
1 year, renewable
~200,000 XOF (~$340 USD) + employer sponsorship
For those with a job offer in Senegal. Requires work contract, employer registration, and medical check. Allows multiple entries.
student visa
Carte de Séjour (Étudiant)
1 year, renewable annually
~50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) + proof of enrollment
For students enrolled at a recognized Senegalese institution. Requires acceptance letter, proof of funds, and health insurance.
investor visa
Carte de Séjour (Investisseur)
2 years, renewable
~500,000 XOF (~$850 USD) + minimum investment of 10 million XOF
For investors starting a business in Senegal. Requires business plan, proof of investment, and local partnership.
Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa on arrival (single entry, 30 days)Payable in cash (CFA) at the airport. Have exact change. | 50,000 XOF (~$85 USD) |
| Visa on arrival (multiple entry, 90 days)Available at Dakar airport; requires additional justification. | 100,000 XOF (~$170 USD) |
| Overstay finePay at immigration office before departure. | 5,000 XOF (~$8.50 USD) per day, max 100,000 XOF (~$170 USD) |
Common reasons for entry denial
No return ticket30%
Insufficient funds25%
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
New Zealand passport holders transiting through Senegal do not need a visa if staying airside and not passing through immigration. For landside transit (e.g., changing airports), a visa on arrival is required.
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 must be presented at entry.
Recommended vaccines
Hepatitis AEssentialTyphoidEssentialRoutine vaccines (MMR, DTP, polio)RecommendedRabiesConsider
Health risks
MalariaHigh risk
Present throughout Senegal; prophylaxis recommended for all travellers.
Dengue feverModerate risk
Outbreaks occur; use mosquito repellent and sleep under nets.
Food and waterborne diseasesHigh risk
Common due to contaminated food/water; drink bottled water and eat well-cooked food.
Malaria risk: high
Risk is high nationwide, especially in rural areas. Prophylaxis (e.g., atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline) is strongly recommended.
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 08:30–16:30
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 08:30–16:00
Handles extensions for travellers in northern Senegal.
Practical information for NZ 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
The fee is 50,000 XOF (West African CFA francs). That's roughly €75 or NZ$130. You can pay in euros or CFA francs. Credit cards are not accepted, so bring cash.
The visa on arrival is typically valid for 30 days. It's a single-entry visa. If you need to stay longer, you can apply for an extension at the immigration office in Dakar.
Yes, extensions are possible. You'll need to visit the Direction de la Police des Frontières in Dakar. The process takes a few days and costs around 20,000 XOF. It's best to start early.
Visa on arrival is available at most land borders, but the process can be slower and less predictable. The main land crossings (from Mali, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau) usually have the facility. Have cash and photos ready.
Yes, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry into Senegal. You'll be asked to show it at immigration. If you don't have it, you may be vaccinated at the airport (for a fee) or denied entry.
You will be denied a visa on arrival. The 6-month rule is strictly enforced. Renew your passport before traveling.
Yes, you can apply for an e-visa before you travel. The e-visa costs about 50,000 XOF and takes 3-5 business days to process. It's a good option if you want to skip the queue at the airport.
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.