Dakar Entry Requirements

Children must have their own passport (valid for 6+ months) and yellow fever vaccination certificate if over 9 months old. Minors (under 18) traveling without both parents should carry a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent(s) authorizing the travel, including contact information and copies of the absent parents' passports. This is particularly important for children traveling with one parent, grandparents, or other adults. The letter should be in French or English and state the duration and purpose of travel. Divorced or separated parents should carry custody documents. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. Birth certificates may be requested to prove relationship. Some airlines have additional requirements for unaccompanied minors.

Pets (dogs and cats) require: 1) ISO-compatible microchip for identification, 2) Valid rabies vaccination certificate (administered at least 21 days before travel but not expired), 3) International health certificate issued by licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, 4) Import permit from Senegalese veterinary services (Direction des Services Vétérinaires) obtained in advance, 5) Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites. Pets must enter through Blaise Diagne International Airport. There may be a quarantine period depending on origin country and documentation. Certain breeds may be restricted. Birds and exotic animals have additional requirements. Contact the Senegalese embassy for current pet import forms and procedures at least 6-8 weeks before travel. Airlines have their own pet policies and fees.

Tourist visas and visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days. To stay longer, you must apply for an extension at the Direction de la Police des Étrangers et des Titres de Voyage (DPETV) in Dakar before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are not guaranteed and require valid reasons (work, study, family, etc.). Required documents typically include: valid passport, current visa/entry stamp, passport photos, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, letter explaining reason for extension, and application fee (varies). Apply at least 2 weeks before your visa expires. Overstaying your visa can result in fines, detention, deportation, and future entry bans. For stays beyond 90 days, consider applying for appropriate long-term visa (work, student, residence) through an embassy before travel.

Business visitors may enter on tourist visa but cannot engage in formal employment. For business meetings, conferences, or short-term consulting, carry: invitation letter from Senegalese company/organization, business registration documents, letter from your employer explaining purpose of visit, and proof of business activities. For formal employment or contracts, a work permit (Autorisation de Travail) is required, sponsored by the employing Senegalese company. Work permits are applied for through the Ministry of Labor and must be obtained before starting work. Business travelers should also carry business cards and any relevant professional credentials.

Students planning to study in Senegal need a student visa obtained through a Senegalese embassy before travel. Required documents include: acceptance letter from recognized Senegalese educational institution, proof of enrollment and payment, proof of accommodation, proof of financial support for duration of studies, academic transcripts, and valid passport. Student visas can be extended annually with proof of continued enrollment. Researchers require additional authorization from relevant Senegalese academic or research institutions and may need research permits depending on field of study. Archaeological, environmental, and social research may require permits from specific ministries.

Dual nationals (Senegalese and another nationality) should enter and exit Senegal using their Senegalese passport. Former Senegalese citizens who renounced citizenship should carry proof of renunciation and enter on their current nationality's passport. Those with Senegalese heritage may be questioned about family connections and previous citizenship status. Senegalese authorities may not recognize dual nationality in all circumstances, which can affect consular assistance from other countries.

Professional journalists and media crew should obtain journalist visas through a Senegalese embassy before travel. Accreditation from the Ministry of Communication is required for official journalism activities. Carry press credentials, assignment letters, and equipment lists. Professional filming and photography equipment may require temporary import permits and customs bonds. Drones require special authorization from aviation and security authorities and are heavily restricted. Journalists should be aware of local media laws and restrictions on certain topics. Tourist visa holders cannot engage in professional journalism without proper accreditation.