Is it safe to travel to Senegal right now?

This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Senegal’s current rules for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Senegal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Senegal in the UK.

Passport validity requirements

To enter Senegal, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.

Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.

You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.

Dual nationals

When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.

Visa requirements

You can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months.

You need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you do not have these, you may be refused entry.

If you want to stay longer than 3 months, you must register with local authorities after you arrive. They will issue you with a Carte d’étranger, which you must carry as identification.

Vaccine requirements

You must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. This includes if you have transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Babies aged 9 months and under are exempt.

You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Senegal.

For full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Senegal guide.

Customs rules

There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Senegal (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.

Some countries have imposed measures in response to the Ebola disease outbreak. These can include restrictions on entry and health screening measures for travellers having recently visited an affected country. If you are suspected of having symptoms, you may be subject to isolation, quarantine and/or travel restrictions. Contact the authorities of the country you are travelling to for more details.

The authorities of a country or territory decide who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from local authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you're travelling with.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Senegal.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

You should also be aware that current systems used by some countries and travel companies may not recognize the “X” gender identifier. You may still be asked to provide your sex/gender information as either male or female when travelling.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, verify this information with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics
• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports and other travel documents

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays 90 days or less
Business visa: not required for stays of 90 days or less
Student visa: not required for stays of 90 days or less

Canadians do not need a visa for stays of less than 90 days.

Extending your stay

If you need to extend your stay beyond 90 days, you must either:

• leave the country and return at a later date
• apply for a “foreign identity card”

To obtain a “foreign identity card,” you must submit an application to the Direction de la police des étrangers et des titres de voyage before your 90‑day stay authorization expires

Direction de la police des étrangers et des titres de voyage – Ministry of Interior and Public Safety (in French)

Children and travel

Learn about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).