Skip to main content

Senegal Visa for South Africa Citizens 2026

Visa on Arrival

South African citizens need a visa to enter Senegal, obtainable as a visa on arrival at Dakar's Blaise Diagne International Airport or in advance through the online e-visa portal; fee around XOF 50,000 (about USD 85), processed same-day on arrival.

Guide last updated October 23, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, with at least 2 blank pages
  • No separate application form needed for the airport VOA; an online pre-registration form if using the e-visa portal (visasenegal.sn)
  • Proof of sufficient funds for your stay (bank statement or cash declaration)
  • Confirmed onward/return air ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter)
  • Passport-size photo, 35x45mm, white background, for the e-visa upload (VOA counters can photograph you on site)
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo captured on arrival at the VOA counter or immigration desk
  • Yellow fever vaccination certificate, required for all travelers from South Africa

Visa types

  • Tourist/Business visa on arrival (VOA): single entry, valid for a 90-day stay, issued at the airport
  • Online e-visa (pre-approved before departure): single or multiple entry, up to 90 days, approximately XOF 50,000 (about USD 85)
  • Transit visa: for layovers, free, valid 48-72 hours

Visa on arrival

  • Available at the immigration desk at Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) in Dakar
  • Present your passport, return ticket, and proof of accommodation at the VOA counter
  • Pay the fee in cash (XOF or USD) or by card where accepted
  • To skip the queue, apply online in advance at visasenegal.sn 48-72 hours before travel and print the approval
  • Airport processing usually takes 30-60 minutes; online pre-approval is issued within 24-48 hours

Fees & processing time

  • Visa on arrival / e-visa fee: approximately XOF 50,000 (about USD 85) for a single-entry 90-day visa
  • No separate service fee when applying directly at visasenegal.sn
  • Standard processing: same day on arrival, or 24-48 hours for online pre-approval
  • No dedicated express option; pre-applying online is the fastest route

Tips for South Africa travelers

  • Apply online via visasenegal.sn at least 2-3 days before departure to avoid airport queues
  • Carry your yellow fever certificate, as it's checked alongside your visa
  • Common rejection reasons: missing yellow fever certificate, insufficient funds shown, no onward ticket
  • Extensions are handled by the Direction de la Police des Etrangers et des Titres de Voyage in Dakar before your visa expires
  • Keep a printed copy of your e-visa approval in case of connectivity issues at the airport

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.