GoSenegal Visa Requirements

Visa Entry

1. Visa Notice

In order to attract foreign tourists and investors, Senegal has waived entry visa fees since 2015, and applicants can apply for visas directly at the Senegalese embassy or consulate abroad.

Since May 3, 2014, the China Senegal Mutual Visa Exemption Agreement has come into effect. Individuals holding diplomatic, official or service ordinary passports who enter or transit Senegal for no more than 30 days are exempt from obtaining an entry visa.

Contact information of the Embassy of Senegal in China:

Phone:+ 86-10-65325035, 65323798,

Fax:+ 86-10-65327330，

Email: dipsenepekin@amsenepekin.com

Address: No.23 Dongzhimen Outer Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing. Postal code: 100600.

2. Entry and Exit Notice

Entry requires presenting one's passport, valid visa, fingerprints, and the International Certificate of Vaccination or Preventive Measures (commonly known as the "Yellow Book") for inspection by the quarantine agency. The border police in Serbia will inquire about the residential address of incoming passengers during their stay in Serbia, and they should answer truthfully. It is recommended that Chinese citizens prepare relevant foreign language information in advance for inspection.

Chinese citizens in Cyprus who have stayed in Cyprus for more than 90 days must show their ID cards or residence visas when leaving the country.

customs quarantine control

Senegal implements foreign exchange controls. If a large amount of foreign exchange is carried into the country, it must be declared to the Senegalese customs upon entry and a declaration form must be kept for future reference when leaving the country. Otherwise, when leaving the country, only foreign exchange not exceeding $4000 can be carried out, and any excess must be accompanied by a bank transfer certificate.

Senegal implements the Sub Saharan African Quarantine Convention for the inspection and quarantine of imported and exported goods. All plant and animal imports must provide inspection and quarantine certificates from the exporting country.

Senegal is cracking down severely on all types of smuggling activities. Passengers are strictly prohibited from carrying endangered species products such as ivory and sperm whale teeth; Carrying no more than 2 cigarettes and no more than 2 bottles of alcohol (to be checked in); Carrying rosewood, ebony and other wood and their products out of the country requires applying for an export permit at the Forest and Water Department of the Senegalese Ministry of Environment in advance, and carrying them with you for inspection upon departure. Otherwise, it is illegal and may result in fines or detention.

Residency and Naturalization

Foreigners who have stayed in Senegal for more than three months must go through residence procedures and apply for an alien's identity card or residence visa (three months, six months or one year).

To apply for a foreigner's identity card, the applicant must provide: a letter of application submitted in person to the Ministry of the Interior (with a 15200 franc stamp tax attached), a copy of the passport with an entry visa and an entry seal affixed to the border inspection department, a notarized birth certificate and a three month valid certificate of non criminal record issued in China, a two month valid health certificate issued by a qualified doctor in the applicant's country or Senegal, a labor contract or other legal documents approved by the labor inspector to prove the means of livelihood, three standard photos and a repatriation deposit of 250000 francs (the security deposit can be returned when leaving the country). Foreigners over the age of 15 need to apply for foreigners' identity cards.

Application department: Foreigners and Travel Documents Police Department: （Direction de la Police des Etrangers et des Titres de voyage）(DPETV)， Contact information can be found in "Practical Information".

To apply for a residence visa, you must provide: the original/copy of your passport, the copy of your entry visa and the copy of your last residence visa (if not your first application), a work contract or work certificate, the business registration certificate of your company, the residence certificate issued by the police station in your neighborhood, the letter of guarantee from the person in charge of your company, and a copy of your guarantor's passport and a copy of your foreigner's ID card. Please consult the relevant department for details.

Application department: Territorial Supervision Bureau, （Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire）（DST）， Contact information can be found in "Practical Information".

The Senegalese Nationality Law was promulgated in March 1961, with strict immigration controls and recognition of dual nationality. According to the Serbian Nationality Law, the following situations automatically grant citizenship:

1. Children born to Senegalese parents through marriage;

2. Children born out of wedlock to one of the parents who is a Serbian;

3. The adoptive parent who has been fully adopted as a minor is a Serbian;

There are three ways to obtain Serbian citizenship:

1. Obtained through marriage. Those who marry Serbian nationals and reside in Serbia for 5 years can apply for citizenship.

2. Obtained through parent-child relationship.

3. Obtained through approval by the authorities. Individuals must have lived continuously in Serbia for at least 10 years in order to qualify for citizenship.

Senegal currently has one yellow (medium risk) area, while all other areas are blue (low-risk). Specifically, as follows:

Yellow region: Casamance region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reminds Chinese citizens in the Casamance region of Senegal to closely monitor the local security situation, be vigilant, strengthen prevention, and pay attention to safety. In case of emergency, please report to the police in a timely manner and contact the Chinese embassy or consulate in the local area

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas embassies and consulates will continue to closely monitor changes in the overseas security situation, dynamically adjust relevant risk assessments, and release and update corresponding security reminders in real time on platforms such as the China Consular Service Network. Please continue to pay attention.

public security

The political situation in Senegal is relatively stable, and the public security situation is generally good. There has been no terrorist attack in recent years, but the local public security incidents have increased after the outbreak of the COVID-19. In March 2021, large-scale social riots broke out. The capital city of Dakar has the highest population density, with theft and robbery occurring mostly in densely populated areas such as commercial streets, stations, and docks, as well as in dimly lit and remote places at night. The rebellion in the Casamance region of southern Serbia has not been completely resolved. Casamance is adjacent to Gambia and Guinea Bissau, and armed hostage incidents occur from time to time.

Special Reminder:

1、 Avoid carrying large amounts of cash when going out and avoid behaviors such as flaunting wealth;

2、 It is best to prepare several copies of travel documents for carrying with you;

3、 Avoid placing valuable or suspected valuable items in unattended cars;

4、 Try to avoid traveling to the Casamance region as much as possible;

5、 Try to avoid going out alone at night or going to remote streets and alleys;

6、 Avoid opening doors to strangers at night;

7、 The project department of the enterprise located in remote areas should strengthen security measures.

natural disaster

Senegal has found migratory birds infected with avian influenza, but there have been no reports of human infection with avian influenza. The Serbian government has taken strict measures to respond, such as banning the import of poultry, and the epidemic has been effectively controlled. During the rainy season, many areas in Senegal experience floods, and we need to be vigilant.

FDA

The incidence rate of diseases in Senegal is high and there is a risk of malaria infection. It is necessary to effectively prevent mosquito bites. In case of fever and other conditions, it is necessary to seek medical advice in time to avoid delay. A considerable number of diseases, including hepatitis A and typhoid fever, are transmitted through unclean food and contaminated water. Therefore, it is necessary to pay attention to food hygiene and drink bottled or barreled water with good sealing as much as possible to reduce the risk of infection. It is recommended to receive vaccines related to hepatitis A, cholera, etc.

Urgent Help

Alarm: 17.

Fire brigade: 18.

Emergency Center: 00221-338213213, 8242418, 00221-800881881.

Police station phone numbers: 00221-338237149, 8232529.

air traffic

Senegal's Blaise Digne International Airport was officially opened on December 7, 2017. The new airport is located in the Grand Est region, more than 60 kilometers away from the city of Dakar. The Leopold Seda Sangor Airport, which was originally located in Dakar, will no longer take off or land civilian flights. Blaise Diagne International Airport is designed to accommodate 3 million passengers annually, with a cargo and mail throughput of 50000 tons. It can take off and land large passenger planes, including A380, and has dozens of routes connecting more than 20 countries in Europe, Asia, America, and other regions of Africa. There is no direct flight to China, and it needs to transit through France, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Belgium, Ethiopia, Kenya, Türkiye or South Africa.

Most international flights in Senegal take off and land at Blaise Digne International Airport, and there are also 12 secondary airports, among which the most important is Zijinsha'er Airport.

Airlines operating in Cyprus mainly include Air France, Emirates, Belgian Airlines, Kenya Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Delta Airlines, Türkiye Airlines, Senegal Airlines, etc. The airport is far from the city center, and currently public transportation is not yet fully developed.

Special reminder: Flights in Africa undergo significant changes and are often delayed or even cancelled. Before departure, it is necessary to confirm with the airport or airline repeatedly.

land transport

Senegal has a relatively good road network in West Africa, with high-quality roads connecting local capitals and major cities. The first toll expressway was opened in August 2013, and currently the Jess Tuba Expressway has been opened, with the mileage of the expressway continuously increasing.

The total length of the national railway network backbone is 905 kilometers, and the total length of the secondary railways is 151.8 kilometers. The railway connecting Dakar and the capital of Mali, Bamako, is one of the most important railway lines, with a total length of 1287 kilometers (including 646 kilometers within Senegal). The route is severely aging, with long operating times and low passenger and freight volumes. At present, Serbia is building a light rail from Blaise Diagne International Airport to the city center of Dakar, which has not yet been opened to traffic.

water communication

The Senegal River has a navigable distance of 220 kilometers throughout the year, and can be navigable for 924 kilometers during the flood season. Dakar Port is the second largest port in West Africa, second only to Abidjan Port in Cote d'Ivoire. The Port Authority is collaborating with Dubai Universal Ports Group to implement a modernization expansion plan to enhance its competitiveness. Other ports include Saint Louis Port and Jijinsha'er Port.

Urban transportation

The transportation in the capital city of Dakar is congested, with buses, minibuses, and taxis being the main modes of public transportation. Passengers can also rent cars from rental companies. Except for the city center, most roads have no traffic signals. When driving, be sure to fasten your seat belt, give way to other vehicles, and try to avoid behaviors that may anger other drivers, such as honking.

China and Serbia have not signed a mutual recognition agreement for driver's licenses. Chinese citizens driving in Serbia must apply for a local driver's license, otherwise it is illegal and may be held legally responsible.

major city

Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is located on the west coast of the Atlantic Ocean on the Cape Verde Peninsula. It is the political, economic, cultural center, and transportation hub of the country, with a population of approximately 3.6 million. There are industries such as petroleum extraction, oil pressing, canning processing, textile, and chemistry. Dakar Port has over 20 shipping routes to Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The University of Dakar was founded in 1957 and is the oldest institution of higher education in sub Saharan Africa. The city has good infrastructure, unique architectural style, developed market, beautiful scenery, and is known as the "Little Paris" of West Africa.

Saint Louis is located at the mouth of the Senegal River, about 300 kilometers north of the capital city of Dakar, with a population of approximately one million. The old town of Saint Louis is located on a narrow island, which is 2 kilometers long and 400 meters wide. The Zhujia Bird National Park in the north was listed as a World Natural Heritage site in 1981. It is listed as a World Heritage Site due to its distinctive architecture on the island.

Commodity prices

Senegal's mineral resources mainly include phosphate, iron, gold, copper, diamonds, titanium, etc. The reserves of calcium phosphate are about 100 million tons, and the reserves of aluminum phosphate are between 50 and 70 million tons. Recently, considerable reserves of oil and natural gas resources have been discovered near the coast of Serbia, but they have not yet entered the stage of exploitation. The main cash crops are peanuts and cotton. In addition to meeting domestic needs, the vast majority of peanuts are exported and are one of the important pillars of the national economy. The main crops are millet, sorghum, and corn. Grain cannot be self-sufficient and can only meet 40% of the demand. The local supply of materials is relatively sufficient, and most of the high-end goods rely on imports, so the prices of daily necessities are relatively high, about 2-3 times or even higher than those in China.

The local currency is the African Financial Community Franc, abbreviated as the West African Franc. The West African franc and the euro implement a fixed exchange rate system, with 1 euro exchanged for 655.957 West African francs, and the exchange rate between the US dollar and the West African franc is based on the exchange rate between the US dollar and the euro. Senegal is a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union, and the Banque Centrale des Etats de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO) is responsible for issuing the West African franc and coordinating monetary policy.

Currently, Senegal has 19 commercial banks and 2 credit financial institutions. Commercial banks mainly include Soci é t é G é n é rale de Senegal (a branch of Soci é t é G é n é rale de France), West African Bank, Soci é t é G é n é rale de Senegal (a branch of Banque Nationale de Paris), Cr é dit Senegal (formerly known as Cr é dit Lyonnais Senegal Branch), AttiJARIBANK Bank, Banque Economique de Senegal, Bank of Africa (BANK OF AFRICA), Citibank, Banco Atlantique de Senegal, Senegal International Trade Bank, etc.

Senegal's policy banks include the Housing Bank, the National Agricultural Credit Bank (CNCAS), the Sahara Investment and Trade Bank, the West African Mutual Aid Bank (BIMAO), and the West African Regional Market Bank.

Foreign banks dominate Senegal and have strict requirements for account opening. It is necessary to comprehensively consider the company's operation and financial situation, project situation, and mortgage situation.

The credit card industry in Senegal is underdeveloped and has a low level of popularity. Only a few high-end consumer venues can use credit cards such as VISA, MASTERCARD, EUROCARD for consumption.

Insurance Medical

Senegal is listed as one of the world's least developed countries by the United Nations. Good medical security can be obtained in the capital Dakar, but it does not meet the medical security standards of industrialized countries, and the medical security level in other regions is relatively backward. Common diseases in Serbia include malaria, typhoid fever, dysentery, hepatitis A and B, cholera, etc. Serbia has abolished mandatory vaccination. Dakar has multiple public hospitals, private clinics, and pharmacies where drugs for preventing and treating diseases such as malaria can be purchased locally.

Mosquitoes and flies transmit various diseases, including yellow fever, malaria, dengue fever, and African trypanosomiasis, and personal protective measures are extremely important. Senegal has schistosomiasis. Schistosoma larvae in freshwater lakes and rivers spread the disease through contact and penetration of human skin.

Main hospital phone number:

Dakar Central Hospital: 00221-33 839 50 50

Le Dantec Hospital: 00221-33 889 38 00

SOS Médecin：00221-33 889 15 15

Clinique Privée de la Madeleine：00221-33 889 94 70

Institut Pasteur: 00221-33 822 13 13

Customs taboos

More than 90% of Senegal's residents believe in Islam, and 5% believe in Christianity. Most residents avoid eating pork and drinking alcohol. The official language is French, and 80% of the population in the country speaks Wolof. Local people pay attention to etiquette, dress neatly, and avoid exposing their chests and backs. Men are accustomed to wearing a large robe called 'bubu', while women wear long skirts and bibs. Tabaski, also known as Eid al Adha, is the most important festival for Muslims every year.

Communications Power

The power interface is European standard, and Chinese made electrical appliances must use European standard conversion plugs. Voltage 220V.

The country code for Senegal is 221. To call Senegal from China, dial 00221+local number. Dial 0086+China number from China phone.

Mobile phones are quite popular in Senegal, with good mobile signal and convenient purchase of local mobile recharge cards. Dakar has popularized 4G and the network speed is fast.

contact information

1. Senegal Government Network: https://www.sec.gouv.sn/

2. General Administration of Customs (Direction g é n é rale des Douanes)

Address: 8-10 All é es Robert Delmas BP 4033 DAKAR (S é n é gal)

Fax: 00221-33 821 44 24

Email: spdgd@douanes.sn

3. Police Department for Foreigners and Travel Documents

（Direction de la Police des Etrangers et des Titres de Voyage）（DPETV）

Address: Dieuppeul, All é es Khalifa Ababacar Sy – Dakar

Working hours: 8:00-13:30, 14:30-17:00 every Monday to Friday.

4. Direction de la Surveillance du Territoire (DST)

Address: Cit é Police Avenue Malick Sy x Rue 6- Dakar

Working hours: Monday to Friday 8:00-13:00; 15:00-18:00.

5. Ministry of Interior (Minist è re de l'Int é rieur)

Address: Pl. Washington - Bd de la République BP 4002

Phone: 00221-33 889 91 00

Fax: 00221-33 821 05 42

6. Ministry of Health and Social Action (Minist è re de la Sant é et de l'Action sociale)

Address: Fann R é sidence, Rue Aimé Césaire BP 4024

website: http://www.sante.gouv.sn

7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Overseas Chinese Affairs

（Ministère des Affaires étrangères et des Sénégalais de l’Extérieur）（MAESE）

Address: Place de l'Ind é pending BP4044

Fax: 00221-33 823 54 96

website: http://www.diplomatie.gouv.sn

8. Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development

（Ministère de l’Environnement et Développement Durable）

Address: Route du Front de Terre,Dakar

Phone: 1221

website: http://www.environnement.gouv.sn/

9. Folklore and Tourism Website: http://www.senegal-online.com

10. Tourism accommodation and catering:

Famous attractions in Dakar include Slave Island, the African Renaissance Monument, the Horn of West Africa, and the surrounding Saly Resort and Bandia Wildlife Park. There are many travel agencies and car rental companies in the downtown area of Dakar, making it convenient to purchase air tickets, rent cars, book rooms, and travel. There are several mid to high end hotels in the city, including Pullman, Terrou Bi, Radisson, KingFahd, Novotel, and many economy hotels to choose from. There are many restaurants in Dakar, mainly featuring European and American flavors, as well as Southeast Asian, Middle Eastern and other regional restaurants.