Senegal Visa RequirementsFor Canada passport holders
Canadian passport holders can visit Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days. Senegal is West Africa's most visited country and offers a stable democracy, vibrant music scene, Dakar's coastal cosmopolitan culture, and the pink waters of Lac Rose.
Great news! Canada passport holders can enter Senegal without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required. Present your valid Canadian passport at Blaise Diagne International Airport (Dakar) or another port of entry. Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel, accommodation details, and sufficient funds. Keep your passport and entry stamp in a safe place throughout your stay. Extensions can be obtained from the Direction de la Police de l'Air et des Frontieres in Dakar.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Current Travel Situation
Canada to Senegal: What You Need to Know
Senegal is a West African nation on the Atlantic coast, widely regarded as one of the most stable and welcoming countries on the continent. Canadian citizens receive visa-free access for stays of up to 90 days. Dakar, the capital, is a lively cosmopolitan city perched on the Cap-Vert peninsula. Top attractions include Goree Island (a UNESCO World Heritage slave-trade memorial), Lac Rose (Pink Lake), the Saloum Delta, and the Casamance region's lush forests. Senegal is known for its teranga (hospitality) culture and is a hub for West African music, including mbalax and sabar drumming.
Practical Tips
The West African CFA franc (XOF) is the local currency, pegged to the euro. French is the official language; Wolof is widely spoken. Dakar taxis are metered and relatively affordable; negotiate fares or use Uber (available in Dakar). For Goree Island, take the short ferry from Dakar's port; the ferry runs frequently. Casamance is a rewarding off-the-beaten-path region but has had occasional separatist activity; check current conditions before traveling there. Teranga SN and local guesthouses (maisons d'hotes) offer great value accommodation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Canadians need a visa for Senegal?
No. Canadian citizens can visit Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days. Present your valid Canadian passport on arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar or another port of entry.
Is Senegal safe for Canadian tourists?
The Government of Canada advises exercising a high degree of caution in Senegal. Most visits are trouble-free, particularly in Dakar and major tourist areas. Petty theft and scams targeting tourists occur in markets and crowded areas. The Casamance region has had a history of separatist conflict; check the latest advisory before visiting.
How do I get to Goree Island from Dakar?
Goree Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former slave-trading post located approximately 3.5 km off the coast of Dakar. Ferries depart regularly from the Dakar Embarcadere Goree ferry terminal on the Plateau waterfront. The crossing takes about 20 minutes each way. Entry to the island's House of Slaves museum has a small admission fee.
What is the best time to visit Senegal?
The dry season from November to May is the best time to visit. Temperatures are warm but bearable (25 to 35 degrees C), rainfall is minimal, and wildlife viewing in national parks such as Djoudj (birds) and Niokolo-Koba is best. The rainy season from June to October brings high humidity and green landscapes but makes some roads impassable.