Senegal

🇸🇳

Telefonvorwahl

+221

Hauptstadt

Dakar

Bevölkerung

17 Millionen

Einheimischer Name

Sénégal

Region

Afrika

Westafrika

Zeitzone

Greenwich Mean Time

UTC±00

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Geld & WährungVisa-ÜbersichtVisa-ArtenWichtige HinweiseStädteBotschaften im AuslandBotschaften im Land

Senegal is a West African country located on the Atlantic coast, bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and surrounding The Gambia (which forms an enclave within Senegal). Dakar, the capital, sits on the Cap-Vert Peninsula - the westernmost point of mainland Africa. Senegal has a population of approximately 17 million and covers 196,722 km². The country gained independence from France in 1960 and is one of Africa's most stable democracies, never experiencing a coup d'état. Senegal is predominantly Muslim (95%) with French as the official language, though Wolof is widely spoken as a lingua franca. The country is famous for teranga - the Wolof concept of hospitality, warmth, and generosity that defines Senegalese culture. Senegal's economy relies on agriculture (peanuts, millet), fishing (Atlantic coastline with rich marine resources), phosphate mining, and growing tourism. Key attractions include Île de Gorée (UNESCO World Heritage Site and former slave-trading center), Pink Lake (Lac Rose - naturally pink from algae), Saint-Louis (colonial city and jazz capital, UNESCO site), Saloum Delta wetlands (UNESCO biosphere reserve with bird life and mangroves), Niokolo-Koba National Park (wildlife including lions, elephants, chimpanzees), Dakar (vibrant capital with African Renaissance Monument, markets, nightlife, former Dakar Rally finish line), and beautiful Atlantic beaches. Senegal offers accessible West African experience with French colonial architecture, vibrant music (mbalax, featuring Youssou N'Dour), colorful markets, diverse landscapes from Sahel savanna to tropical forests, and welcoming people. Government travel advisories from UK, US, Australia, France, Germany, and Canada note generally low security risks with standard precautions, though Casamance region in south has experienced separatist conflict.

Visa Requirements for Senegal

Senegal offers multiple visa options depending on nationality. E-visa system (launched 2013, improved 2019) is available for most nationalities: application at https://evisa.gouv.sn/ requires passport scan (valid 6+ months), passport photo, yellow fever vaccination certificate (mandatory for entry to Senegal from all countries), travel itinerary, hotel reservation or invitation letter, payment by credit card; cost $50 USD for tourist visa (90 days single entry); processing typically 5-7 business days; approved e-visa sent via email (print and present on arrival with passport and yellow fever certificate). ECOWAS citizens (Economic Community of West African States - 15 member countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali) can enter visa-free for 90 days with valid ID card or passport. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival at Dakar airport (90 days, approximately $50-85 depending on nationality - euros or USD accepted). EU citizens, US, Canada, South Africa, and many others are eligible for e-visa or visa on arrival. Extensions available through Direction de la Police de l'Air et des Frontières in Dakar (requires passport, visa, extension fee approximately 25,000-50,000 XOF / $40-85, proof of funds, accommodation). Yellow fever vaccination certificate is MANDATORY for entry - travelers arriving without valid certificate will be denied entry or required to receive vaccination at airport (if available); certificate must show vaccination at least 10 days before arrival. Malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended (malaria endemic throughout Senegal). Senegal is generally safe for tourists - violent crime is low, petty theft can occur in Dakar and tourist areas (watch belongings in crowded markets, beaches), government travel advisories note no significant concerns for most areas; Casamance region (southern area between The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau) has experienced low-level separatist conflict and landmines remain in some rural areas - exercise caution or avoid unnecessary travel to rural Casamance (Ziguinchor city generally safe). French is official language (legacy of colonization - Senegal was part of French West Africa); Wolof widely spoken (over 80% of population speaks Wolof as first or second language); English uncommon outside tourist hotels and some businesses in Dakar. West African CFA franc (XOF) is currency, pegged to euro.

Gängige Visumtypen

E-Visa (Tourist - 90 Days)

90 days single-entry; application at https://evisa.gouv.sn/ (official Senegal government e-visa portal); required documents: passport scan (valid 6+ months beyond travel), passport-size photo (digital), yellow fever vaccination certificate scan (MANDATORY - vaccination required at least 10 days before arrival), travel itinerary (flight bookings), hotel reservation or invitation letter from Senegal resident, payment by credit card (Visa/Mastercard); visa fee $50 USD; processing time typically 5-7 business days (apply at least 2 weeks before travel to allow for processing and any issues); approved e-visa sent via email as PDF; print e-visa and present at immigration on arrival along with passport and original yellow fever certificate; e-visa valid for entry through Dakar airport (Blaise Diagne International Airport, opened 2017, 50km from Dakar) and land borders; extensions not automatic - must apply through Direction de la Police de l'Air et des Frontières in Dakar if wishing to stay beyond 90 days. E-visa is straightforward process and recommended over visa on arrival (faster entry, avoids potential queues or issues at airport).

For tourism for most nationalities, applied online before travel (recommended method).

Visa on Arrival (90 Days)

90 days single-entry; granted at Blaise Diagne International Airport immigration counter on arrival; required documents: passport valid 6+ months, original yellow fever vaccination certificate (MANDATORY - no entry without this), return or onward flight ticket, hotel reservation or invitation letter, visa fee $50-85 USD cash (amount varies by nationality - US dollars or euros accepted, credit cards not accepted for visa payment at airport); processing time 15-45 minutes depending on queue and number of immigration officers working; visa stamp placed in passport; grants 90 days from entry date; extensions available through police immigration office in Dakar (same process as e-visa extensions). Visa on arrival is convenient but carries risk of delays, questions, or complications - e-visa recommended for smoother experience. Nationals of some countries may not be eligible for visa on arrival and must obtain visa from Senegal embassy/consulate in advance (verify eligibility before travel).

For eligible nationalities arriving at Dakar airport without pre-arranged visa (available for many Western countries).

ECOWAS Visa-Free Entry (90 Days)

90 days visa-free; ECOWAS members: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire), Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo (15 countries total); entry with valid national ID card or passport; no visa required, no fees; yellow fever certificate still MANDATORY for entry to Senegal (regardless of visa-free status); return ticket may be requested; straightforward entry for ECOWAS citizens facilitating regional trade, family visits, and tourism. ECOWAS promotes West African integration and free movement of people and goods. Extensions beyond 90 days require applying for residence permit through immigration authorities.

For citizens of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member countries, allowing free movement within the regional bloc.

Long-term Visas and Residence

Work visas: required for employment; application through Senegal embassy/consulate abroad; requires job offer from Senegal employer (contract, company registration documents), passport copies, photos, yellow fever certificate, health certificate, police clearance, work permit authorization from Ministry of Labour (arranged by employer - demonstrates no Senegalese available for position), educational certificates, visa fee $100-200; valid for duration of employment contract (typically 1-2 years, renewable); residence permit (carte de séjour) issued after arrival for work visa holders (biometrics, registration with local authorities, annual fees). Student visas: for enrollment in Senegalese educational institutions (Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar is major university); requires admission letter, proof of funds for tuition and living expenses, accommodation proof, health insurance, visa fee; valid for academic year, renewable. Business visas: for investors and entrepreneurs establishing businesses; requires business plan, proof of investment capital, company registration, bank statements, visa fee; valid 1 year initially, renewable if business operational. Residence permits: available for family reunification (marriage to Senegalese citizen, requires marriage certificate and proof of relationship), retirement (proof of pension income), or special circumstances; processing through Direction de la Police in Dakar; fees $100-300 depending on category; requirements include financial self-sufficiency proof, health insurance, accommodation in Senegal, clean criminal record. Long-stay visas processing 4-8 weeks. French citizens and other EU nationals have preferential processes due to historical ties and agreements. Permanent residence possible after continuous legal residence (typically 5+ years). Citizenship available after 5+ years residence, French language proficiency, and naturalization application (discretionary approval). Professional legal advice recommended for work/residence applications.

For foreigners seeking work, study, or long-term residence in Senegal.

Important Travel Information

Île de Gorée - UNESCO World Heritage and Slave Trade History: Île de Gorée is a small island (28 hectares) 3km off the coast of Dakar, designated UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978 for its role as largest slave-trading center on African coast from 15th-19th centuries. Between 1536 and 1848, millions of Africans were held captive on Gorée before being shipped to the Americas as slaves. The island's Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) is the most famous site - a stark museum showing holding cells where enslaved people were imprisoned in inhumane conditions before being forced through the 'Door of No Return' (Porte du Non-Retour) to waiting ships. While some historians debate whether Maison des Esclaves was actually the main departure point or more symbolic (commercial records suggest most slaves departed from mainland ports), the site remains powerful memorial to the transatlantic slave trade's horrors and serves as place of pilgrimage for African diaspora. Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, Pope John Paul II, and many others have visited Gorée. Beyond slavery history, Gorée is charming with colorful colonial French architecture, car-free streets, baobab trees, art galleries, restaurants, and beaches. The island has relaxed atmosphere contrasting with busy Dakar. Access: ferry from Dakar port (Gare Maritime) - 20 minutes, departures every 1-2 hours typically 6:30am-6pm (reduced schedule Sundays), round-trip ticket 5,200 XOF ($8.50 USD), ferries can be crowded (arrive early for day trips, tourist season peak times). Entry to Maison des Esclaves is 2,000 XOF ($3); guided tours available (tips expected). Allow half-day to full day for Gorée visit (2-3 hours minimum for Maison des Esclaves and walking the island, longer for lunch and beach time). The island is moving experience and essential visit for understanding African history and Atlantic slave trade's devastating legacy.

Pink Lake (Lac Rose) - Natural Wonder: Lac Rose (also called Lac Retba) is a shallow lagoon 30km northeast of Dakar, famous for its striking pink color caused by Dunaliella salina algae that thrive in the lake's high salinity (comparable to Dead Sea - 40% salt content). The pink hue is most vibrant during dry season (November-June) and appears most intensely in bright sunlight; wet season (July-October) dilutes the color somewhat. The lake has been traditional salt-harvesting site for decades - workers wade into the lake collecting salt from the bottom, loading it into pirogues (wooden boats), creating white salt mountains on the shore (backbreaking labor, typically paid by weight of salt collected). Visitors can swim in the lake (intense buoyancy due to high salinity - you float effortlessly like Dead Sea; rinse with fresh water afterward as salt irritates skin), take boat rides on the lake (negotiate price with boat operators - 5,000-10,000 XOF / $8-16), watch salt harvesting process, ride camels or quad bikes on surrounding sand dunes, and visit for sunset (beautiful lighting). Pink Lake was the former finish line of the Dakar Rally (1979-2007 when rally ended in Dakar - now called Dakar Rally but held in Saudi Arabia since 2020 due to security concerns in West Africa). Entry fee to lake area is 500-1,000 XOF ($1-2). Getting there: hire taxi from Dakar (negotiate round-trip with wait time - 20,000-30,000 XOF / $32-50 for half-day, approximately 45 minutes each way), rent car, or book organized tour ($40-80 per person including transport, guide, and sometimes lunch). The lake is surreal natural phenomenon and popular day trip from Dakar.

Saint-Louis - Colonial City and Jazz Capital: Saint-Louis (also called Ndar in Wolof) is a historic city on an island in the Senegal River near the Mauritanian border, 270km north of Dakar. Founded by French colonizers in 1659, Saint-Louis was capital of French West Africa and Senegal until independence, and became UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 for remarkably preserved colonial architecture. The city features colorful French colonial buildings with wrought-iron balconies, narrow streets, horse-drawn carts (caleches), fishing pirogues lining the riverbank, and Faidherbe Bridge (iconic metal bridge connecting island to mainland, designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm). Saint-Louis declined after losing capital status but retains old-world charm and cultural vibrancy. The city is Senegal's jazz capital - annual Saint-Louis Jazz Festival (May) attracts international musicians and thousands of visitors for week-long celebration of jazz, street performances, and cultural events. Nearby Langue de Barbarie National Park protects coastal spit with important bird nesting sites (pelicans, flamingos, terns - birdwatching paradise). Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (60km north - third-largest bird sanctuary in world, UNESCO site, over 3 million migratory birds including white pelicans, flamingos, spoonbills; best visited November-April during migration season; boat tours through wetlands $40-60). Getting to Saint-Louis: bus from Dakar (5-6 hours, 3,000-5,000 XOF / $5-8, several companies including Ndiaga Ndiaye buses - basic but cheap, or Sept Place sept-place taxis - shared taxis), private taxi or car rental (4 hours on good paved road). Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses ($20-40/night) to charming colonial-era hotels ($60-150/night). Saint-Louis offers authentic Senegalese culture, colonial history, and relaxed pace away from Dakar's hustle.

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