South Africa to Senegal visa requirements

Yes, South African ordinary passport holders need a visa for Senegal. The most reliable option is a tourist visa from the Senegalese Embassy in Pretoria (currently issued free of charge). A visa on arrival (valid up to 1 month) is also available, but only at Dakar's international airport. South Africa is not on Senegal's visa-exemption list, so a visa is required for tourism. There are two practical channels. The recommended route is applying in advance at the Embassy of Senegal in Pretoria, which issues tourist visas at no charge with processing of up to five working days. Alternatively, South Africans can obtain a visa on arrival (single entry, up to 1 month) at Dakar's Blaise Diagne / former Léopold Sédar Senghor airport only, typically costing around USD 80-100 payable in XOF or EUR cash. In July 2025 Senegal's Council of Ministers approved a reciprocity-based mandatory electronic visa for nationals of countries that require visas of Senegalese citizens (which includes South Africa); however, as of mid-2026 the official eVisa portal is not yet operationally live, so it is not yet a reliable channel. Travelers should carry a passport valid for at least six months with blank pages, proof of onward travel, accommodation, and a yellow fever vaccination certificate where required. Because the verdict and channels have been in flux, confirm the current requirement with the embassy shortly before travel.