Senegal

When traveling to Senegal, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Senegal, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

• » Attend business meetings
• » Attend conferences and workshops
• » Attend trade shows
• » Visit clients

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Senegal?

Nationals of the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in Senegal.

If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you must obtain a Business Visa prior to travel from a Senegalese Embassy or Consulate. While it may be possible to obtain a Visa on Arrival, it is recommended that a consular Business Visa be obtained before traveling. Please consult with your immigration counsel to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver, Visa on Arrival, or consular Business Visa.

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Senegalese law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Senegal, even if conducted for a short duration.

• » Systems installation
• » Repair and maintenance
• » Consulting

In limited circumstances, foreign nationals may engage in certain professional activities without obtaining work authorization while on assignment as a business visitor, although strict preconditions must be met. An individual assessment is required before deciding whether an assignment exemption is applicable.

If I am traveling to Senegal for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

In general, most foreign nationals intending to engage in long-term productive work activities must obtain work authorization in the form of an Endorsed Employment Contract. The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work, and on whether your employer has an entity in Senegal.

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

ECOWAS nationals are not required to obtain work authorization in order to work in Senegal. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Senegal.

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2021 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.