Senegal passport → Canada

Canada visa for citizens of Senegal

Embassy / VFSVisitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)

Citizens of Senegal need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 180 days
Visa validity	3650 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	14–60 days
Government fee	CA$100 + CA$85 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statements for last 3-6 months showing sufficient funds

How to apply

1
Determine eligibility and gather documents
Check if you need a visa and prepare all required documents
2
Complete online application
Fill out IMM 5257 and upload documents on IRCC portal
3
Pay fees online
Pay CAD 100 visitor visa fee and CAD 85 biometrics fee
4
Book biometrics appointment
Schedule at a Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Senegal
5
Attend biometrics appointment
Provide fingerprints and photo at the VAC
6
Wait for processing
IRCC reviews application; may request additional documents
7
Submit passport (if requested)
If approved, send passport to VAC for visa sticker
8
Receive passport with visa
Collect passport from VAC or receive by courier

Documents checklist

Identity

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)
Fill online via IRCC portal
Two recent passport-sized photographs
Meet Canadian photo specifications

Travel

Travel itinerary
Round-trip flight reservation and accommodation details

Financial

Proof of financial means
Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter

Employment

Letter of employment or study
Shows ties to home country (job, school, etc.)

Supporting

Proof of ties to Senegal
Property deeds, family certificates, or business registration
Biometrics fee receipt
Pay online and bring receipt to VAC
Visa application fee payment confirmation
Pay online via IRCC portal
Copy of previous visas (if any)
Optional
Helps demonstrate travel history
Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)
Optional
Must be notarized and include host's status in Canada

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: CAD 2,500 per person for a short stay

Bank statements
Pay stubs
Sponsorship letter
Fixed deposit certificates

Funds must be readily available and show consistent income

Good to know

Processing times vary; apply well in advance of travel
Incomplete applications may be returned or refused
Biometrics are mandatory for all applicants aged 14-79

Common refusal reasons

Insufficient ties to home country

Provide strong evidence of employment, family, or property in Senegal

Inadequate financial proof

Show sufficient funds to cover stay and return travel

Incomplete or incorrect application

Double-check all forms and documents before submission

FAQ

Do citizens of Senegal need a visa for Canada?

Citizens of Senegal need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visitor Visa (Temporary Resident Visa).

How long can citizens of Senegal stay in Canada?

Up to 180 days.

How much does the Canada visa cost for citizens of Senegal?

Government fee: CA$100 + CA$85 service fee.

How long does Canada visa processing take?

Typically 14–60 days.

What documents do citizens of Senegal need for Canada?

Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages); Completed visa application form (IMM 5257); Two recent passport-sized photographs; Proof of financial means; Travel itinerary; Letter of employment or study; and 5 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Canada?

At least 6 months.

Where do I apply?

Applications go through https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html. Check that you are on the government's site before you pay.

Sources

canada.ca

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