---
title: Canada visa for citizens of Senegal
description: "Citizens of Senegal need a visa for Canada and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 180 days. Fee: CA$100 + CA$85 service fee. Processing: 14–60 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/canada/senegal
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Canada visa for citizens of Senegal

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.*

Application site: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html

## 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

- **Valid passport (with at least 2 blank pages)** (Identity): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay
- **Completed visa application form (IMM 5257)** (Identity): Fill online via IRCC portal
- **Two recent passport-sized photographs** (Identity): Meet Canadian photo specifications
- **Proof of financial means** (Financial): Bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letter
- **Travel itinerary** (Travel): Round-trip flight reservation and accommodation details
- **Letter of employment or study** (Employment): Shows ties to home country (job, school, etc.)
- **Proof of ties to Senegal** (Supporting): Property deeds, family certificates, or business registration
- **Biometrics fee receipt** (Supporting): Pay online and bring receipt to VAC
- **Visa application fee payment confirmation** (Supporting): Pay online via IRCC portal
- **Copy of previous visas (if any)** (Supporting, optional): Helps demonstrate travel history
- **Letter of invitation (if visiting family/friends)** (Supporting, 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

## FAQs

### 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](https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada.html)

## More

- [Canada visa for every passport](/visa/canada)
- [Every destination for Senegal passport holders](/visa/passport/senegal)