Senegal Visas

[Sunriseatsea]

Wondering if any cruise passengers have recent experience arriving in Senegal.

As of July, Senegal requires a biometric visa obtainable only at their Washington DC consulate or in an ambiguous partial registration online and then biometric certification and visa issuance upon arrival. Unfortunately, all reports I have read only cite the confusion and long delays at the airports and make no mention of provisions for cruise ships. (Actually, let me correct that: I did also read a report of someone crossing a land border where they were supposed to be able to complete visa application, only to discover the authorities there didn't even have electricity! Finger printing and retina scan? Not likely!) At any rate, even the cruise companies believe this is a constantly evolving situation. Any current information would be of interest to many. Thank you!

[stephanmarc]

we have visited neighboring Gambia a few times over the past couple of years assisting a charity and we have traveled into Senegal from there as recently as early December, the price of the visa has risen to $50 but you can get it easy enough at the border crossing so I dont imagine there being a difficulty for Cruise Ship passengers. As I understand it, group travelers from Gambia into Senegal have been made more than welcome and not delayed, the Cruise lines will, I am sure, have made the necessary arrangements as these Countries are reliant on the Tour industry for much of their income.

[hillslife]

We were advised and worried about the same thing, but recently got a follow up email from Princess that they would be handling the visas on the ship for several if the ports, including Senegal, and bill our account...so it became a moot point...but lots if chatter there for a while.:confused: