The Senegalese government has established that travellers from outside the African continent will have to pay the visa application fee in advance and online. The measure was confirmed by the prime minister, Ousmane Sonko, who argued that this reform modernises and secures the country's migration processes.
According to the authorities, the new system will strengthen administrative capacity, reduce potential abuses and streamline control at entry points. In addition, by requiring pre-payment, it aims to avoid queues at the border and ensure that only eligible applicants complete the process.
The regulation is based on the principle of reciprocity: citizens of countries that impose visa requirements on Senegalese nationals will have to go through the same procedure to enter Senegal. Sonko stressed that this policy also contributes to transparency and effective control of migration flows.
The government estimates that the introduction of the e-visa will generate some 60 billion CFA francs in revenue over the next few years. These funds, the prime minister said, will be used to strengthen the administration and for development projects linked to the "Senegal 2050" strategic vision.
The announcement coincides with the presentation of the new National Economic and Social Recovery Plan, with which Senegal aims to boost investment, diversify its economy and position itself as an emerging hub in West Africa.
Source: africa.businessinsider.com; apanews.net