FREE MOVEMENT
Do I need a visa to travel within ECOWAS?
No. As a citizen of an ECOWAS Member State, you can move freely in the 12 Member States for 90 days without a visa. You simply need to present a valid travel document (ECOWAS Passport or ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card) at the border.
Which are the 12 ECOWAS Member States where I can move freely?
The 12 current Member States are:
- Benin
- Cabo Verde
- Côte d’Ivoire
- The Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Liberia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Togo
Note: Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have announced their withdrawal from the organisation.
How long can I stay in another ECOWAS country without formalities?
You can stay for 90 days in any Member State without a visa or prior authorisation. Beyond that period, you must apply for a residence card from the authorities of the host country.
Can I work in another ECOWAS country?
Yes. The Right of Establishment allows you to carry out an economic activity (salaried employment, trade, crafts, liberal profession) in any Member State on the same terms as nationals. You will still need to obtain the required administrative authorisations (work permit, foreign trader card, etc.).
Can I live permanently in another ECOWAS country?
Yes. After 90 days, you can apply for an ECOWAS residence card that allows you to live in the country of your choice. This right extends to your spouse and dependent children.
What should I do if I am refused entry at an ECOWAS border?
If you are refused entry:
- Ask for written notice stating the reason for the refusal
- Note the name of the officer and the border post
- Contact the embassy or consulate of your country
- Report the incident to the ECOWAS Resident Representation
- As a last resort, you can bring the matter before the ECOWAS Court of Justice
Refusals must be based on legitimate grounds (national security, public order, public health).
Can a border official ask me for money to let me through?
No, absolutely not. Corruption at borders is illegal. If an officer asks you for a bribe:
- Refuse politely but firmly
- Note the officer’s name, the place and the time
- Report the incident to the competent authorities
- Contact the ECOWAS Representation to report it
Can minors travel freely within ECOWAS?
Yes, but they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian carrying the appropriate documents (parental authorisation if the child travels with a third party). This measure helps combat child trafficking.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Which documents are accepted for travel within ECOWAS?
Two official documents are recognised:
- The ECOWAS Passport (biometric, valid for 5 or 10 years)
- The ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card (valid for 10 years)
Old national identity cards are no longer accepted at borders since the introduction of the biometric card.
Where can I get an ECOWAS Passport?
The ECOWAS Passport is issued by the national authorities of your country of nationality. In Senegal, contact:
- Direction de l’Automatisation des Fichiers (DAF), Ministry of the Interior
- Police stations (to submit your application)
The ECOWAS Resident Representation does not issue passports.
Where can I get an ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card?
The ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card is issued by the national authorities. In Senegal:
- Direction de l’Automatisation des Fichiers (DAF)
- Biometric enrolment centres
My ECOWAS passport expires soon. Can I still travel?
It is recommended that your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your planned travel date. Some countries may refuse entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months.
I lost my passport abroad. What should I do?
- Report the loss to the local police
- Contact the embassy or consulate of your country
- Request an emergency travel document to return home
- Report the loss to your national authorities as soon as you return
Does the ECOWAS Travel Certificate still exist?
The ECOWAS Travel Certificate was a document used for frequent border crossings. It has gradually been replaced by the more modern and secure ECOWAS Biometric Identity Card.
REGIONAL TRADE
What is the Common External Tariff (CET)?
The CET is a harmonised customs tariff applied by all ECOWAS Member States to goods imported from third countries. It has 5 tariff bands (0%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 35%) depending on the type of product.
What is the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS)?
The ETLS allows goods originating in ECOWAS to move free of customs duties between Member States. To benefit, your products must obtain ETLS approval and be accompanied by a certificate of origin.
How do I obtain ETLS approval for my products?
- Check that your products are eligible (rules of origin: minimum 30% local value added)
- Prepare your file (articles of association, trade register, product description, manufacturing process)
- Submit your application to the Ministry of Trade of your country
- Obtain approval after review by the National Approval Committee
- Request a certificate of origin for each export
What is an ECOWAS Certificate of Origin?
It is an official document certifying that your goods originate in an ECOWAS Member State. It is mandatory to benefit from the customs duty exemption under the ETLS.
Where can I obtain an ECOWAS Certificate of Origin in Senegal?
The Certificate of Origin is issued by:
- Ministry of Trade, Directorate of Foreign Trade
- Dakar Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (CCIAD)
Which products are eligible for the ETLS?
Four categories of products are eligible:
- Unprocessed products (agricultural, mineral)
- Traditional handicrafts
- Approved industrial products (with ETLS approval)
- Processed products (meeting the rules of origin)
I am having problems at customs with my ETLS goods. What should I do?
- Check that your documents are complete (approval, certificate of origin, invoices)
- Contact your freight forwarder to resolve the issue
- Report the incident to the Ministry of Trade
THE RESIDENT REPRESENTATION
What is the role of the ECOWAS Resident Representation in Senegal?
The Resident Representation is the diplomatic mission of ECOWAS in Senegal. Its missions are to:
- Strengthen the presence and visibility of ECOWAS in Senegal
- Promote relations between Senegal and ECOWAS institutions
- Act as an interface between citizens, businesses and ECOWAS
- Facilitate the implementation of regional programmes
- Support Senegal’s efforts in regional integration
Does the Representation issue passports or visas?
No. The Resident Representation is not authorised to issue travel documents. For a passport or identity card, please contact the national authorities of your country.
Can the Representation help me if I have a problem at an ECOWAS border?
Yes. You can report any incident to us (unjustified refusal of entry, request for a bribe, ill-treatment). We will forward your complaint to the competent authorities and follow up on it.
How can I contact the Resident Representation?
Address: Yoff AOURAR, route de l’hôtel NGOR DIARAMA, Dakar, Senegal
Phone: +221 77 000 00 00
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Can I visit the Representation without an appointment?
We recommend that you make an appointment so that we can receive you in the best conditions. You can contact us by phone or email to arrange one.
Does the Representation organise public events?
Yes. We regularly organise:
- Open days
- Conferences and seminars on regional integration
- Celebrations (ECOWAS Day, 50th anniversary, etc.)
- Meetings with economic actors and civil society
Follow our news to stay informed about upcoming events.