Senegal travel guide
About Senegal
Senegal is often known as 'The Country of Teranga'. Teranga means hospitality in the local tongue of Wolof, and you will indeed find Senegal to be one of the friendliest spots in West Africa. The locals are hospitable - once you get to know them, you may find yourself being invited to share a steaming cup of tea or even some delicious home-cooked meals.
A simple wander around the local markets will unearth handmade fabrics and authentic arts and crafts, while on almost every street corner in the towns and cities you'll find musicians full of energy. It is also worth checking out bustling restaurants that serve up rich Senegalese cuisine influenced by the Maghrebis (inhabitants of northern Africa), French and Portuguese.
Most visitors land in Dakar, the chaotic, fast-growing capital, packed with great nightlife and restaurants. However, Senegal also offers beautiful, untouched rural scenery, along with golden beaches, tropical rainforests and semiarid grasslands. Suffice to say, Senegal offers something unique for every traveller.
Indeed, the diversity of Senegal is perhaps its best feature. The southern Casamance region boasts palm-fringed tropical beaches. The western region is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, featuring a series of wetlands teeming with biodiversity, including one of the largest concentrations of migratory birds in the world. Then you have the relatively flat plains which give way to the mountainous region in the southeast – this is where the highest point of Senegal is found, reaching an elevation of 581m (1,906ft) near Népen Diakha.
Adventurous travellers come to Senegal to surf some of the best waves in West Africa in year-round warm waters, hike through lush tropical rainforest-clad mountains, discover towering waterfalls or go deep-sea fishing in the depth of the continental shelf. With birds, giraffes, elephants, hippos, rhinos, lions and panthers abound, wildlife viewing is also high on the agenda among some travellers.
Highbrow tourists won't be disappointed either. There are year-round music and art festivals such as the Saint-Louis Jazz Festival, as well as well-managed museums displaying some of the most interesting artefacts found in the region. You'll also find well-preserved colonial ruins and sites that remember the dehumanising Transatlantic slave trade.
Senegal is easily accessible from Europe and the USA. The country offers an array of experiences, has warm temperature year-round and one of the best infrastructures in the region, so it is time to put Senegal on your radar and come for a visit.
Key facts
196,712 sq km (75,951 sq miles).
16,657,759 (UN estimate 2020).
87 per sq km.
Dakar.
Republic.
President Macky Sall since 2012.
Prime Minister Amadou Ba since September 2022.
Travel Advice
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Senegal’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
If you are travelling between the UK and Senegal and transiting via a third country, check our travel advice for that country.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
All covid restrictions in Senegal have been lifted.
Demonstrations about political issues occur frequently and are likely to increase in the build up to presidential elections in February 2024. These demonstrations take place mainly in Dakar but also other cities, and they can be violent. Monitor the local media for information about forthcoming protests, follow the instructions of local authorities, avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and exercise caution. See Political demonstrations
Pickpocketing and street crime are common in parts of Dakar, particularly around Place de l’Indépendance, the central area of the Plateau and the Western Corniche, as well as Gorée Island.
There is a heightened risk of criminality in the run up to religious festivals. Be cautious when changing cash given the risk of false money circulating. See Safety and security
Terrorist attacks in Senegal can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
You should be vigilant when travelling in Casamance, the region south of The Gambia. For more information see Local travel
Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Embassy continues to carry out essential work including providing 24/7 consular assistance and support to British people in Senegal.
Coronavirus travel health
Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Senegal on the TravelHealthPro website.
See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Senegalese Ministry of Health has issued a list of testing facilities (only available in French).
International travel
Air, land and sea borders are open. If you’re transiting another country between Senegal and the UK, you should check travel advice of the countries on your route for the latest transit requirements.
You should contact your airline and your travel company for the latest information.
Entry and borders
See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Senegal.
Travelling from and returning to the UK
Check what you must do to travel abroad and return to England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
Be prepared for your plans to change
No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.
If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.
Plan ahead and make sure you:
- can access money
- understand what your insurance will cover
- can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned
Travel in Senegal
There is currently no restriction on travel between regions, and authorisation is not needed to travel between regions.
Accommodation
Hotels are open.
Public places and services
It is no longer compulsory to wear masks in public areas. However, some hospitals still require masks to be worn on their premises.
Healthcare in Senegal
For contact details for English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.
The government of Senegal is encouraging those with any information or concerns about Coronavirus to call +221 800 00 50 50.
If you are leaving Senegal, you can pay for a COVID-19 test, at a cost of 25,000 CFA at locations in Dakar. The Senegalese Ministry of Health has issued a list of COVID-19 testing facilities (only available in French).
All over Senegal, you can find pharmacies in the big cities. Pharmacies accept UK prescriptions. Pharmacies are the only places where you can buy medicines. Please note that pharmacies in Senegal do not have accreditation with UK insurance companies so make sure you speak to your insurance company beforehand if you need a refund.
Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health
View Health for further details on healthcare in Senegal.
See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.
Finance
For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.
Help and support
The government of Senegal is encouraging those with any information or concerns about coronavirus to call +221 800 00 50 50.
If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.
Security situation
Since confirmation of cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Senegal, there have been reports of a limited number of incidents of increased hostility towards foreigners. You should be aware of this, take sensible precautions in your daily movements and avoid confrontation.
Crime
Pick pocketing, bag snatching and low level street crime are common in Dakar, particularly around Place de l’Indépendence, the central area of the Plateau and the Western Corniche as well as Gorée Island. This type of crime is more common in the run-up to religious festivals. They can also increase early in the month after salaries are paid. Recent examples of street crime have also included attackers grabbing bags, phones or necklaces whilst driving scooters or motorbikes. You should be vigilant and take sensible precautions: e.g. avoid walking alone in the evening and after dark, be alert if using a mobile phone in public and hold it on the side facing away from the road and avoid carrying valuables and bags in public.
If you’re expecting someone to collect you at the airport, make sure they properly identify themselves before you set off. Officials wear uniforms and have a visible airport pass.
Home robberies and armed robberies are becoming more frequent. Assaults usually take place early in the morning and after dusk.
Be cautious when changing cash given the risk of false money circulating.
British nationals are increasingly being targeted by scam artists operating in West Africa. Scams come in many forms (romance and friendship, business ventures, work and employment opportunities) and can pose a great financial risk to victims. You should be cautious about requests for funds, a job offer, a business venture or a face-to-face meeting from someone you have been in correspondence with over the internet who lives in West Africa. This includes requests from people who claim to be victims of various Western African conflicts (notably refugees from Sierra Leone) or relatives of present or former political leaders.
Political demonstrations
Demonstrations about political issues occur frequently and are likely to increase in the build up to presidential elections in February 2024.
These demonstrations usually take place in Dakar and other cities. They can turn violent.
Protestors sometimes block major roads, including the road between Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) and the city of Dakar.
Ahead of big demonstrations, those living in Dakar or other major cities should consider stocking up on food, water and fuel. Once they have begun, you should:
- monitor the local media for information about forthcoming protests
- follow the instructions of local authorities
- avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place and exercise caution.
If you are in doubt about where protests are taking place, or the level of safety of an area, remain at home or in your hotel.
Local travel
The Casamance region, the region south of The Gambia, has suffered for decades from low intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces.
You should be vigilant when travelling in Casamance, the region south of The Gambia. Where possible you should avoid travelling at night, stick to main roads and travel in a convoy when you can. The Casamance region has suffered from decades of low intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. While the security situation has improved significantly since 2012, there are occasionally violent incidents, including armed attacks on travellers. Senegalese Armed Forces conduct small operations near the border with The Gambia to combat wood trafficking.
There is a lower level of risk in the main tourist areas of the Casamance. See Local travel
Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free.
Road travel
You can drive in Senegal with a valid UK driving licence for up to 6 months, or on a valid International Driving Permit. If you’re staying longer or living in Senegal, you’ll need to get a Senegalese driving licence.
While some main roads are of good quality, other roads can be poor especially during the rainy season from June to September. Torrential rains can cause floods and landslides. Monitor local weather reports.
Driving standards are unpredictable. Some taxis and public mini-buses (‘car rapide’) are not roadworthy by UK standards.
Traffic congestion also increases throughout Senegal in the run up to and during religious festivals. You should take particular care and attention to avoid accidents. Driving after dark is more dangerous because of poor street and vehicle lighting. If you do have an accident you must contact the police (dial 17 from a local phone) and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Do not move the car involved in the accident until a police officer gives you permission to do so. In more remote areas you may need to go directly to the nearest police station in order to report the incident.
Terrorist attacks in Senegal can’t be ruled out.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. Take particular care in remote areas of Senegal near the border areas with Mauritania and Mali, and to the east of the city of Podor as far as Kidira.
Take extra care when visiting locations, including hotels, frequented by tourists.
Terrorist groups in West Africa have demonstrated their capability and intent by mounting attacks in Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Mali since late 2015 and 2016. Targets have included leisure facilities, beach resorts, hotels, cafes and restaurants visited by foreigners. Be especially vigilant in these locations.
Senegal contributes to the UN peacekeeping initiative in Mali (MINUSMA) and is therefore considered a legitimate target by terrorist groups including Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimeen (JNIM) and their associated groups.
JNIM mainly operate in the Sahel. The Sahel region includes Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad but the threat may extend to other neighbouring countries, including Senegal, and the wider region due to the porous nature of the borders and the desire from these groups to demonstrate capability and influence across the wider region. Read more about the threat from terrorism in the Sahel region.
There is a threat of kidnapping in the wider Sahel region. You should take particular care in remote regions and border areas. The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage-takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage-taking and finances terrorist activity. The Terrorism Act (2000) also makes payments to terrorists illegal.
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. You should remain vigilant at all times.
Local laws reflect the fact that Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions so that they don’t offend others, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas.
You should dress and behave modestly in public outside the main tourist areas. Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive, and penalties for drink driving are severe. Kissing as a greeting is acceptable but kissing romantically in public is not.
Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.
Homosexual activity is illegal and not tolerated in Senegal’s conservative society. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.
If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.
See the Coronavirus travel health and Healthcare sections in the Coronavirus page for COVID-19 health information.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. You should check whether you need a yellow fever vaccine certificate. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.
General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you’re abroad.
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.
While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).
Medical treatment
Health facilities in Dakar are reasonable but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
Heath risks
Malaria, Dengue fever and other tropical diseases are common in Senegal, especially during the rainy season (June-September). You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. There are occasional outbreaks of cholera.
UK health authorities have classified Senegal as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For information and advice about the risks associated with Zika virus, visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website
The UNAIDS 2018 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic estimates the prevalence percentage of HIV in Senegal as at around 0.4% of adults aged between 15 and 49 years, compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.25%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.
This page has information on travelling to Senegal.
This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Senegal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Senegal entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.
All travellers
British nationals are not subject to entry restrictions when entering Senegal. You should still check with your airline what documentation you will need to carry with you before travelling.
Health control measures for COVID19 at Senegal’s borders have been lifted. When you travel to Senegal, you:
- do not need to take any COVID-19 tests before you travel or after you arrive
- do not need to quarantine when you arrive
This applies whether you are vaccinated or not.
If you’re fully vaccinated
Entry requirements for Senegal are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
If you’re not fully vaccinated
Entry requirements for Senegal are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.
If you’re transiting through Senegal
Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination. Check with your airline before departing.
Exemptions
There are no exemptions to Senegal’s entry requirements.
Check your passport and travel documents before you travel
Check with your travel provider to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.
Passport validity
If you are visiting Senegal, your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive.
Visas
You don’t need a visa to travel to Senegal. If you intend to stay in Senegal for longer than 3 months, you’ll need to register with the local authorities in order to obtain a ‘Carte d’étranger’. You should do this after your arrival in Senegal.
Evidence of return or onward travel
You may be refused entry if you don’t have evidence of return or onward travel.
Yellow fever certificate requirements
Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.
The currency in Senegal is the CFA franc (XOF). Avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. ATMs are widespread and reliable in Dakar but banking facilities are infrequent in the rest of the country, and withdrawal limits may be quite low. Credit cards are accepted in larger establishments that cater for tourists. Commission is often added for their use.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission. If you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad, contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London on 020 7008 5000 (24 hours).
Foreign travel checklist
Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you’re there.
Travel safety
The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.
When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.
Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.
Refunds and cancellations
If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you’ve booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or can’t offer a refund to their customers.
For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Registering your travel details with us
We’re no longer asking people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.
Previous versions of FCDO travel advice
If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice team a request.
Further help
If you’re a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that isn’t covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.
