Senegal

Safety and security

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 17 for emergency services.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

• Street crime is common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. This includes robberies at knifepoint and home burglaries.
• Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and thieves on motorized scooters.
• Robberies occur regularly along the Corniche d’Ouest in Dakar. This is an area heavily frequented by tourists and westerners.
• Avoid walking alone on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark.
• Do not display cash and valuable personal property.
• Drive with doors locked and windows always closed or rolled up enough. This prevents theft while stopped in traffic.

Casamance Region

There are reports of armed banditry in the Casamance region of southern Senegal.

• Landmines from prior conflicts remain a concern, particularly in more remote areas off main roads.
• The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Casamance region.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial and romance scams occur in Senegal. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Gold and gem purchases
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Free trip or luggage
• Lotteries
• Inheritance notices
• Work permits and job offers

Safety tips

Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens.

• Tell your friends and family where you are.
• Meet in a popular public place.  
• Avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks.
• Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 17 or +221 800-002-020. Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.

Swimming

Many people, including children, drown each year in the Atlantic Ocean in Senegal. Riptides can occur anywhere on the coast.

• Do not swim in the ocean if you are inexperienced swimming in strong rip currents.
• Do not dive into water of unknown depths.
• Do not swim alone, especially at remote beaches.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review CDC's website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.

• Senegalese law requires that everyone always carry valid personal identification. Authorities may detain anyone, including U.S. citizens, who do not cooperate and provide identification. Senegalese authorities do not consider the certified copy of a passport or a U.S. driver’s license as identification.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Senegal, seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notifications

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Detention conditions

Prisons are overcrowded and living conditions are difficult. Prisons lack resources beyond basic needs.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal in Senegal. They are punishable by up to 5 years in prison and a fine of 1,000,000 fCFA (approximately $1,760). There have been several arrests in Senegal under these laws.
• There is strong societal discrimination against gay and lesbian people.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with disabilities and accessibility needs

• The law in Senegal prohibits discrimination against people with physical or mental disabilities. The law is not generally enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is not as accepting as in the United States.
• The availability of rental, repair, or replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices is very limited, if not impossible to find.
• Sign language interpreters or personal assistants are not readily available.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Students report that physical discipline is a common practice in both secular and religious schools.
• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

• Rape is a crime in Senegal, but it is rarely prosecuted. Spousal rape is not a crime.
• Laws against domestic violence are rarely enforced.
• Female genital mutilation or cutting (FGM/C) is illegal in Senegal but is commonly practiced in the south and southeast of the country. 
• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• CDC's Senegal Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

• Dial 17 for emergency services.

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not present or unreliable in most areas except Dakar. Response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Senegal. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Consult with a travel medicine medical provider or clinic at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or prescriptions for anti-malarial medicines you may need for your travel.

Review the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Several hospitals and clinics in Dakar can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses.
• Medical facilities outside Dakar are extremely limited. They are unable to handle major injuries
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors usually require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are very limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene to ensure the medication is legal in Senegal.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls
• Counterfeit medication is common.  They may be ineffective or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places
• Senegal does not allow the importation of controlled substances, including but not limited to:
  • Narcotics
  • anabolic steroids
  • psychotropic drugs
  • hallucinogenic drugs
• Travelers should always carry a prescription for all medications they bring into the country. However, controlled substances are often restricted even with a prescription.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Senegal.

• We strongly recommend against participating in treatments provided beyond the purview of government-regulated practices.
• Make sure you have access to licensed emergency medical facilities in such cases.

Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy (ART)

• If you are considering traveling to Senegal to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• There are legal practice guidelines regarding ART and surrogacy in Senegal. Consult a licensed physician who specializes in fertility and reproductive medicine if you are interested in these treatments.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Senegal via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is Senegal is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Senegal.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

Road conditions and safety

Driving in Senegal is generally riskier and more challenging than in the United States.

• Drivers tend to exceed speed limits, follow other vehicles closely, ignore lane markings, and attempt to pass even when facing oncoming traffic.
• Roadways are poorly lit, marked, and maintained.
• Due to limited street lighting, it is hard to see pedestrians at night.
• Expect to share the road with motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, livestock, and animal carts in both rural and urban areas.

Traffic laws

Traffic circulates on the right in Senegal. All drivers are expected to carry the following documents in their vehicles:

• Valid driver's license.
• Valid insurance papers.
• Vehicle registration/matriculation card ("carte grise").
• "Vignette" tax disc for the current year.
• Valid identification: A valid U.S. passport or passport card.  

Taxis and ride-shares

• Regulated orange taxis are generally safe, but make sure to agree on a fare before beginning the trip.
• Ride-share applications, such as “Heetch,” are available in Senegal. Drivers almost always require riders to pay the fixed fare in cash.

Public and commercial transportation

• Avoid using motorbikes, van taxis ("cars rapides"), and public transportation. 
• Visit the website of Senegal’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Senegal’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners planning travel to Senegal should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

Weather and natural disasters

Weather conditions

• Heavy rainfall – Common during the rainy season from May to November. It can cause flooding and landslides in Senegal, including Dakar.
• Harmattan –  This is a dry, dusty wind from the Sahara Desert. It affects Senegal from November to April and can cause reduced visibility and respiratory issues.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates