Senegal

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations are common near Senegal's government buildings and in public areas. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Local conflict

Unrest occurs near the border with Guinea. This area is home to displaced persons and refugees, and military operations sometimes happen.

The situation in the Casamance region in southern Senegal is volatile. Armed bandits sometimes attack travellers in the area. Conflict between separatist groups and the Senegalese Army is possible. People have died.

There are landmines in the region.

To protect yourself from local conflict:

• avoid protests, rallies and large public demonstrations
• monitor news of possible civil unrest
• take particular care if you travel to the border region with Guinea

Security risks are lower in the cities of Cap Skirring and Ziguinchor.

If you travel to Cap Skirring or Ziguinchor, travel directly by air, sea or only on the main road between the two locations.

If, despite the risks, you travel elsewhere in the Casamance region:

• don't travel after dark
• always be aware of your personal security

COVID-19

There are reports of anti-COVID-19 hostility towards foreigners. Pay attention to your personal safety and surroundings.

Officials or people posing as officials, may try to detain or extort money from foreigners, including at the airport.

Petty crime

You're most at risk of petty crime in large crowds. Look out for:

• pickpockets
• bag snatchers
• thieves on motorbikes

In Dakar, muggings and robberies happen:

• in the restaurant district of La Petite Corniche
• along the Corniche d'Ouest
• at the Leopold Senghor International Airport

Petty crime also occurs in St Louis's restaurant area.

Criminals target foreigners, especially at night.

Home robberies also happen often.

To protect yourself from crime:

• don't carry bags that are easy to snatch
• avoid walking at night, especially in isolated areas
• always lock your doors, even when you're inside
• always keep vehicle doors and windows locked, even when moving

Scams

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and job offers. These scams often originate in West African countries, including Senegal.

If you travel to Senegal as a scam victim, you may be at risk of kidnapping, assault and robbery. Some scam victims have been killed.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may:

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Once a connection develops, they may ask you to send money so they can come to Australia.

After you transfer money, the relationship ends.

They may also ask you to come to Africa to meet them. 

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've thoroughly checked them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to Senegal to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Senegal.

In October 2017, the US Government identified possible terrorist threats in Dakar. The threat focused on hotels and other popular destinations for Westerners. Security screening has increased. 

Remote areas are vulnerable to terror attacks, including by groups from nearby countries. This includes areas:

• near the borders with Mauritania and Mali
• to the east of the city of Podor as far as Kidira

To stay safe from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• avoid crowds and other possible targets for terror attacks
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you must visit a possible terror target, always have an exit plan.

If there's an attack, leave the area immediately if you can.

Avoid the area where the attack occurred, due to the risk of secondary attacks.

More information:

• Terrorism

No Westerners have been kidnapped in Senegal recently, but kidnapping does happen in nearby countries.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Read our advice about kidnapping before you travel to Senegal, especially if you plan to visit regions bordering Mali and Mauritania.

The rainy season is July to September. Flooding may happen, which makes some roads hard to travel.

To protect yourself if a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• closely monitor local media and other sources
• follow advice from local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health (World Health Organization)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor. 

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Senegal. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medication

COVID-19

COVID-19 is present in Senegal.

Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Department of Health)
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak (WHO)
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) (Smartraveller)

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever (Department of Health) is common in Senegal. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Other common insect-borne diseases include:

• malaria (World Health Organization)
• dengue (Department of Health)

To protect yourself from disease:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use treated mosquito nets
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

The rate of HIV/AIDS (World Health Organization) infection is high.

Take precautions if you engage in activities that may expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• cholera
• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• meningitis
• rabies
• tuberculosis
• typhoid

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Follow the advice of local authorities.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water
• get medical attention straight away if an animal scratches or bites you

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Medical care and facilities in Senegal are limited, especially outside Dakar.

Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.

You may need to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

If you're seriously sick or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. This can include long jail terms.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

You must carry photo ID at all times. If authorities request ID and you can't provide it, they can put you in jail.

Be careful when taking photos. It's illegal to photograph:

• government buildings
• airports
• other official facilities

It's also illegal to:

• drink and drive
• engage in same-sex relationships
• cross the Senegal River by pirate pirogue or canoe

You must have approval to import:

• auto parts
• computers and computer parts
• stereo equipment
• video cameras

Get customs clearance if you take any of these items.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTI travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Senegal recognises dual nationality.

If you're a dual national, this limits the consular services we can give if you're arrested or detained.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

Australia-Senegal dual nationals may have civil or military service obligations in Senegal. Check with an embassy or consulate of Senegal before you travel.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Senegal has conservative standard of behaviour and dress. Avoid revealing clothing and inappropriate displays of public affection. Take care not to offend.

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan will be from late April to late May in 2020. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and around people who are fasting.

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can't help you.

Visa requirements

Contact an Embassy or Consulate of Senegal for entry and exit details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

COVID-19

Expect border closures and restrictions, including all air, land and sea borders. All inbound and outbound international flight schedules can no longer be relied on. It is extremely unlikely that any international commercial flights will operate for some time. Contact your travel provider for details.

If you try to travel to Senegal, you could be refused entry.

If you are permitted entry, expect enhanced health screening on arrival. You may need to enter government designated quarantine facility or self-isolate with limited health services.

These measures can change at short notice. Check with your nearest Senegal Embassy for details.

You might not be able to travel as planned, access offices, schools, entertainment or religious services. Expect especially curfews or lockdowns.

If you can't or don't want to leave, follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe and well.

Yellow fever vaccination

You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Senegal. If you don't have a certificate, authorities may quarantine you. You may also need a mandatory vaccination at your own cost.

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to travel to other countries after visiting Senegal.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health).

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB) (World Health Organization)

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for six months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than six months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the West African CFA Franc (XOF).

You can't easily change Australian dollars.

You can change US dollars and euros at commercial banks and exchange bureaus.

Major hotels in Dakar accept credit cards. You'll find ATMs in Dakar, but banking facilities are hard to find outside the capital.

Plan ahead. Have enough cash to meet your needs.

Ask your bank if your cards will work. Credit and debit card fraud is common.

Landmines

Landmines are a danger in the Casamance region, particularly along the Guinea-Bissau border.

Driving permit

To drive in Senegal, you need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• an Australian driver's licence

Get an IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Driving in Senegal can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• poor-quality roads
• unsafe driving practices
• poorly maintained vehicles
• not enough street lighting
• pedestrians and animals on the road

If you plan to drive in Senegal:

• understand local traffic laws and practices
• look out for hazards, especially after dark

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you to ride a motorbike.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to arrange these through your hotel.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport in Senegal. Road safety is an issue, and vehicles are poorly maintained.

Sea travel

Ferry travel is risky due to low safety standards and bad weather. There may be too many passengers and not enough life jackets. Always wear a life jacket, even if others don't.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Senegal's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 18.

Medical emergencies

Call 15, or go to the nearest hospital.

Police

Call 33 860 3810 for the Tourist Police, or go to the nearest police station.

If the Tourist Police can't help you, call one of the general police hotline numbers:

• 800-00-20-20
• 800-00-17-00
• 33-821-2431

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in Senegal.

The Canadian Embassy in Dakar can provide consular help, including provisional travel documents.

You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana.

Canadian Embassy, Dakar

Corner of Gallieni and Amadou Cisse Dia Streets
Dakar, Senegal
Phone: (+22 1) 3 3889 4700
Fax: (+22 1) 3 3889 4720
Email: dakar@international.gc.ca
Website: canadainternational.gc.ca/senegal/index.aspx

Australian High Commission, Accra

2, Second Rangoon Close
(cnr Josef Broz Tito Ave)
Cantonments
Accra, Ghana
Phone: +23 3 3 0221 6400
Fax: +23 3 3 0221 6410
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
Twitter: @AusAmbGHA

The Australian High Commission in Accra currently has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana.  This will likely be reduced further as COVID-19 develops.

See the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia