23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. 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.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Call 18.
Call 15, or go to the nearest hospital.
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:
Do not travel to Senegal.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Demonstrations are common, particularly around Senegal's government buildings and in public areas. Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.
The arrest of a key opposition figure on 3 March 2021 has contributed to incidences of violence and rioting across many regions of Senegal and in several neighbourhoods in Dakar, including Medina, Sacre Coeur, Ouakam, Grand Yoff, Fass and Cite Gorgui. Remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, in particular in and around Cheikh Anta Diop University. Leave immediately at any sign of unrest.
More information:
Unrest occurs near the border with Guinea. This area is home to displaced persons and refugees, and military operations sometimes happen.
There are landmines in the region.
To protect yourself from local conflict:
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.
If, despite the risks, you travel elsewhere in the Casamance region:
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.
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:
In Dakar, muggings and robberies happen:
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:
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:
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:
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 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:
To stay safe from terrorism:
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:
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:
Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
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:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least eight weeks before you leave.
More information:
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:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Senegal.
For information on Senegal's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Health’s website (French). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
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:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.
More information:
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.
Common waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases occur, including these listed by the World Health Organization:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. Follow the advice of local authorities.
To protect yourself from illness:
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
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.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. This can include long jail terms.
More information:
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:
It's also illegal to:
You must have approval to import:
Get customs clearance if you take any of these items.
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
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:
Senegal has conservative standard of behaviour and dress. Avoid revealing clothing and inappropriate displays of public affection. Take care not to offend.
Government offices, schools and most businesses close for the Islamic holiday feast of sacrifice (“Eid al-Adha” or “Tabaski”).
Avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and around people who are fasting.
Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at all times.
Contact an Embassy or Consulate of Senegal for entry and exit details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
There are border closures and restrictions, including limitations on land and sea borders. Limited commercial air transport has resumed. Contact your travel provider for details.
You will be required to present a negative (PCR) COVID-19 test result taken no more than 72 hours prior to departure. The Senegalese Ministry of Health has issued a list of COVID-19 testing facilities
Entry restrictions are in place for foreign nationals who are not a resident in Senegal. If you're allowed entry, you must present a negative COVID-19 test certificate taken up to five days before arrival. You must also provide a certificate for transits longer than 24 hours. If you don't have this documentation you may not be allowed to board your flight. These measures can change at short notice. Check with your nearest Senegal Embassy for details.
You must also fill out a ‘Public Health Passenger Locator’ form on arrival in Senegal. You will present this form at border control. You can access the form on the Dakar Airport website.
There are reports of anti-COVID-19 hostility towards foreigners. Avoid crowds. Leave immediately at any signs of unrest. Pay attention to your personal safety and surroundings.
Senegal has declared a State of Emergency and there is a curfew between 9pm and 5am in Dakar and Thies. During curfew hours, everyone must stay at home or indoors, except for essential government service workers or if you're a passenger arriving or departing the international airport.
The motorways between the international airport and Thiès and between the airport and Mbour are closed between 8pm and 6am. You may face penalties if you break curfew.
Mosques and churches may be open to public prayers and religious services, subject to conditions on physical distancing, hand washing and use of face masks. You're strongly advised to avoid mass prayers and congregational worship to minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19.
You must wear a face mask in all public spaces, including government buildings, private sector workplaces, shops, markets, restaurants, local businesses and on all forms of public transport. You're strongly advised to wear a face mask even when travelling alone in your own vehicle.
Monitor the media for information on latest developments and follow the advice of local authorities.
If you're staying in Senegal:
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:
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.
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:
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 are a danger in the Casamance region, particularly along the Guinea-Bissau border.
To drive in Senegal, you need both:
Get an IDP before you leave Australia.
Driving in Senegal can be dangerous. Hazards include:
If you plan to drive in Senegal:
More information:
Check with your travel insurer if your policy covers you to ride a motorbike.
Always wear a helmet.
Only use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to arrange these through your hotel.
Avoid using public transport in Senegal. Road safety is an issue, and vehicles are poorly maintained.
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:
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:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Call 18.
Call 15, or go to the nearest hospital.
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:
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.
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
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.
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.