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Senegal

Overview of Senegal

Boats on the beach, Senegal
Photo credit: Angel Hernansaez
The sunny Republic of Senegal sits on the Atlantic Ocean between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania, and is perhaps Africa's next big destination. Blessed with hundreds of miles of beautiful beaches, it has a serious surf culture and delicious seafood, along with vibrant markets and glittering nightlife.

Casamance, a strip of land stretching from east to west across the country below The Gambia, boasts some of the best beaches in West Africa, and is one of the most popular regions of Senegal. Here, tourists can experience a vision of tropical splendour, with lush forests, coconut palm groves, brilliant flame trees and beautiful bougainvillea, as well as warm waters lapping on the endless stretches of sandy beaches. A multitude of hotels on the fringes of its beaches makes Casamance a coastal paradise.

In contrast, the modern capital city of Dakar, situated on the tip of the Cape Verde Peninsula, is a vibrant hive of local and international activity, where businessmen rub shoulders with tourists and traditionally dressed Senegalese. The city boasts a smorgasbord of gleaming hotels, cafes, colourful open-air markets and the intriguing medina (old quarter). Just two miles (3km) offshore lies Goree, an island notorious for being the most important slave depot in West Africa between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Not only does Senegal offer seaside resorts, a fascinating history and a modern business infrastructure, but also national parks rich in flora and fauna, excellent scuba-diving and fishing opportunities. With its diversity of cultures and customs, and a warm and welcoming attitude towards foreigners, Senegal is a great destination for those intrepid adventurers seeking a new and memorable experience.

map of Senegal


Key Facts

Language:
The official language is French, but there are other national languages spoken, including Wolof, which are more widely used.
Passport/Visa:

All visitors must either hold a return or onward ticket and all documents for the next destination. Passports must be valid for at least three months on entry; however, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Senegal. Immigration officials sometimes apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Currency:

The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes; travellers should avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. There are ATMs in Dakar, but banking facilities are limited in the rest of the country. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted; commission is charged.

Electricity:
Electrical current is 220 volts, 50Hz. Round two-pin attachment plugs are in use.

Travel to Senegal

Climate in Senegal

The weather is generally hot and humid all year. There are two seasons: the rainy season from June to October and the dry season between November and May. Humidity is highest during the rainy season and sea temperatures are warmer during this period. Rainfall varies from 12 inches (300mm) in the extreme north to 59 inches (1,500mm) in the far south and, although showers don't last very long, they can cause disruption to transport. Dry season temperatures average between 72°F and 86°F (22°C and 30°C). Dakar temperatures average 75F (24C) from January to March, 77F to 81F (25C to 27C) in April, May and December, and 86F (30C) between June and October.

Health Notes when travelling to Senegal

Stomach troubles are the most common health concerns for travellers in Senegal, so visitors should watch what they eat and drink. Protection against mosquito bites is essential as malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya fever occur; malaria is prevalent throughout the country and prophylaxis is recommended for all travellers. A yellow fever vaccination is a requirement for entry to Senegal if visitors arriving from or have transited through an area where there is a risk of transmission, but all travellers should be vaccinated against yellow fever as a precaution. All eligible travellers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines; other recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, and typhoid. Outbreaks of meningococcal infections occur and vaccination is recommended for travel during the dry season (November to May). Medical facilities are good in Dakar, but are limited in the rest of the country. Travellers should ensure they have comprehensive health insurance.

Safety Notes when travelling to Senegal

Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free, but street crime and pick-pocketing, especially in Dakar, are common. Visitors are advised to conceal valuables from the public eye. Travel by road in the Casamance region west of Kolda is unsafe due to the activities of separatist rebel groups and bandits, and should be avoided.

Customs in Senegal

The majority of the population is Muslim and it is generally a conservative society, where dress and behaviour should be modest, especially outside the main tourist areas. Public displays of affection between men and women should be avoided, and acts of homosexuality are illegal. Drunkenness is offensive. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited by the Muslim faith; visitors should avoid eating and drinking in public during this time.

Duty Free in Senegal

Travellers to Senegal over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco or tobacco products, or one bottle of perfume for personal use.

Doing Business in Senegal

In Senegal, it is expected of the visitor to dress formally. Greetings are very important and the visitor must ensure that every member at the meeting is greeted and acknowledged at least once. The shaking of hands is the standard greeting for men and women in business. It is a good idea to be punctual even if the host is not. Meetings can often take longer than anticipated and patience may prove a virtue. Business is usually conducted in French and a translator may be needed, though many Senegalese businessmen will know some English. It is important to find out beforehand how the contacts are to be addressed. Business hours are generally 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, with an hour taken over lunch.

Communication in Senegal

The international dialling code for Senegal is +221. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Travellers can purchase prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; cafes, restaurants and hotels profide WiFi.

Tipping in Senegal

Larger hotels and restaurants usually include a service charge of 10 to 15 percent. Taxi drivers are not usually tipped.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors must either hold a return or onward ticket and all documents for the next destination. Passports must be valid for at least three months on entry; however, it is highly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from Senegal. Immigration officials sometimes apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of six months beyond the period of intended stay. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of six months after their departure date. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. A visa is required for stays longer than 3 months.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. No visa required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealand nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. A visa is required for stays longer than 3 months.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African nationals must have a passport valid for a minimum of three months from the date of arrival. A visa is required for stays longer than 3 months.

Tourist Offices

Ministry of Tourism, Dakar: Tel.: +221 (0)33 860 45 15 / 77 552 52 44 or http://www.au-senegal.com

Senegal Embassies

In the United States:

Embassy of Senegal, Washington DC: +1 202 234 0540.

In Canada:

Embassy of Senegal, Ottawa: +1 613 238 6392.

In the United Kingdom:

Embassy of Senegal, London (also responsible for Ireland): Tel: +(44) 20 7937 7237.

In Australia:

Consulate-General of Senegal, Melbourne: +61 (0)3 9348 0466.

In South Africa:

Embassy of Senegal, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 5263.

Foreign Embassies in Senegal

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 879 4000.

Canadian Embassy

Canadian Embassy, Dakar (also responsible for Australia): +221 (0)33 889 4700.

British Embassy

British Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 823 7392.

Australian Embassy

Embassy of Australia, Dakar, +221 823 9290

South African Embassy

South African Embassy, Dakar: +221 (0)33 865 1959.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Senegal

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Senegal, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Senegal.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Senegal. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Senegal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers who are 9 months of age or older.

Country entry requirement: The government of Senegal also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Senegal.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Senegal located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Senegal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Senegal
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
get_vaccinated animals hygiene

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Senegal, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Senegal.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Senegal. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

get_vaccinated avoid_insects
Yellow Fever

Health recommendation: Yellow fever is a risk in Senegal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for all travelers who are 9 months of age or older.

Country entry requirement: The government of Senegal also requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with risk of yellow fever (this does not include the US - for complete list, see Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.)

See more information on yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Senegal.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

CDC recommends this vaccine if you plan to visit parts of Senegal located in the meningitis belt during the dry season (December–June), when the disease is most common.

get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Senegal, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Senegal
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Note: Zika is a risk in Senegal. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Senegal. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).

 

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Senegal, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Senegal. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

Note: Zika is a risk in Senegal. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Senegal include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Senegal. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Senegal’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Senegal. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Senegal may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Senegal, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Senegal for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Senegal.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The official currency is the West African CFA franc (XOF), which is divided into 100 centimes; travellers should avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency anywhere other than reputable exchange bureaus. There are ATMs in Dakar, but banking facilities are limited in the rest of the country. Credit cards are only accepted by major establishments catering to the tourist trade, with American Express being the most widely accepted; commission is charged.

Exchange rate for 1 XOF - West African CFA Franc
0.00 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
0.00 EUR
Euro
0.00 USD
U.S. Dollar
0.00 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
0.22 JPY
Japanese Yen
0.00 CAD
Canadian Dollar
0.00 CHF
Swiss Franc
0.00 AUD
Australian Dollar
0.06 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
0.72 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
2.30 LBP
Lebanese Pound
0.01 LYD
Libyan Dinar
0.01 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
0.19 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
0.01 QAR
Qatari Rial
0.00 SGD
Singapore Dollar
0.02 SEK
Swedish Krona
0.01 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
0.08 DOP
Dominican Peso
0.01 HRK
Croatian Kuna
0.03 MXN
Mexican Peso
0.01 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
0.00 FJD
Fiji Dollar
0.04 HNL
Honduran Lempira
0.21 DZD
Algerian Dinar
3.20 MMK
Myanma Kyat
0.02 BWP
Botswana Pula
0.01 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
1.41 CLP
Chilean Peso
0.62 AMD
Armenia Dram
0.04 CZK
Czech Koruna
0.03 MDL
Moldova Lei
0.21 ISK
Icelandic Krona
16.66 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
0.01 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
0.00 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
0.06 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
0.07 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
0.05 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
0.02 NOK
Norwegian Krone
0.01 PLN
Polish Zloty
0.01 SAR
Saudi Riyal
0.56 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee
0.06 THB
Thai Baht
0.01 AED
U.A.E Dirham
0.01 BRL
Brazilian Real
0.01 RON
Romanian New Leu
0.01 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
1.00 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
35.87 VND
Vietnamese Dong
0.22 ARS
Argentine Peso
0.00 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
0.01 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
0.02 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
0.00 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
0.00 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
6.73 COP
Colombian Peso
0.12 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
0.62 HUF
Hungarian Forint
0.02 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
22.65 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
0.03 EGP
Egyptian Pound
2.13 KRW
South Korean Won
10.62 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
0.01 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
0.96 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
0.00 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
0.34 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
0.09 RUB
Russian Rouble
0.03 ZAR
South African Rand
0.00 TND
Tunisian Dinar
0.00 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
0.00 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
0.03 TRY
Turkish Lira
0.09 PHP
Philippine Peso
0.05 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
0.65 NGN
Nigerian Naira
0.18 XPF
CFP Franc
0.02 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
0.23 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
0.00 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
0.00 BND
Brunei Dollar
0.18 RSD
Serbian Dinar
0.01 CNY
Chinese Yuan
0.01 DKK
Danish Krone
0.01 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
0.12 INR
Indian Rupee
       
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to West African CFA Franc

1 USD = 656.14 XOF

Exchange Rate for
Euro to West African CFA Franc

1 EUR = 655.66 XOF

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to West African CFA Franc

1 CAD = 497.30 XOF

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to West African CFA Franc

1 GBP = 754.13 XOF

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to West African CFA Franc

1 AUD = 441.16 XOF

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to West African CFA Franc

1 NZD = 392.78 XOF

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to West African CFA Franc

1 ZAR = 37.41 XOF

Dakar International Airport (DSS)
Blaise Diagne International Airport
http://www.aeroport-dakar.com/index_en.php

Location: Dakar The airport is situated 37 miles (59km) east of downtown Dakar.

map of Dakar International Airport

Time: GMT.

Contacts: Tel: +221 33 939 69 00

Getting to the city: The Dakar Dem Dikk bus line 8 takes travellers from the airport to downtown Dakar, with various stops including Yoff, Patte d'Oie, Grand Yoff or Cheikh Anta Diop University. Minibuses operated by hotels run between the airport, the city center and the tourist areas.

Car rental: Several car rental companies have offices at Dakar International airport.

Airport Taxis: Taxis are available 24 hours a day at Dakar International Airport. Passengers must negotiate a fare with the driver before entering the vehicle.

Facilities: Facilities at the airport include currency exchange, left luggage facilities, restaurants, duty-free shopping, and a tourist help desk.

Parking: Two car parks are available. One is free located 200 meters from the airport entrance. The second park is located in front of the airport terminal.

Departure Tax: None.

Overview of the Attractions in Senegal

Public Holidays in Senegal

 

News about Senegal

The Most Notable New Airline Routes This Week
West Africa’s Air Senegal introduced its first transatlantic route on September 2nd, with Dakar to New York JFK and Baltimore taking off. It was originally to serve Washington
Simple Flying
Tuesday September 07, 2021
Black Travel Vibes: Explore The Islands Of Cape Verde
When people talk about African islands their minds immediately wander off to the picturesque beaches and resorts of popular destinations like the Seychelles and Zanzibar. But there’s definitely more of the continent that needs exploring. Located off the coast of Senegal, the islands of Cape Verde are probably one of the continent’s most underrated gems. Visitors can expect to see unspoiled beaches when they
Essence
Tuesday February 11, 2020
Black Travel Vibes: Enjoy The Slow Life In Senegal
A vibrant and thriving country bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, the West African nation of Senegal is a colorful gem that offers something for every type of traveler. Though Ghana may have gotten the shine last year during their ‘Year of Return’ campaign, Senegal has long seen an increase in Black travelers looking to
Essence
Wednesday January 15, 2020
EXPLORE WEST AFRICA WITH SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS VACATIONS® AFFORDABLE AIR-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES
Fort Lauderdale, FL (April 16, 2018) - South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®), the leisure division of South African Airways offers affordable air-inclusive packages to destinations in West Africa. Immerse in the rich culture, history, and beauty of Ghana or Senegal with one of SAA Vacations™ air-inclusive packages starting at $2999* (restrictions apply).
Travel Research Online
Wednesday April 18, 2018
For Visitors to Senegal’s Lac Rose, a Closer Look at the Colorful Lake’s Salt Harvest
I was at Lac Rose (also called Lake Retba) on a late-morning pit stop between the Senegalese capital of Dakar — about an hour away by car — and the northern city of Saint-Louis. I had read about the Pepto-Bismol-colored lake, its hue caused by its high salt content and an algae that produces a red pigment, and I figured it would be a great place to take a break
The Washington Post
Friday May 12, 2017
South African Airways Vacations® Introduces New Air-Inclusive Packages to Senegal and Ghana
South African Airways Vacations® (SAA Vacations®) has expanded their portfolio of air-inclusive vacation packages with the introduction of new programs to Senegal and Ghana in West Africa. These multi-faceted packages are designed to immerse travelers in the history, culture and traditions of these African countries to provide an enriching travel experience
Travel Research Online
Wednesday May 03, 2017
South African Airways Iintroduces New State-Of-The-Art Airbus A330-300 Aircraft On Washington, DC Route
South African Airways (SAA), the national carrier of South Africa and Africa’s most awarded airline has introduced its new Airbus A330-300 wide-body aircraft on the three-times weekly route between Washington, DC Dulles International Airport and Johannesburg O.R. Tambo International Airport via Dakar, Senegal. The new A330-300s offer state-of-the-art technology, are very environmentally friendly and SAA customers will enjoy the latest innovations in onboard comfort and amenities
Travel Research Online
Tuesday February 14, 2017
Senegal: a trip to Baaba Maal's music festival
Kevin Perry joins thousands of fans from West Africa as they flock to the Blues du Fleuve festival in Podor, the singer's hometown
The Guardian
Monday January 04, 2016
In Senegal, a Coastal Region Sees a Resurgence
Casamance, once at the forefront of the ecotourism movement until a separatist movement began in 1982, is drawing people again to its spectacular beaches