U.S. Embassy Dakar
Route des Almadies
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: +221-33-879-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +221-33-879-4000
Email: DakarACS@state.gov

See the Department of State’s Fact Sheet on Senegal for information on U.S.-Senegal relations.

To enter Senegal, you need:

• A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• An International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) with a record of vaccination against yellow fever.

U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Senegal for stays up to 90 days. Visit the Embassy of Senegal website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Senegal.

Find information on dual nationality, prevention of international child abduction, and customs regulations on our websites.

Visit the U.S. Embassy Dakar website for current messages to U.S. citizens regarding safety and security. Please register your travel through the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

Casamance region: There are sporadic 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.

Crime: Street crime, including robberies at knife-point and home burglaries, is common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and thieves on motorized scooters. Robberies occur regularly along the Corniche d’Ouest, an area heavily frequented by tourists and westerners. 

Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.  

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

Scams: Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Senegal. See the Department of State and FBI pages for information.

Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Common scams center around:

• Romance/online dating 
• Money transfers 
• Offers of lucrative sales 
• Offers of contracts with promises of large commissions 
• Offers of free trips/luggage 
• Lotteries 
• Work permits/job offers 
• U.S. visa opportunities

Technology Usage Abroad: Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi.

GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration.

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, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.

Victims of Crime: U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy.

Report crimes to local police by dialing 17 (from within Senegal) or to the national police by dialing  +221 800-002-020. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +221 33-879-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

 The U.S. Embassy in Senegal can:

• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.
• Provide information on appropriate medical care.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion.
• 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 and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution.
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home.
• Replace a stolen or lost passport.

Domestic Violence: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.

Swimming: A number of 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 in swimming in water where very strong rip currents occur.
• Do not dive into water of unknown depths.
• Do not swim alone, especially at isolated beaches.

Tourism: The tourism industry is not wellregulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerousareas/activities are not always labeledproperly. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities. If you are injured, you will likely need to seek appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. See our webpage for information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you break local laws, evenif you don’t know it, you can be kicked out of the areaarrested, or put in prison. If you want to start a business or work in a job that needs special permits or licenses, you should get information from the local authorities before you start..

Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our webpage for further information.

Currency: Senegal’s currency is the franc of the Communauté Financière d'Afrique (fCFA), which has an exchange rate fixed to the Euro. Senegal’s economy operates primarily on a cash basis. Credit cards are not widely accepted. Although ATMs are available in some areas (primarily Dakar), they are not always reliable and should be used with caution. Mobile money services, using local cell phone accounts, are becoming more common. You may be able to transfer money from the United States using a commercial wire-transfer company.

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports

International Volunteers:

• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGB Travelers: Same-sex sexual relations are criminalized in Senegal. LGB individuals routinely face discrimination. Under Article 319 of the Senegalese criminal code, “unnatural acts” are punishable by imprisonment of one to five years and a fine of fCFA 1,000,000. Several arrests have occurred under these laws.

See our LGB Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Special Circumstances: While there are excellent relations between the approximately 95 percent of the Senegalese population that practices Islam and the remaining five percent that practice Christianity and other religions, Senegalese culture is conservative – particularly in rural regions. Be mindful of local social and cultural norms pertaining to dress, displays of affection, and interactions between men and women.

Personal Identification: Senegalese law requires all persons to carry valid personal identification at all times. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a passport or passport card with them at all times. 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.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in Senegal prohibits discrimination against persons with physical or mental disabilities, but the law is not enforced. Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.

The availability of rental, repair, or replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices for people with disabilities, and of service providers such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, is limited, especially outside of the capital city.

See our Travelers with Disabilities page.

Students: See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips.

Women Travelers: Rape is a crime in Senegal, though it is rarely prosecuted. Spousal rape is not criminalized. Laws against domestic violence are rarely enforced.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is outlawed in Senegal but is commonly practiced in the south and southeast of the country.

See our travel tips for Women Travelers.

Several hospitals and clinics in Dakar can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses; however, medical facilities outside Dakar are extremely limited and unprepared to handle major injuries. There is inadequate inpatient psychiatric care and limited office-based psychiatric treatment in Dakar.

For emergency services in Senegal, dial, +221 800-881-881 (Toll Free/Numero Vert) for SAMU.

Ambulance services are either unavailable or unreliable in most areas except Dakar, where ambulance services exist but can often arrive with great delay. In the event an ambulance is not immediately available (the services will often provide an estimated time of arrival), injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals on our webpage, under "local resources." We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic. 

See our Health Abroad page for more information.

• We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) Travelers’ Health website. Also, check the general Traveler Advice for Senegal. Select your destination in the CDC Travelers’ Health website.
  • Review all sub-sections. These include Travel Health Notices, Vaccines and Medicines, Non-Vaccine-Preventable Diseases, Stay Healthy and Safe, Healthy Travel Packing List, and After Your Trip.
  • We highly recommend that all travelers review the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s Travelers’ Health page. CDC Traveler Advice provides advice on medical considerations, including:
  • Reasons for Travel (for example: Adventure Travel, Spring Break Travel)
  • Travelers with Special Considerations (for example: Allergies, Long-Term Travelers, and Expatriates)
  • General Tips (for example: Traveling with Medications, Travel Vaccines)

The Department of State, U.S. embassies, and U.S. consulates do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. See our Insurance Overseas page for more information on insurance providers with overseas coverage. Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage for more information on what type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance which covers medical evacuation.

Always carry prescription medication in its original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

The following diseases are present:

• Malaria
• Typhoid Fever
• Tuberculosis
• Yellow Fever
• Zika
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Rabies
• Measles
• Dengue 
• Congo Crimean Hemorrhagic Fever 

Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further Health Information:

• World Health Organization Travel Advice page
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Traveler’s Health page

Water Quality: Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water. Wash raw vegetables and fruits in a bleach solution before eating.

Air Quality:

• Air pollution is a significant problem in several major cities in Senegal. Consider the impact seasonal smog and heavy particulate pollution may have on you, and consult your doctor before traveling if necessary.
• The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst during the Harmattan winds in January and February, which frequently carry dust and sand particles from the Sahara and result in poor air quality throughout the country. People at greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include: 
  • Infants, children, and teens 
  • People over 65 years of age 
  • People with lung disease, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, or emphysema 
  • People with heart disease or diabetes 
  • People who work or are active outdoors

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 and poorly marked, and many have deteriorated surfaces. Due to limited street lighting, pedestrians are difficult to see at night. Drivers in both rural and urban areas may frequently expect to encounter and share the road with motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, livestock, and animal carts. For information about automobile accidents in Senegal, visit the U.S. Embassy Dakar website.

While most main roads in Senegal are in relatively good condition for daytime driving, secondary roads are poor by U.S. standards. During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

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. Drivers should carry a valid U.S. passport or passport card.

Public Transportation: U.S. citizens should avoid using motorbikes, van taxis ("cars rapides"), and public transportation. Regulated orange-taxis are safer, but make sure to agree on a fare before beginning the trip. Travelers can download ride-share applications, such as “Heetch,” and pay the fixed fare in cash.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: There is direct commercial air service between the United States and Senegal. 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 also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to the U.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and the NGA broadcast warnings website.