No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
\n\nIf you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
\n\nThe Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThis information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Senegal’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in Senegal set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Embassy of Senegal in the UK.
\n\nTo enter Senegal, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou can visit Senegal without a visa for up to 3 months.
\n\nYou need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you do not have these, you may be refused entry.
\n\nIf you want to stay longer than 3 months, you must register with local authorities after you arrive. They will issue you with a Carte d’étranger, which you must carry as identification.
\n\nYou must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country listed as a transmission risk. This includes if you have transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Babies aged 9 months and under are exempt.
\n\nYou may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Senegal.
\n\nFor full details about health entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Senegal guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Senegal (in French). You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","slug":"entry-requirements","title":"Entry requirements"},{"body":"This guide also has safety advice for regions of Senegal.
\n\nThere is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nTerrorist attacks in Senegal cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nSeveral terrorist groups operate in neighbouring Mali, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP). Whilst the regions most affected by terrorist activity are central and northern Mali, JNIM has increasingly conducted attacks in southern and western Mali near to the Senegalese border.
\n\nThere is a threat of kidnapping in the wider Sahel region, which incorporates Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, so take precautions to reduce the risk of kidnap in remote regions and border areas.
\n\nBritish nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.
\n\nThe long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.
\n\nThere are frequent demonstrations about political issues in Dakar and other cities.
\n\nDemonstrations can turn violent. Protestors sometimes block major roads, including the road between Blaise Diagne International Airport and the city of Dakar.
\n\nMonitor local media and ask local contacts about possible upcoming protests. Ahead of big demonstrations, if you’re in Dakar or another major city, consider stocking up on food, water and fuel. Once they have begun, you should:
\n\nIf you are in doubt about where protests are taking place, or the level of safety of an area, stay at home or in your hotel.
\n\nForeign nationals have been prosecuted for attending protests that have not been approved by the government.
\n\nCases of robbery, burglary and assault have become more common in Dakar, and in some cases, involve the use of weapons. Hotels frequented by foreign nationals have been targeted and robbed at gunpoint. Street crime like pickpocketing and bag-snatching is also on the increase in Dakar. To reduce your personal risk:
\n\navoid carrying large sums of money or valuables
\nuse a hotel safe to store passport and valuables whenever possible
\nbe alert when withdrawing cash from ATMs, and where possible go by pre-arranged transport
\nbe particularly careful after nightfall and avoid walking alone
\ntake care of your belongings when arriving at and leaving hotels
\nkeep a copy of your passport’s photo page and your visa or entry stamp in a separate place
\nThere is a risk of bogus taxi drivers pretending to know you and then overcharging you for the journey from the airport. Pre-arrange transport with your accommodation or an authorised operator. If you’re expecting someone to collect you at the airport, make sure they show you their ID.
\n\nBe cautious when changing cash, as there is a risk you will be scammed with fake money. Use ATMs or reputable exchange bureaux.
\n\nSenegal is a predominantly Muslim country. Dress and behave modestly in public, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you visit religious areas. In the main tourist areas there is more acceptance of western-style holiday clothing.
\n\nBars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive and penalties for drink-driving are severe.
\n\nKissing as a greeting is acceptable, but kissing romantically in public is not.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, do not drink alcohol or wear revealing clothes in public during Friday prayers between 1pm and 3pm.
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nThere are severe penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs. People accused regularly spend lengthy periods on remand before being tried. The maximum sentence for trafficking is 20 years.
\n\nPrison conditions in Senegal are considerably poorer than in UK prisons. There may be problems such as overcrowding, lack of adequate meals, clean drinking water and electricity, and poor sanitation.
\n\nOnly use reputable exchange bureaux to change your money. Dakar has ATMs that accept foreign bank cards, but there are few ATMs or bank facilities in the rest of the country. Withdrawal limits can be low, and ATMs regularly run out of money, including in Dakar.
\n\nLarger or more upmarket establishments that cater for tourists usually accept foreign credit cards. Mobile payment applications, such as Orange Money and Wave, are also widely used around the country.
\n\nSame-sex sexual acts are illegal in Senegal. The law is enforced and has led to arrests.
\n\nOn 30 March 2026, Senegal amended legislation increasing prison sentences for same-sex relations to 5–10 years and criminalise the “promotion, support or funding” of homosexuality, bisexuality and transsexuality.
\n\nSame-sex relationships are generally not tolerated in Senegalese society. There is a risk of discrimination or harassment against individuals thought to be part of the LGBT+ community or perceived to be supporting their rights.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in Senegal, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can drive in Senegal with a UK driving licence for up to 6 months. A 1968 international driving permit may be helpful in offering a translation for traffic officials. If you’re staying longer or living in Senegal, you must get a Senegalese driving licence.
\n\nMost main roads are of good quality, but minor roads can be in very poor repair. During the rainy season from June to September, torrential rains can cause floods and landslides which damage roads.
\n\nDriving standards are not the same as in the UK. Drivers can make sudden movements without signalling and speeding is common. Many taxis and public mini-buses (‘cars rapides’) are not roadworthy by UK standards. Driving after dark is more dangerous because of poorly lit roads and vehicles without lights.
\n\nTraffic congestion gets worse in the run-up to and during religious festivals.
\n\nIf you have an accident, you must contact the police on 17 and wait for them to arrive at the scene. Do not move your car until a police officer gives you permission. In remote areas, go to the nearest police station to report the accident.
\n\n","slug":"safety-and-security","title":"Safety and security"},{"body":"This section has safety advice for regions of Senegal. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.
\n\nYou should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
\n\nTake particular care in remote areas of Senegal near the border areas with Mauritania and Mali.
\n\nTerrorist groups, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), are active in neighbouring Mali, and have carried out deadly attacks close to the border with Senegal. Border areas may be at risk or destabilised as the borders are not tightly controlled. See ‘Terrorism’.
\n\nCasamance, the spur of land south of The Gambia, has suffered from decades of low-intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. Be on alert for clashes if you are travelling in the region, particularly close to the Gambian and Guinea-Bissauan borders. The risk of clashes is lower in the main tourist areas of the Casamance.
\n\nWhen driving:
\n\nSenegalese forces carry out minor operations near the border with The Gambia to combat wood trafficking.
\n\n","slug":"regional-risks","title":"Regional risks"},{"body":"Before you travel check that:
\n\nThis is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
\n\nCall 15 and ask for an ambulance.
\n\nContact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
\n\nAt least 8 weeks before your trip check:
\n\nSee what health risks you’ll face in Senegal including:
\n\nThe legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
\n\nRead best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
\n\nYou’ll find pharmacies which accept UK prescriptions in major cities. The NHS has information on whether you can take your medicine abroad.
\n\nMedical facilities in Dakar are reasonable, but are limited in the rest of Senegal. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.
\n\nFCDO has a list of medical providers in Senegal where some staff will speak English.
\n\nRead FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
\n\n","slug":"health","title":"Health"},{"body":"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
\n\nAmbulance: 15
\n\nFire: 18
\n\nPolice: 17
\n\nCall 123 for the military police, who may be more responsive if you are in the countryside.
\n\nContact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
\n\nFor refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
\n\nFind out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
\n\nFCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
\n\nSee how to get help from the UK government abroad including in an emergency.
\n\nYou can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
\n\nTelephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
\n\n\n\nSign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
\n\nFollow FCDO:
\n\nThe Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Senegal on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
\n\n","slug":"getting-help","title":"Getting help"}],"reviewed_at":"2026-05-13T15:45:46Z","updated_at":"2026-05-13T15:45:46Z"},"document_type":"travel_advice","first_published_at":"2013-02-26T00:00:00+00:00","links":{"available_translations":[{"api_path":"/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/senegal","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/foreign-travel-advice/senegal","base_path":"/foreign-travel-advice/senegal","content_id":"4ac15add-d794-4b65-9dfe-3488dcc04fa1","document_type":"travel_advice","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-05-13T15:45:46Z","schema_name":"travel_advice","title":"Senegal travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/senegal","withdrawn":false}],"ordered_related_items":[{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","base_path":"/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","content_id":"dd34d3a4-56bd-4cf5-b821-d76f9d997153","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2025-09-24T10:41:27Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"About Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office travel advice","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/about-foreign-commonwealth-development-office-travel-advice","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","base_path":"/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","content_id":"aad65646-964d-4f68-ac22-5bc6c8281336","document_type":"document_collection","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2022-08-30T23:00:00Z","schema_name":"document_collection","title":"Support for British nationals abroad","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/support-for-british-nationals-abroad","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","base_path":"/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","content_id":"5d8baf93-7631-11e4-a3cb-005056011aef","document_type":"detailed_guide","links":{},"locale":"en","public_updated_at":"2026-06-05T15:27:25Z","schema_name":"detailed_guide","title":"Foreign travel checklist","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/foreign-travel-checklist","withdrawn":false},{"api_path":"/api/content/world/senegal","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/world/senegal","base_path":"/world/senegal","content_id":"b82e2727-6bf1-4b39-830a-dd53747a46b4","description":"Services if you're visiting, studying, working or living in Senegal. Includes information about trading with and doing business in the UK and Senegal.","details":{"internal_name":"UK help and services in Senegal","notes_for_editors":"","visible_to_departmental_editors":false},"document_type":"taxon","links":{},"locale":"en","phase":"live","public_updated_at":"2018-02-13T09:38:20Z","schema_name":"taxon","title":"UK help and services in Senegal","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/world/senegal","withdrawn":false}],"organisations":[{"analytics_identifier":"D1315","api_path":"/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","api_url":"https://www.gov.uk/api/content/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","base_path":"/government/organisations/foreign-commonwealth-development-office","content_id":"f9fcf3fe-2751-4dca-97ca-becaeceb4b26","details":{"acronym":"FCDO","brand":"foreign-commonwealth-development-office","default_news_image":{"high_resolution_url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de4e90e0710be0354d7/s960_fcdo-main-building.jpg","url":"https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/621e4de48fa8f5490aff83b4/s300_fcdo-main-building.jpg"},"logo":{"crest":"single-identity","formatted_title":"Foreign, Commonwealth