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:
Exercise a high degree of caution in Senegal overall due to the risk of civil unrest and threat of crime.
Reconsider your need to travel to the Casamance region of southern Senegal (except Cap Skirring, Ziguinchor and the main road between these cities) due to the volatile security situation.
Reconsider your need to travel to the eastern border with Mali due to the volatile security situation.
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 and can be unpredictable, particularly around Senegal's government buildings and in public areas.
Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent. Previous protests across Senegal have resulted in several deaths and injuries. Foreign nationals have been prosecuted for attending protests that have not been approved by the government. Protestors sometimes block major roads, including the road between Blaise Diagne International Airport and the city of Dakar.
Access to essential services, including medical care, can be impacted by strikes with little notice. Consider stocking up on food, water and fuel in case supplies are interrupted.
Avoid protests and public gatherings and remain vigilant. Limit unnecessary travel. Follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local media for updates.
More information:
The situation in the Casamance region in southern Senegal is volatile. Armed bandits occasionally target travellers, and the risk of conflict between separatist groups and the Senegalese Army is possible. Recent fatalities have occurred.
There are unmarked landmines from prior conflicts, particularly in remote areas off main roads, including along the border with Guinea-Bissau. Avoid remote routes where possible.
If you travel elsewhere in the Casamance region:
We continue to advise do not travel to Mali and reconsider your need to travel in border regions with Senegal due to the dangerous security situation and the threat of terrorism and kidnapping. There is increased terrorist and serious organised crime activity across the border in Kayes Region in Mali.
We continue to advise reconsider your need to travel to Mauritania due to the threat of terrorism and kidnapping and the risk of violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas. Crossing the border into Mauritania can be time-consuming, and officials may ask for payments before they allow you to cross.
Be alert for extortion attempts by officials or imposters, especially at the airport. Unlicensed taxi drivers may try to over-charge tourists arriving at the airport. Pre-arrange transport with your accommodation or a trusted contact, and ask to see ID when they collect you at the airport.
Stay in hotels that have robust security measures, including guards, metal detectors and security cameras.
In Dakar, muggings and robberies are common, including in areas frequented by tourists. The Gorée pier is a common spot for pickpockets. You're most at risk of petty crime in large crowds, or at quiet beaches. Look out for:
Criminals target foreigners, especially at night.
Home robberies happen often, usually in the evenings or early mornings, and can involve weapons.
Sexual assault and domestic violence are crimes in Senegal, but are rarely prosecuted.
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.
Kidnapping can happen anywhere, even in places that seem safe. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling.
Kidnapping is a risk in the border regions with Mali and the Casamance region of southern Senegal.
You’re responsible for your own safety. You can find more information on how to reduce your risk of kidnapping here: Kidnapping
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
Respect local wildlife laws. Wildlife attacks can occur. Maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife.
Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators.
Follow park rules and the advice of wardens. Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so.
More information:
Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Senegal.
Although Senegal has not experienced recent terrorist attacks, there is a regional terrorist threat to West African countries and attacks could occur at any time. Remote areas are particularly vulnerable to terror attacks, including by groups from nearby and neighbouring countries. This includes areas near the borders with Mauritania and Mali.
Attacks can be random and occur in places foreigners visit, such as:
To stay safe from terrorism:
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:
An increasing number of people drown each year in the Atlantic Ocean off Senegal. Riptides can occur anywhere on the coast.
If you plan to spend time in or on the water:
The rainy season is June to September. Flooding may occur, which makes some roads hard to travel on. Mudslides and landslides are a significant risk.
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.
Senegal doesn't allow the importation of controlled substances, including but not limited to:
Senegal’s Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene can advise on which medications are legal in Senegal.
Counterfeit medicine is common, and may have dangerous or ineffective ingredients.
Yellow fever 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 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.
Expect to pay cash up-front before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency. Staff may not speak English. Public hospitals may only be minimally staffed, especially overnight.
Medical care and facilities in Senegal are limited, especially outside Dakar. Psychological and psychiatric services are very limited, even in larger cities. Local health services may have difficulty responding to outbreaks of infectious disease.
Travellers with a disability may find it difficult to purchase, rent or repair equipment or devices, and accessibility is limited for public transportation, accommodation, and general infrastructure.
Ambulances are rarely available outside Dakar and can face delays when responding to incidents in Dakar. It may be better to take a vehicle or taxi to the nearest hospital than wait for an ambulance. First responders may not be able to reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
If you're seriously sick or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a location with better facilities. Ensure you have adequate travel insurance that covers medical evacuation, which can be very expensive.
Local prison conditions are harsh, with difficult living conditions and overcrowding. Accused persons may spend lengthy periods on remand before being tried.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. This can include long jail terms, and lengthy periods on remand before trial.
More information:
You must carry photo ID at all times, and a certified copy of a passport may not be accepted by Senegalese authorities. 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:
Same-sex relationships are illegal and may lead to severe punishment, including prison and fines. The law is enforced and has led to arrests. Avoid displays of affection in public. Members of the LGBTIQA+ community may face discrimination or abuse.
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, particularly during Ramadan. Avoid revealing clothing and displays of public affection. Take care not to offend. Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks, but drunkenness is considered offensive.
Government offices, schools and most businesses close for the Islamic holiday feast of sacrifice ('Eid al-Adha' or 'Tabaski').
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is observed in Senegal. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time. If you're visiting during Ramadan, seek advice about additional considerations from your tour guide, hotel or trusted contacts.
During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence and check opening hours of shops and restaurants.
Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.
Contact an Embassy or Consulate of Senegal for entry and exit details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
Air, land and sea borders are open. Contact your travel provider for details.
You'll need to show border officials evidence of return or onward travel and proof of your arranged accommodation. If you don't have these, you may be refused entry.
Travel requirements can change at short notice. You may need to provide proof on onward travel and accommodation when entering Senegal. Check with your nearest Senegal Embassy for details.
Familiarise yourself with Senegal’s customs measures and declare anything subject to taxes or duties when exiting 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.
More information:
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. Only use reputable ATMs or exchange bureaus, as there is a risk you will be scammed with fake money.
Major hotels in Dakar accept credit cards. You'll find ATMs in Dakar, but they may not always be reliable, and banking facilities are hard to find outside the capital.
Plan ahead. Have enough cash to meet your needs. Withdrawal limits can be low, and ATMs regularly run out of money, including in Dakar.
Ask your bank if your cards will work. Credit and debit card fraud is common.
To drive in Senegal, you need both:
Get an IDP before you leave Australia.
As well as the above, you must also carry the following documents in your vehicle:
These documents should be obtained from the government department, Senegal Services, when registering your vehicle after import or purchase. If you are hiring a vehicle, ensure that the car hire company provides these with the vehicle.
Driving in Senegal can be dangerous. Hazards include:
If you plan to drive in Senegal:
If you have an accident, you must contact the police and wait for them to arrive at the scene, as long as it is safe for you to do so. Do not move your car until a police officer gives you permission, unless you feel you're in danger or a crowd is beginning to form. In remote areas, go to the nearest police station to report the accident.
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 and agree on a fare before beginning the trip. Many taxis do not have a meter.
Major app-based transport services are not available in Senegal, however local applications, such as Heetch and Yango, are available. Drivers regularly require riders to pay the fixed fare in cash.
Avoid using public transport in Senegal, including motorbikes and van taxis. 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:
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.
The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist 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.
You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Ghana. Subscribe to this travel advice to get the latest updates directly.
Monitor for security alerts from the US Embassy in Senegal and the Canadian Embassy in Senegal.
Corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets
Dakar, Senegal
Phone: (+221) 33 8894700 or (+221) 33 889 4749
Email: dakar-consular@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
Email: AccraHC.Enquiries@dfat.gov.au
Website: ghana.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australian High Commission, Ghana
X: @AusAmbGHA
The Australian High Commission in Accra has very limited capacity to provide consular assistance in West Africa, except in Ghana.
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours.
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.