Senegal Travel Safety

Road safety

If you are involved in a road accident, stay at the scene and do not move your vehicle until a police officer authorizes you to do so. However, if you do not feel safe or if there is a large crowd gathering, leave the scene and report to the nearest police station in order to avoid any conflict between the parties involved. The police may keep your documents for a few days, until the file is closed. It is therefore recommended that you carry certified photocopies that will be accepted by police. Main roads are in good condition, but travel after dark can be difficult because of poor lighting. Most secondary roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly in the rainy season. The presence of pedestrians and animals, bad driving habits and poorly maintained vehicles contribute to make local driving conditions difficult.

Taxis

Taxis are often poorly maintained and the drivers may have poor driving habits. Use regulated taxis only, and agree on the fare beforehand.

Public transportation

Avoid boarding a public transportation vehicle if it appears overcrowded or poorly maintained.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Senegal, women should be vigilant all the time and aware of the surroundings. Avoid dark or non-tourist areas at night. Instead try to be around larger crowds, whether they are fellow tourists or local citizens. Females should be cautious while dealing with strangers and acquaintances. Women may be subject to unpleasant male attention, sexual harassment and verbal abuse. Avoid flash of money or valuables in public. Exercise a high degree of caution during travel. Robberies occur regularly along the Corniche d'Ouest, an area heavily frequented by tourists and westerners.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are reported in Senegal.

Crime

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching are sometimes committed by thieves on motorcycles. The Gorée pier is a favourite spot for pickpockets. Remain vigilant when travelling, ensure your personal effects, including your passport, are secure and avoid displays of affluence. Home robberies and armed robberies occur frequently, particularly in Dakar.

Terrorism

There is a threat of terrorism. Terrorist attacks could occur at any time. Targets could include: government buildings, including schools, places of worship, airports and other transportation hubs and networks, public areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreigners. Be aware of your surroundings at all times in public places. Areas close to the borders with Mauritania and Mali, where jihadist groups are active, are at risk.

Dress and behaviour

Exercise common sense and discretion in dress and behaviour. Respect religious and social traditions to avoid offending local sensitivities.

Ramadan

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset.

LGBT

LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Senegal because laws of Senegal prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. Those convicted may face 1 to 5 years imprisonment and heavy fines. LGBT travellers should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Senegal.

Illegal or restricted activities

It is prohibited to photograph government buildings, airports or other official facilities. Impaired drivers face penalties of imprisonment up to a year and very heavy fines. It is illegal and dangerous to cross the Senegal River by private pirogue. Foreigners travelling to Senegal for the express purpose of having sex with children or prostitutes should know that such activities are punishable with fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years. Persons that possess, use or traffic illegal drugs may face long jail sentences and heavy fines.