Senegal
Summary
The FCDOForeign, noCommonwealth longerand Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to to:
• the land border between The Gambia and southern Senegal (Casamance) and the roads N4 and N5 (national highways) between The Gambia and Ziguinchor. ('Summary' and 'Safety and security' pages).
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for Senegal’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
If you are traveling between the UK and Senegal and transiting via a third country, check our travel advice for that country.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
Masks must be worn at all times in public areas and when travelling, including in a private car if there are two or more people in the car. See Coronavirus
Strikes by teachers’ unions and student bodies, and demonstrations about political issues and the cost of living, are a relatively frequent occurrence, particularly in Dakar but also other cities. You should exercise caution and avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place, monitor the local media for information about forthcoming protests, and follow the instructions of local authorities. See Political situation
Pickpocketing and street crime are common in parts of Dakar, particularly around Place de l’Indépendance, the central area of the Plateau and the Western Corniche, as well as Gorée Island. There is a heightened risk of criminality in the run up to religious festivals. Be cautious when changing cash given the risk of false money circulating. See Safety and security
Terrorist attacks in Senegal can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
The FCDO advise against all but essential travel to the land border between The Gambia and southern Senegal (Casamance) and the roads N4 and N5 (national highways) between The Gambia and Ziguinchor.
You should be vigilant when travelling in Casamance, the region south of The Gambia. ForWhere morepossible informationyou seeshould avoid travelling at night, stick to main roads and travel in a convoy when you can. The Casamance region has suffered from decades of low intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. While the security situation has improved significantly since 2012, there are occasionally violent incidents, including armed attacks on travellers. A military operation by Senegalese Armed Forces is underway north of Sindian in Casamance on the land border with Gambia. There is a lower level of risk in the main tourist areas of the Casamance. See Local travel
Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free.
If you’re abroad and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the nearest British embassy, consulate or high commission.
The Embassy continues to carry out essential work including providing 24/7 consular assistance and support to British people in Senegal.
Update history
2024-02-07 14:55
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2023-08-08 10:15
Information on passport validity that your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-08-02 13:52
Information on demonstrations and political protests (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-07-31 19:39
Information on Protests expected (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-07-04 10:44
Information about political demonstrations in the south of Senegal (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-22 12:04
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages
2023-06-08 12:59
Further information on political demonstrations in Dakar and other cities (‘Safety and security’ page).
2023-06-02 15:13
Political demonstrations in Dakar and other cities (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-05-30 14:14
Possibility of major protests on 31 May and 1 June (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2023-05-16 15:10
Update on demonstrations building up to the presidential elections (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-12-09 14:28
Updated information on crime in Dakar (‘Safety and security’ page).
2022-11-28 11:05
The FCDO no longer advises against all but essential travel to the land border between The Gambia and southern Senegal (Casamance) and the roads N4 and N5 (national highways) between The Gambia and Ziguinchor. (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-11-23 10:52
Updated information on entry requirements: all health control measures for COVID-19 at Senegal’s borders have been lifted (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-11-04 15:52
Updated information on entry requirements and taking a free rapid-antigen test on arrival if you are not fully vaccinated and have not booked a PCR test (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-11-01 10:34
Updated information on wearing of facemasks (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-10-27 09:24
Updated information on international travel (‘Coronavirus’ page).
2022-09-21 10:44
Updated information on the risk of protests in Senegal (‘Summary’ and ‘Safety and security’ pages).
2022-06-22 16:22
Updated information on the risk of terrorist attacks for Senegal (‘Summary’ page)
2022-05-03 15:31
Updated information on entry requirements for Senegal (‘Entry requirements’ page)
2022-03-31 19:32
Updated information on entry requirements, safety and security and terrorism. The FCDO now advises against all but essential travel to parts of Senegal.
2022-03-16 17:17
Updated information on local travel: A military operation is underway near the Casamance/Gambia border (‘Safety and security’ page)