Risk level

Safety and security

Casamance and border areas

The conflict in Casamance is historically characterized by clashes between the military and rebel groups. Periods of relative calm are followed by periods of conflict fuelled by mine explosions, direct or indirect attacks, robberies and attacks on businesses or villages.

Rebel groups operate sporadically on roads (often closed at night) and in areas close to the borders with Gambia and Guinea Bissau. Anti-personnel and anti-tank mines, as well as unexploded explosive ordnance are found in many areas (North Sindian, Niassya, South Oussouye, Niaguis).

• Only travel overland during daytime
• Stay on the main roads
• Travel in a convoy when you can
• Hire reputable carriers or tour operators

Areas close to the borders with Mauritania and Mali, where jihadist groups are active, are at risk, as they may harbour external elements due to the porosity of the borders.

Demonstrations and strikes

Strikes and demonstrations are common in larger cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Terrorism

Senegal has not suffered any recent terrorist attacks. However, in the context of the regional terrorist threat to West African countries, including Senegal, 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

Always be aware of your surroundings when in public places.

Hotel selection

Stay at hotels that have robust security measures, including:

• metal detectors
• guards
• security cameras

Keep in mind, however, that even the most secure locations are not completely free of risk.

Dakar

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 that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Avoid displays of affluence

Don’t walk alone. Avoid walking along the Corniche road in the evening, especially on East Corniche (Petite Corniche) and on West Corniche. Avoid also lingering along the beach at the end of the day.

Home robberies and armed robberies occur frequently. In general, assaults take place early in the morning and after dusk.

Demonstrations and strikes

Strikes and demonstrations are common in larger cities. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Identification

You must carry photo identification, as well as a certified copy of your passport, as authorities may conduct identity checks at any time.

Keep a photocopy of your passport in a safe place, in case it is lost or confiscated.

Road safety

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.

Driving can also be dangerous due to:

• the presence of pedestrians and animals on the road
• bad driving habits
• poorly maintained vehicles

If you are involved in a road accident, stay at the scene and don’t 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.

• Avoid driving at night between cities
• Keep doors locked and windows closed
• Do not leave valuables in the vehicle

Taxis

Taxis are often poorly maintained and the drivers may have poor driving habits.

• Use only officially marked taxis (yellow and black)
• Taxis do not have a meter. Negotiate fares in advance
• Avoid boarding a public transit vehicle if it appears to be overloaded or in poor condition

The Grand Magal of Touba

The Grand Magal of Touba is an annual pilgrimage that attracts a large number of pilgrims each year.

The next event should take place on August 12, 2025.

Before and during the pilgrimage, you can expect:

• higher volumes of traffic
• street closures
• transportation delays
• limited available accommodations

Be alert at all times if you travel to Touba during the pilgrimage.

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Fraud

Cases of Internet fraud are reported. Be extremely vigilant, especially if someone:

• sends you an electronic request for funds
• makes you an online job offer
• offers you a business opportunity by email

Overseas fraud

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Advice for women travellers

Swimming

Coastal waters can be dangerous. Follow the instructions and warnings of local authorities.

Water safety abroad

Wildlife viewing

Wildlife viewing poses risks, particularly on foot or at close range.

• Always maintain a safe distance when observing wildlife
• Only exit a vehicle when a professional guide or warden says it’s safe to do so
• Only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators
• Closely follow park regulations and wardens’ advice

Air travel

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Entry and exit requirements

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Senegalese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the Foreign Representatives in Canada.

Passport

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Senegal.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Visas

Tourist visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days
Business visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days
Student visa: not required for stays of less than 90 days

Canadians can enter Senegal without a visa for stays of less than 90 days. A traveller arriving in Senegal without a visa who wishes to extend his or her stay will have to leave the country and re-enter afterwards or contact the Foreigner’s Bureau of the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security to obtain a long-stay visa.

Canadians planning on staying in Senegal for more than 90 days must apply for a visa at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate. The visa allows the holder to stay in Senegal for 90 days so that steps can be taken to obtain a “carte d’identité d’étranger” (foreign national identity card) before the end of the period.

Foreign national identity card

To stay in Senegal for more than 90 days, you must obtain a foreign national identity card from the Direction de la Police des étrangers et des titres de voyage.

Direction de la police des étrangers et des titres de voyage – Ministère de l’Intérieur et de la Sécurité Publique (en français)

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children.

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Health

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your routine vaccinations, as per your province or territory, are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette, which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•  washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV, and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Medical facilities are adequate in the capital, Dakar, but are limited elsewhere. Medical evacuation is often very expensive and may be necessary in the event of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Health and safety outside Canada

Laws and culture

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.

Drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Photography

It is prohibited to photograph government buildings, airports or other official facilities.

Senegal River

It is illegal and dangerous to cross the Senegal River by private pirogue.

Child sex tourism

Canadians 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.

Child Sex Tourism: It’s a Crime

Pornography

Possession and importation of pornographic material is forbidden.

2SLGBTQI+ persons

The laws of Senegal prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

2SLGBTQI+ persons should carefully consider the risks of travelling to Senegal.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Dress and behaviour

To avoid offending local sensitivities:

• dress conservatively
• behave discreetly
• respect religious and social traditions

Ramadan

In 2025, the lunar month of Ramadan is expected to begin on or around February 28.

In public, between sunrise and sunset, be discreet when:

• drinking
• eating
• smoking

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Senegal.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Senegal, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.

Dual citizens

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Senegal.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Senegal by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Senegal to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

Useful links

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Children and travel
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

Imports

Some items are subject to strict customs regulations, including:

• auto parts
• computers and computer parts
• stereo equipment
• tape players
• tools
• video cameras and players

These items cannot be brought into the country without clearance by Senegalese authorities.

Driving

You must carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Money

The currency in Senegal is the CFA franc (XOF).

Avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency at other than reputable exchange bureaus.

ATMs are widespread and reliable in Dakar, although withdrawal limits may be quite low.

Natural disasters and climate

Rainy season

The rainy season extends from July to October. Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides.

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
• Stay away from flooded areas
• Monitor weather reports