Senegal offers a vibrant blend of West African culture, French colonial heritage, and stunning Atlantic coastlines. From the bustling markets of Dakar to the historic Gorée Island and the pink waters of Lake Retba, this welcoming nation captivates visitors with its warm hospitality and rich traditions.
Senegal is one of West Africa's safest and most politically stable countries. Dakar has moderate urban crime (petty theft, pickpocketing) but violent crime against tourists is rare. The Casamance region in the south has historically seen sporadic unrest and should be approached with caution.
Current safety advisory
Moderate
Exercise normal precautions in most of Senegal; exercise increased caution in the Casamance region due to occasional separatist activity
Last updated: 2025-03
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise normal precautions in most of Senegal; exercise increased caution in Casamance region due to sporadic separatist activity
FCDO - Yellow (Some Risk)
Some parts of Casamance region have travel advisories; Dakar and tourist areas generally safe
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Register with your embassy upon arrival and keep their emergency contact number handy
Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, which can turn volatile quickly
Be cautious of riptides when swimming along the Atlantic coast; swim only at patrolled beaches
Watch for financial and romance scams, especially online and near tourist sites
Keep valuables secure in crowded markets like Sandaga and Tilene; use a money belt
Use registered taxis (yellow plates) or ride-hailing apps like InDriver; agree on fares beforehand
Coordinate travel to the Casamance region with local authorities due to sporadic unrest
Dress modestly outside resort areas; cover shoulders and knees when visiting mosques
Drink only bottled or filtered water; avoid ice from unknown sources to prevent stomach illness
Take malaria prophylaxis and use insect repellent, especially during the rainy season (June to October)
Carry a photocopy of your passport; leave the original in a hotel safe
Petty theft increases after dark - avoid walking alone on unlit streets at night
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Friendship scam
A friendly local offers to show you around 'for free', then presents an invoice for their time at the end or leads you to overpriced shops where they receive commission
How to avoid: Be polite but firm when declining unsolicited guides; agree on any arrangement in advance
Taxi overcharging
Unlicensed or dishonest yellow taxis quote inflated prices or use confusing exchange rates for foreigners
How to avoid: Use Yango or InDriver apps with upfront pricing; negotiate clearly before getting in any taxi
Fake cultural event
Near Gorée Island or tourist areas, people offer 'exclusive' cultural events or art viewings that turn into high-pressure sales situations
How to avoid: Decline offers from strangers near tourist sites; visit Village des Arts independently
Unofficial money changers
Street money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand to short-change tourists or give counterfeit notes
How to avoid: Only change money at banks, official bureaux de change, or ATMs
Broken taxi meter
Some taxis claim their meter is broken and then charge an inflated flat rate after the journey
How to avoid: Negotiate flat rate before departure; meters are actually rarely used legitimately in Dakar
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required; also recommended: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Meningitis. Malaria prophylaxis essential year-round, especially rainy season.
- Water
- Tap water is not safe to drink. Bottled water available everywhere for $0.50-1/liter. Use bottled water even for brushing teeth outside major hotels.
- Food
- Street food is generally safe but choose busy stalls with fresh, hot food. Avoid raw vegetables washed in tap water and ice from unknown sources. Thoroughly cooked food is safest.
- Facilities
- Dakar has good private hospitals and clinics (Clinique du Cap, Clinique Pasteur). Outside Dakar, medical facilities are limited. Travel insurance with medical evacuation strongly recommended.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Senegal is generally safe, particularly in Dakar and tourist areas. Senegalese culture is welcoming and hostile incidents toward tourists are uncommon. Use ride-hailing apps rather than street taxis at night, avoid poorly lit areas after dark, and keep valuables in hotel safes. Joining a tour for remote areas like Niokolo-Koba is advisable.
Female travellers
Female solo travelers generally find Senegal safe though persistent attention from men can be frustrating in busy areas. Conservative dress (covering shoulders and knees outside beach areas) reduces unwanted attention. Use Yango app rather than street taxis, avoid walking alone after dark, and stay in established tourist areas. Dakar's Almadies and Plateau neighborhoods are the safest for solo women.
Families
Senegal is a family-friendly destination. Children are warmly welcomed everywhere and Senegalese culture is deeply family-oriented. Main concerns are malaria prevention, sun protection, and beach safety (strong rip currents). Bottled water essential for children. Medical facilities adequate in Dakar; stock up on pediatric medications before heading to rural areas.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is illegal in Senegal under Article 319 of the Penal Code, with penalties of up to 5 years imprisonment. Social attitudes are conservative, particularly in religious communities. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise complete discretion. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples should be avoided entirely. There is no visible LGBTQ+ scene or nightlife.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 17
- Medical
- 15 (SAMU ambulance)
- Embassy
- US Embassy Dakar: +221 33 879 4000; UK Embassy: +221 33 823 7392; check your country's embassy website for contact details
- Tourist Police
- +221 33 821 0660 (Tourist Police, Dakar)