Senegal Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Senegal.
Healthcare System
Senegal's healthcare system is a mix of public hospitals, private clinics, and traditional medicine. The quality varies significantly between urban centers like Dakar and rural areas. Public facilities are often overcrowded and under-resourced, while private clinics in Dakar offer better standards but at higher costs.
Hospitals
Recommended facilities for tourists include Clinique de la Madeleine, Clinique Casahous, and SOS Médecins in Dakar. The Principal Hospital in Dakar is the main public facility but is better avoided unless necessary. In regional capitals like Saint-Louis and Ziguinchor, private clinics are preferable to public hospitals. Always confirm costs before treatment as prices can be high.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies (pharmacies) are well-stocked in Dakar and major cities with many French and international medications available. They're identified by a green cross. Some operate 24-hour schedules on rotation ('pharmacie de garde'). Bring sufficient supplies of prescription medications as specific brands may not be available. Always check expiration dates as counterfeit medications exist in some markets.
Insurance
Travel insurance with comprehensive medical coverage and emergency evacuation is essential and strongly recommended. Medical facilities often require upfront payment or proof of insurance before treatment. Ensure your policy covers medical evacuation to Europe or your home country, as this may be necessary for serious conditions.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first-aid kit including anti-diarrheal medication, oral rehydration salts, and basic antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor
- Drink only bottled or purified water and avoid ice in drinks to prevent waterborne illnesses
- Carry copies of prescriptions and a letter from your doctor explaining any medications you're bringing
- Consider registering with your embassy upon arrival so they can assist in medical emergencies
- Keep contact details for your insurance company's emergency assistance line readily available
- Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for all areas; consult a travel health clinic before departure
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles are the most common crimes affecting tourists. Thieves often work in pairs or groups, with one creating a distraction while another steals belongings. Beach theft is particularly common.
Mugging and armed robbery occur occasionally, particularly after dark in poorly lit areas. While violent crime against tourists is relatively rare, incidents have been reported, especially involving individuals walking alone at night.
Road accidents are a significant risk due to poor road conditions, lack of street lighting, erratic driving, overloaded vehicles, and animals on roads. Drivers often don't follow traffic rules, and many vehicles are poorly maintained.
Traveler's diarrhea, typhoid, hepatitis A, and cholera are risks from contaminated food and water. Street food hygiene standards vary considerably.
Malaria is endemic throughout Senegal year-round, with higher transmission during and after the rainy season (July to October). It's a serious and potentially fatal disease.
Strong currents and riptides are common along Senegal's Atlantic coast. Drownings occur regularly, and many beaches lack lifeguards or warning systems.
Political demonstrations occur occasionally, particularly in Dakar and around election periods. While generally peaceful, they can turn confrontational and disrupt transportation.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Individuals approach tourists offering to be guides or claiming to be students wanting to practice English. They lead tourists to shops where they receive commission, pressure visitors to buy overpriced items, or eventually request money for their 'services' that were supposedly free.
Agree on the fare before getting in; ask your hotel for typical fares to common destinations; use ride-sharing apps like Yango or Heetch where available; have small bills ready as drivers often claim not to have change; consider hiring a driver for the day for multiple trips
Individuals claim to represent schools, orphanages, or religious institutions and request donations. They may show fake credentials or invite tourists to visit facilities that may not exist or misuse funds.
Guides or 'helpful locals' take tourists to artisan workshops or galleries where they face high-pressure sales tactics. Items are often overpriced, and the guide receives a commission. Refusing to buy can lead to guilt-tripping or aggressive behavior.
Criminals install skimming devices on ATMs to capture card information and PIN codes. Distraction techniques may be used while someone observes your PIN entry.
Individuals pose as police officers and demand to see identification, passports, or claim to need to check for counterfeit money. They may request 'fines' paid in cash or attempt to steal from wallets during document checks.
Unofficial money changers offer better rates than banks but use sleight of hand to shortchange tourists, swap bills, or provide counterfeit notes. Some work near hotels and tourist areas.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Money and Valuables
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Carry only the cash you need for the day in a concealed money belt or secure pocket
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Make copies of important documents (passport, insurance, credit cards) and store separately
- Use ATMs inside banks during business hours rather than standalone machines
- Avoid displaying expensive jewelry, watches, cameras, or phones in public
- Keep car doors locked and windows up, especially in traffic where bag snatching can occur
- Don't leave bags visible in parked vehicles
Transportation
- Use registered taxis (yellow with black stripe) or ride-sharing apps like Yango or Heetch
- Agree on taxi fares before departure or insist on the meter
- Avoid 'car rapides' (colorful minibuses) as they're often overcrowded and unsafe
- If renting a car, choose a reputable international company and ensure comprehensive insurance
- Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting, unmarked hazards, and increased accident risk
- Always wear seatbelts; child car seats are rarely available so bring your own if traveling with children
- Be extremely defensive when driving; expect unpredictable behavior from other drivers
- Keep doors locked and windows up while driving in urban areas
Health Precautions
- Get vaccinated for yellow fever (required), hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and rabies (if rural travel planned)
- Take malaria prophylaxis and use mosquito protection religiously
- Drink only bottled water; check seals are intact before purchasing
- Avoid ice in drinks unless you're certain it's made from purified water
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer, especially before eating
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot; avoid buffets that have been sitting out
- Peel fruits yourself and avoid pre-cut fruit
- Avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them or know they've been properly washed
- Seek immediate medical attention for any fever, as it could indicate malaria
- Bring a comprehensive medical kit including anti-diarrheal medication and oral rehydration salts
Communication
- Purchase a local SIM card (Orange, Expresso, or Free) for reliable communication and data
- Learn basic French phrases as English is not widely spoken outside tourist hotels
- Keep your embassy's contact information readily available
- Share your itinerary with someone back home and check in regularly
- Download offline maps (Google Maps, Maps.me) before traveling to rural areas
- Save important numbers (hotel, embassy, insurance) in your phone and write them down separately
- Consider downloading translation apps for offline use
Cultural Awareness
- Dress modestly, especially outside beach resorts; cover shoulders and knees in rural areas and religious sites
- Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas and religious sites
- Remove shoes before entering mosques or homes
- Use your right hand for eating and greeting; the left hand is considered unclean
- Respect prayer times; Friday afternoons are particularly important for Muslim prayers
- Avoid public displays of affection beyond hand-holding
- Be patient with 'African time' - schedules are often flexible
- Greetings are important; take time to exchange pleasantries before getting to business
Accommodation
- Choose accommodations with good security, including safes and secure entrances
- Keep windows and doors locked, even when you're in the room
- Don't open doors to unexpected visitors; verify identity through hotel reception
- Use the door chain or deadbolt at night
- Keep valuables in the room safe or hotel safe deposit box
- Check that smoke alarms and fire exits are functional
- Keep a flashlight handy as power outages can occur
- Note the location of the nearest exit when you check in
Beach and Water Safety
- Never leave belongings unattended on the beach; theft is common
- Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and heed all warnings
- Be extremely cautious of strong currents and riptides along the Atlantic coast
- Avoid swimming alone or after consuming alcohol
- Don't swim at dawn or dusk when sharks are more active (though attacks are rare)
- Wear water shoes to protect against sea urchins and sharp rocks
- Apply and reapply high-SPF sunscreen frequently
- Stay hydrated while spending time on the beach
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Senegal is generally considered one of the safer West African countries for women travelers, and many women travel solo without serious incidents. However, women may experience unwanted attention, catcalling, and persistent approaches from men, particularly in tourist areas. The level of harassment is generally verbal rather than physical, but it can be tiresome and uncomfortable. Women traveling alone should take additional precautions, especially after dark.
- Dress modestly to reduce unwanted attention; cover shoulders and knees, especially outside beach resort areas
- Wear a wedding ring (real or fake) and mention a husband to discourage unwanted advances
- Avoid walking alone after dark; use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps instead
- Book accommodations with good security and reviews from other solo female travelers
- Be firm but polite when declining offers or advances; don't feel obligated to be overly friendly
- Sit near other women or families on public transportation
- Avoid isolated beaches and tourist sites when alone; stick to popular areas with other people
- Trust your instincts; if a situation feels uncomfortable, remove yourself from it
- Consider joining group tours for certain activities rather than going alone
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible
- Don't accept drinks from strangers or leave drinks unattended
- Be cautious about sharing accommodation details with people you've just met
- Connect with other travelers or expat women's groups for advice and companionship
- Learn basic French phrases to communicate clearly and assertively
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm for emergencies
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is illegal in Senegal with penalties including imprisonment for up to five years and fines. Same-sex relationships are not recognized, and there are no anti-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ individuals. The law is actively enforced, and arrests do occur.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid any public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly or with people you don't know well
- Be very cautious about using LGBTQ+ dating apps, which can be used to target individuals
- Book hotel rooms carefully; some hotels may refuse same-sex couples or create difficulties
- Consider booking separate rooms if traveling as a same-sex couple to avoid potential issues
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ events or gatherings do not occur openly in Senegal
- Register with your embassy and know their contact information in case of emergency
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance through trusted sources
- Avoid wearing clothing or accessories that might identify you as LGBTQ+
- Be prepared to claim to be friends or siblings if traveling with a same-sex partner
- Understand that if arrested, you may not receive support from local authorities
- Consider whether travel to Senegal is essential given the legal and social risks
- Have emergency contact information for your embassy readily available
- Be aware that some Western embassies may be able to provide limited assistance but cannot override local laws
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is absolutely essential for visiting Senegal. Medical facilities, especially outside Dakar, are limited and may not meet international standards. Serious medical conditions often require evacuation to Europe, which can cost tens of thousands of dollars without insurance. Many hospitals and clinics require upfront payment or proof of insurance before providing treatment. Additionally, insurance covers theft, trip cancellations, and other common travel disruptions that are more likely in developing countries.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries