Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Senegal. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport is valid at the date of their entering the country. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is required, but US citizen travelers may obtain the visa upon entering the country.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(221) 33-879-4000; EMER: +(221) 33-879-4444; US Embassy Dakar, Route des Almadies, Dakar, Senegal; DakarACS@state.gov; https://sn.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
221
Local Emergency Phone
Police 17, Fire Brigade 18, Ambulance: 00221338651818
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Senegal: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, COVID-19, and influenza.
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind
Currency (Code)
Communaute Financiere Africaine francs (XOF)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, D, E, F
Major Languages
French, Wolof, Pular, Jola, Mandinka, Serer, Soninke
Major Religions
Muslim 95.9% (most adhere to one of the four main Sufi brotherhoods), Christian 4.1% (mostly Roman Catholic)
Time Difference
UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
Goree Island; Dakar; Pink Lake; Cap Skirring; Petite Cote; Saloum Delta National Park
Major Sports
Soccer, wrestling, basketball, motor sports (off-road rally)
Cultural Practices
You should dress and behave modestly in public outside the main tourist areas.
Tipping Guidelines
Tipping is uncommon in restaurants and taxi cabs. For exceptional service, a tip is appropriate.
Souvenirs
Carved wooden statues and other items, tailored clothing, hand-painted fabric, woven baskets, copper sculptures, gold and silver filigree jewelry
Traditional Cuisine
Thieboudienne — a one-pot dish with fish, rice, and a variety of vegetables such as potatoes, cassava, squash, onions, cabbage, or carrots simmered in tomato sauce
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Monday, October 02, 2023
