Senegal
Is Senegal safe to visit? Advice, scams and health
Most tourists can travel safely in Senegal if they stay in well‑known areas, avoid night travel outside major cities, and stay alert to petty scams; high‑risk zones or civil unrest would change this advice.
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Key facts
- Emergency numbers
- Police 17, fire 18, medical 1515
- Currencycheck
- West African CFA franc (XOF), ~560–600 per US$
- Time zone
- UTC+0 year‑round
Safety overview
Violent crime against tourists is rare, but pickpocketing, bag snatching and occasional scams occur in Dakar, Saint‑Louis and popular market areas. Use reputable transport, keep valuables out of sight, and avoid isolated streets after dark.
Health risks include malaria in the southern regions and dengue in the rainy season; use insect repellent and consider prophylaxis. Tap water is not reliably safe for drinking—use bottled or boiled water.
- Stick to daylight hours for road trips outside major cities.
- Prefer registered taxis or rides from hotels.
- Carry a copy of your passport and keep the original in a safe place.
Common scams in Senegal
Taxi overcharging: drivers may claim a higher fare or take longer routes. Agree on a price or use a meter where available.
Currency exchange tricks: informal exchangers sometimes give a lower rate than advertised. Use banks or official exchange bureaus.
Fake tour guides: unlicensed guides may charge high fees for short walks. Verify credentials before paying.
- Ask locals or hotel staff for recommended transport.
- Count your change carefully before leaving a shop.
- Never hand over cash for “quick police assistance” – report any demand to the official numbers.
Government travel advisories
The US Department of State lists Senegal as Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) due to occasional civil unrest and petty crime. The UK Foreign Office advises similar caution, noting protests can occur without warning.
Canadian and Australian advisories echo the need for vigilance in crowded areas and recommend registering travel plans with the nearest embassy.
| Country | Advisory level | Key notes |
|---|---|---|
| United States | Level 2 – Exercise Increased Caution | Petty crime common; avoid demonstrations. |
| United Kingdom | Exercise Increased Caution | Pickpocketing in markets; travel at daylight. |
| Canada | Exercise Increased Caution | Same as US; health precautions for malaria. |
| Australia | Exercise Increased Caution | Same as US; use reputable transport. |
Questions people ask
Is Senegal safe for tourists?
Generally yes, provided you stay in main tourist zones, use reputable transport, and keep an eye on belongings; avoid night travel in remote areas.
What are the most common scams in Senegal?
Taxi overcharging, informal currency exchange at poor rates, and unlicensed tour guides are the most frequent scams.
What do government travel advisories say about Senegal?
US, UK, Canada, and Australia all issue Level 2/Exercise Increased Caution alerts, highlighting petty crime and occasional protests.
Do I need malaria prophylaxis for Senegal?
Malaria risk is present in southern regions and during the rainy season; consult a doctor for prophylaxis and use insect repellent.
Is tap water safe to drink in Senegal?
Tap water is not reliably safe; drink bottled, filtered, or boiled water and avoid ice made from untreated water.
Verify with the official source
Draft, not field-verified
Deep dive
Every source; changeable facts are marked check
Sources
Ask about Senegal
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