Africa
Senegal
Stable, welcoming West African hub with Dakar's art and nightlife, Saint-Louis, Casamance beaches and a strong music scene. French and Wolof dominate; heat, hustlers and rough roads are the trade-offs.
- US travel advisoryLevel 1Exercise normal precautionsDetails
- Visa60 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyXOFUS$1 ≈ CFA582.98Details
- Price level36%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English1/5RareDetails
- PlugsType C, D, E, K230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency17Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDakar tap water is treated, but visitors should drink bottled or filtered water, especially outside the capital.Details
- LGBTQ+CriminalizedHostile social attitudes and recent tightening of laws.Details
- DrivingOn the rightCarry an IDP with your licence; French and Arabic are the working languages for police and rental firms.
Where to go in Senegal
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DakarCapital city | 3/5 | $1,540–2,570 | Nov–Apr | 11/100 |
| Saint-LouisCity | 4/5 | $1,030–1,630 | Nov–Apr | 44/100 |
| SalyTown | 4/5 | $1,290–2,060 | Nov–Apr | 25/100 |
When to visit Senegal
November–April is dry and cooler, best for travel. May–October is the hot, rainy season; the Casamance is greenest then, with flooding in places.
Good to know
Entry
- Many nationalities are visa-free for up to 90 days; others need an e-visa or visa on arrival. Check rules for your passport.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry; passport needs 6 months validity.
- Register accommodation as required; keep a passport copy with you.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing police, military or government buildings is prohibited
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Same-sex acts are criminalised
Etiquette
- Greet people at length; skipping greetings is rude
- Use the right hand to eat, give and receive
- Dress modestly, especially in Muslim areas
- Ask before photographing people
Tipping
5–10% at restaurants is appreciated; tip guides and drivers a few thousand CFA per day.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Senegal Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- UK FCDO travel advice: Senegal
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.