Is Saint-Louis safe?
Quieter and safer than Dakar, with a relaxed pace. Touts and petty theft occur; beaches and the Mauritania border area need extra care.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 4/5, safe with normal care.
- US travel advisory: Level 1: Exercise normal precautions, updated 2025-11-30.
- Homicide rate in Senegal: 0.3 per 100,000 people (2015, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths in Senegal: 23.5 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18.
Safety in Saint-Louis at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 4/5 · Safe with normal care |
| Crime | Persistent touts, bag and phone theft in markets and on beaches, and occasional night-time muggings on dark streets. |
| At night | The island center is quiet at night; walk in groups on lit streets. Use a taxi to the Langue de Barbarie. |
| Solo women | Generally comfortable on the island. Expect hassles from touts; dress modestly and avoid empty beaches or fishing quarters alone at dusk. |
| Other risks | Strong surf and rip currents at the river mouth; Mosquitoes; malaria in rainy season; Summer heat above 40°C |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Touts claiming to be guides, then asking for large payments
- Boat operators on Djoudj trips charging after the trip starts
- Friendly offers of hotels or tours with hidden commissions
Take care
- Langue de Barbarie beaches at night: muggings
- Border areas near the Senegal River: check advice
Calmer areas to stay
Laws visitors break by accident
- Photographing police, military or government buildings is prohibited
- Drug offences carry heavy penalties
- Same-sex acts are criminalised
How Saint-Louis compares in Senegal
Quick answers
Is Saint-Louis safe for solo female travelers?
Generally comfortable on the island. Expect hassles from touts; dress modestly and avoid empty beaches or fishing quarters alone at dusk.
Is Saint-Louis safe at night?
The island center is quiet at night; walk in groups on lit streets. Use a taxi to the Langue de Barbarie.
What is the crime rate in Saint-Louis?
Persistent touts, bag and phone theft in markets and on beaches, and occasional night-time muggings on dark streets. Nationally, Senegal records 0.3 homicides per 100,000 people a year (2015).
What number do I call in an emergency in Saint-Louis?
Police 17 · Ambulance 1515 · Fire 18.
More about Saint-Louis
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UNESCO World Heritage: Island of Saint-Louis
- Senegal national parks (Djoudj)
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.