Safety and security

Senegal is a popular destination with tourists and most visits there are trouble-free. However, you should be careful of pickpockets in Dakar, especially at the airport, and in the areas around Place de l’Independance, the central area of the Plateau and the Western Corniche.

We advise travellers to be vigilant about potential scams, particularly business transactions offered over the internet which seem too good to be true or a slow-blossoming internet romance with sudden requests for financial assistance.

The Casasmance region in the south west continues to experience incidents involving armed groups, separatists and clashes between the military and the MFDC (Movement of the Democratic Forces of Casamance). You should avoid all road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda, other than daytime travel on the main Ziguinchor to Cap Skiring road or the Sao Domingos to Ziguinchor road. Always monitor the local security situation and local media for security developments. Land mines remain problematic in this area so ensure to stick to paved roads and to take local advice.

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal. 

Homosexual activity is illegal in Senegal.

Health

Travel Insurance

Buying comprehensive travel insurance can save you and your family a lot of money if something goes wrong. It will also ensure that you get the medical attention you need, when you need it. Hospital bills can quickly run into thousands of euro, and a medical evacuation back to Ireland can cost thousands more.

Not all policies are the same, and the cheapest one might be cheap for a reason. Make sure your policy covers all the activities you plan to do on your trip. Insurance Ireland recommend that you purchase a policy that provides a minimum medical cover of €1 million.

Emergency expenses

Your policy should cover:

• All medical care abroad, including evacuation by air ambulance, or other emergency procedures, and any other costs associated with an unexpected longer stay.
• Your entire trip, from departure to return. Consider an annual multi-trip policy if you’re making more than one trip in the year.   
• 24-hour emergency service and assistance.
• Personal liability cover (in case you’re sued for causing injury or damaging property).
• Lost and stolen possessions.
• Cancellation and curtailment.
• Any extra activities you intend to do that are excluded from standard policies (e.g. water sport activities such as jet skiing or other extreme sports).

Exclusions: You should know most insurance policies will not cover drink or drug-related incidents.

Vaccinations

Check with a doctor what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. You can find out more information about vaccinations on the HSE’s website.

Visas/Passports

Entry Requirements (Visas/Passports)

Irish citizenscan enter Senegal without a visa for up to 90 days but must provide:

• evidence of onward/return ticket,
• proof of sufficient funds,
• documentation showing purpose of trip and next destination,
• documentation required for next destination.

All passengers should also confirm with airline that boarding may be permitted without a visa.

Passports must be valid for at least 6  months from date of entry into Senegal and have at least one blank page.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad you should contact the Irish Embassy in Abuja. We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

•  Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
•  If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.