Going to au Sénégal: Formalities and administrative steps
Organize your stay au Sénégal
Money au Sénégal
The national currency is the CFA franc (FCFA). Banknotes are available in denominations of 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500 FCFA. There are also coins of 500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25 and 10 FCFA, as well as 5 FCFA, but these are less common. The parity of the FCFA with the euro is fixed. 1 € = 655.96 FCFA and 1,000 FCFA = 1.52 €.
Budget & Tips au Sénégal
Senegal is a fairly inexpensive country, but depending on when you travel and the level of comfort you choose, your budget can vary from simple to double or even triple.
Small budget: for the most resourceful, it's possible to eat for less than 5,000 FCFA a day, sleep for 8,000 FCFA and travel around the country for 10,000 FCFA or less, depending on destination and means of transport used. Of course, this means resorting to local dibiteries (beware of hygiene), staying in hostels or camps, and using buses or bush-taxis.
Average budget: lower than international standards. If you're looking for comfort, expect to pay between 20,000 and 30,000 FCFA per night in a clean guesthouse or hotel, with all amenities. For a meal in "Western" restaurants, expect to pay from 7,000 FCFA. Car rental starts at around 25,000 FCFA per day.
Big budget: for those who are financially able, they can spend their stay in luxury hotels and lodges in Dakar, Saly, Saint-Louis and Cap Skirring, most of which offer European-style comfort. Prices range from 30,000 to over 100,000 FCFA per night. A 4x4 rental starts at 50,000 FCFA per day.
There is a map listing eco-friendly addresses throughout Senegal. It can be consulted online at www.cartevertesenegal.org.
Passport and visas au Sénégal
Since May1, 2015, French nationals traveling to Senegal no longer need a visa, with only a passport valid for at least 6 months required on arrival. The same applies to Belgians, Canadians, Luxembourgers and Swiss. For stays of more than three months, you'll need to obtain a residence permit.
French nationals no longer need a visato visit Gambia for short stays (between 15 and 30 days). Your passport must be presented to the authorities and stamped. However, beware: when you pass through one of the country's 5 border crossings, the police may ask you for money. Be firm and refuse, and if you have the slightest concern, don't hesitate to call the diplomatic antenna in Banjul (+220 788 28 98). Tourists arriving by air must pay an airport tax of GMD 1,000 on entering and leaving the country.
To enter Guinea-Bissau, you need an entry visa, valid for 3 months. Applications can be made at the Guinea-Bissau embassy in Paris or at the consulate closest to the point of departure. It costs around €100. Visas can be obtained from the Guinea-Bissau embassy in Dakar or the consulate in Ziguinchor. This costs around 25,000 FCFA. Visas can also be obtained at Bissau airport, provided the Immigration Department has been notified in advance.
Driver's license au Sénégal
For short stays, it is authorized to drive in Senegal with a French driving license. For those who would like to go to Senegal with their car, be careful! Since 2003, the authorities have imposed constraints on owners whose vehicles are over 5 years old. Increased to 8 years in 2015, the decree opens the border to more vehicles. You will be able to enter the country with a temporary admission authorization (ATA) or a carnet de passage en douane, unless you have an international carnet de circulation. And it's best to comply with the legal time limit for entering the country, or you'll be caught up in the hassle.
Health au Sénégal
To receive advice before your trip, do not hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society at the Institut Pasteur medical center at ✆ 01 45 68 80 88 (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under the heading "Advice to travelers" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs). In case of illness or serious problem during your trip, quickly consult a pharmacist and then a doctor.
Mandatory vaccination au Sénégal
No vaccinations are required to enter Senegal or The Gambia. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever and hepatitis A, as well as to take a treatment against malaria. Also remember to get your DT Polio booster if you are not up to date. You can also protect yourself against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis B and meningococcal meningitis. In Guinea-Bissau, the yellow fever vaccine is mandatory.
Security au Sénégal
Senegal has not suffered any recent terrorist attacks, so it is generally safe to travel in the country. However, be careful along the borders with Mauritania, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau, as well as in Casamance, although the region has calmed down since 2013. Petty crime has been on the rise in recent years, so be vigilant, especially in Dakar and in tourist towns. It is also recommended to pay attention to the condition of the vehicle used, especially for long distances, and not to drive at night, as the roads are not lit.
Time difference au Sénégal
Senegal is located on the Greenwich meridian, so it is on GMT. In winter time (from November to March), when it is noon in Senegal, it is 1pm in France. In summer time (from April to October), when it is noon in Senegal, it is 2pm in France.
Spoken languages au Sénégal
The official language in Senegal is French. Wolof is the most common dialect in Senegal and is spoken by about 80% of the population. It is followed by about twenty dialects such as Serer, Pulaar and Soninke.
Communication au Sénégal
To make phone calls in Senegal, it is interesting to buy a local sim card at the airport or in authorized agencies. There are three companies: Orange, Expresso and Free Senegal, all of which offer interesting deals. You can also convert your credit into internet data. The network is generally good in the interior of the country, but in remote areas, the network may be absent.
To contact your family or friends internationally, WhatsApp is a convenient and inexpensive way to call or send messages. It is also possible to download the Skype application, and to top up credit to call your loved ones on landlines. You should also know that most of the hotels and lodges have wifi, which is very convenient to stay in touch with your friends.
Electricity and measurements au Sénégal
Weights and measures are the same as in Europe. The current is 220 volts, and it is not necessary to be equipped with an adapter. However, be careful to unplug your equipment after use, as frequent power cuts could damage it. The power usually comes back on quite quickly. In the bush, it may be subject to specific schedules. Ask for information. For those who would go to Gambia, a type G adapter is necessary.
Luggage au Sénégal
For the most part, you'll want to pack comfortable cotton and light clothing for daytime wear, as well as a sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings. If you're going to be on the beach, keep your clothes short (but not too short) and longer (pants, shoes, socks) if you're going to be in the bush or visiting villages in the interior. Last but not least, Dakar is a dynamic city, and people dress as they would in Paris, in spring and summer. For women, it's more appropriate to reveal a plunging neckline than legs under a very short skirt. And don't forget to bring a flashlight and a battery backup, in case of power cuts.
Daily life au Sénégal
Hello? au Sénégal
To call from Senegal, Gambia and Guinea-Bissau to France, dial +33 followed by your correspondent's number without the 0.
To call from France to Senegal, dial +221 followed by the nine-digit number.
Travelers can generally use their cell phones in Senegal, as some operators have partnerships with foreign companies. But this option is very costly for both the sender and the receiver of the call, and we advise you to avoid it. The cheapest option is to buy a local sim card. Since 2007, it has been compulsory for customers to identify themselves at an agency or distributor approved by the operators, where you will need to present your passport. Good to know: once your sim card has been identified, it is valid for an unlimited time. So travelers who come from one year to the next can use the same card, or go to an agency to get their number. Once the card is activated, you'll be offered a free credit to welcome you. To top up, you'll then need to buy a phone card from shopkeepers, street vendors or an agency. To activate 4G, you'll need to convert your credit into Internet data. Find out about the offers available from your operator.
To call from France to Gambia, dial +220 followed by your correspondent's number, without the initial 0.
To call from France to Guinea-Bissau, dial +245 followed by your correspondent's number, without the initial 0.
Health au Sénégal
Senegal does not present any major health risks. However, it is important to follow a few basic rules of hygiene and prevention. No vaccinations are required for entry into Senegal. However, it is recommended to be vaccinated against yellow fever and hepatitis A. And remember to get your DT Polio booster if you're not up to date. The more adventurous should also take precautions against typhoid, rabies, hepatitis B and meningococcal meningitis. Finally, it's always a good idea to have a check-up with your doctor and a dental check-up. It would be a shame to get stuck with a toothache, or to be forced to return home early because of a minor illness. Remember to stock up on useful medicines before you leave: anti-diarrhoea (with and without fever), anti-vomiting medication for motion sickness, for example, and why not antibiotics for bronchitis/cold, aspirin/paracetamol, anti-inflammatories.
There is a year-round risk of malaria in Senegal, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes, although the risk is lower during the dry season, particularly in the Centre-West region. It is therefore advisable to consult your doctor before departure to obtain a prescription for anti-malaria treatment. Don't forget to use anti-mosquito spray for extra protection, and if possible, sleep under an insecticide-impregnated mosquito net.
In Senegal, as in many other countries, intestinal disorders are the most common problem. A change of diet is already a source of disruption, but when spicy food prepared in hygienic conditions not always up to European standards is added to the mix, the result is usually severe diarrhoea, also known as tourista. It's a good idea to have treatment ready in case this happens to you. You also need to be careful about your water, and avoid drinking tap water. You can buy water-purifying tablets before you leave, in which case you'll have to wait a while before drinking it. You can also buy bottles of mineral water, priced between 500 and 1,500 FCFA. Failing that, prefer a soda or juice to water you don't know the source of.
For advice before your trip, don't hesitate to consult your doctor. You can also contact the travel medicine society of the Institut Pasteur medical center (www.pasteur.fr/fr/sante/centre-medical) or visit the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website under "Conseils aux voyageurs" (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/voyageurs).
If you have a Visa® or MasterCard® bank card, you are automatically covered by medical insurance and repatriation assistance for any trip abroad lasting less than 90 days (you don't have to pay for your trip with your card to be covered; simply holding a valid card ensures you are covered). Ask your bank for details, and carefully check the overall amount of coverage and deductibles, as well as the conditions of coverage and exclusion clauses. If you are not covered by one of these cards, don't forget to take out medical assistance before you leave.
Emergency numbers au Sénégal
In case of emergency, you can reach the French Consulate at (+221) 33 839 52 62. They will help you, accompany you and provide you with a list of "medical notoriety", which you can find on the website https://sn.ambafrance.org. In case of serious problems, he/she will also inform the family and decide on the repatriation. To find out about emergencies and establishments with international standards, consult the following websites: www.diplomatie.gouv.fr and www.pasteur.fr. To contact the fire department, dial 18 from any telephone and 17 for the police or gendarmerie.
Securty au Sénégal
There are no major security problems in Senegal. The solicitations you receive to buy anything and everything are not likely to spoil your stay. The country is safe, and a minimum of prudence and logic should enable you to avoid any inconvenience. Avoid any ostentatious display of external signs of wealth (cameras, camcorders, etc.), and avoid swimming at night on certain beaches, particularly in Dakar. Please also observe the rules of caution at border crossings, especially at the Malian and Mauritanian borders. The main border crossings are at Rosso and Diama, which are close to the sea and easy to control. Waiting times are long, and we recommend the Diama crossing, which is a little faster.
For the latest information on local security, consult the "Conseils aux voyageurs" section of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website (www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/conseils-aux-voyageurs/). Be aware, however, that the site draws up an exhaustive list of potential dangers, and that this sometimes gives a somewhat alarmist picture of the country's actual situation. Nevertheless, since October 2016, Casamance is no longer considered by France as a "risk zone". You can travel there in complete safety, but you must remain extra vigilant.
A woman can travel alone in Senegal, but she may often be approached! It's up to her to use her wiles to ward off suitors: a joking refusal, a fake wedding ring or the announcement of a planned marriage are often enough to make it clear that you're not interested. In certain tourist areas, particularly on the Petite Côte where sex tourism is the order of the day, it's more difficult to get the message across. Be patient, and the message will get through.
LGBTQ au Sénégal
Homosexuality is prohibited in Senegal. It carries a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of 100,000 to 1.5 million FCFA.
Embassies and consulates au Sénégal
The French embassy and consulate are both located at the same address in Dakar: 1, rue El Hadji Amadou Assane Ndoye. You can contact the embassy on ✆ +221 33 839 51 00 and the consulate on ✆ +221 338 395 262. In Senegal and Gambia, the consulate is assisted by honorary consuls, in major cities, who are volunteers, French nationals or not. These consular agencies can provide security, advice and assistance in emergencies. You can find a list of these honorary consuls at: https://sn.ambafrance.org/Consuls-honoraires-3040.
Mail au Sénégal
In both directions, it takes three to five days for a letter with airmail postage to reach Dakar from Paris. Mailing your letter anywhere other than Dakar can significantly change this time, but from a city with a post office, it is best to allow between one week and ten days. Stamps and envelopes can be purchased at the post office. Stamps can sometimes be found in hotels. All that remains is to find a mailbox. Outside the post office, good luck. For packages, it can take a little longer. It is safer to send them by Chronopost, DHL or Universal Express if you want to be sure that they arrive on time. Check with various agencies for their representation within the country.
Local media au Sénégal
In terms of press freedom, Senegal sets a good example in sub-Saharan Africa, ranking 74th in the Reporters Without Borders 2025 world press freedom index. From TV channels to newspapers, magazines and websites, Senegal's media landscape is plural and diverse. Here are the main dailies that you can easily buy: Le Soleil (state-owned), Sud Quotidien (www.sudquotidien.sn), Wal Fadjri, Le Matin, Le Quotidien (www.lequotidien.sn), L'Observateur, Vox Populi. On the weekly side, La Gazette offers a more critical look at government actions, while Week-end covers the lives of the people, a kind of local Voici, which is very successful. In Dakar, it's easy to get hold of the international press. You can also consult it on site at the French Institutes in Dakar and Saint-Louis.
Senegal's first public broadcaster, RTS (Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise), has long been disparaged for its "Rien tous les soirs" (Nothing every night), because most of its programming revolved around Abdoulaye Wade and his family. Now, as part of a modernization process, it is trying to change all that. In addition, since the 2000s, Senegal's audiovisual landscape (PAS) has gradually opened up to private channels. Today, a dozen channels share the audience's love of news, entertainment and South American or Bollywood telenovelas. For those who don't want to miss out on the latest French and international news, TV5 Monde (TV5 Afrique in Senegal) is available in all hotels that offer television: broadcasting the news bulletins of the main French-speaking channels with a half-hour time difference, it also broadcasts series, films and documentaries relating to the African continent. An increasing number of hotels in Dakar and other major cities offer programs broadcast by satellite. It's also not uncommon to find a TV in a bar or restaurant tuned to France 24.
For information on the country's culture, history, religion, flora and fauna, there are several well-stocked websites. The Au Sénégal website (www.au-senegal.com) is one of the best for good deals, traditional festivals, practical information... However, when it comes to establishments, it's not always up to date. Two other very interesting sites to discover the country in advance: www.planete-senegal.com and www.senegal-online.com. For birdwatchers, a very well-informed blog: www.ornithondar.blogspot.com.es.
