

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Senegal
Senegal is known as ‘The Country of Teranga’ or the ‘The Country of Hospitality’. This name is very reflective of the experience travelers have when visiting the country; locals are very hospitable and welcoming. There are local markets to explore filled with mouthwatering food, handmade fabrics, and amazing music.
Dakar, the country’s capital, is rapidly growing with a great nightlife and a wide variety of amazing restaurants. On the coast are amazing beaches that are great for surfing or wading in warm water. To the north are beautiful baobab trees and to the west mangroves and wildlife to see.
Travelers can experience the culture with year-round music and art festivals, vast museums, and colonial ruins.
Do I Need Vaccines for Senegal?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Senegal. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Senegal: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travelers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Senegal |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
COVID-19 | Airborne & Direct Contact | Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination |
Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travelers |
Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if traveling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age. |
Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Senegal |
||
VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
---|---|---|
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Travelers should take antimalarials before, during, and after their trip to prevent malaria. Travelers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
The risk for rabies is a risk for some travelers. If you will be involved in outdoor activities, work with animals, or who plan on taking an extended trip, consider vaccination.
The government of Senegal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Passport Health by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Senegal?
A visa is not required to visit Senegal. But, if you intend to stay for longer than three months, you will need to get a ‘Carte d’Etranger’ from local authorities.
Senegal Entry Requirements |
||
Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Senegal? | |
---|---|---|
Passport | ![]() |
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Tourist Visa | ![]() |
|
Business Visa | ![]() |
|
Vaccinations | ![]() |
Sources: Embassy of Senegal and U.S. State Department
All travelers visiting Senegal must have a passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the intended date of departure. Additionally, you can be refused entry if you do not have evidence of return or onward travel.
What is the Climate Like in Senegal?
Senegal has many popular tourist destinations, each with its own weather patterns. In Dakar, the capital city, it is hot and semi-arid with temperatures around 75 to 85 all year round. The rainy season is from July to October and it can be very humid with occasional thunderstorms.
Saint-Louis, in the north, is also hot and semi-arid with temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees. It rains from June to October with occasional heavy downpours. Saly and Cap Skirring are coastal towns with a tropical climate. Temperatures are also around 75 to 95 throughout the year. It rains from June to October with occasional thunderstorms and high humidity.
Senegal is hot and humid with distinct rainy and dry seasons. If you are planning a trip, it is best to wear light and breathable clothing and be prepared for occasional rainfall.
How Safe is Senegal?
Senegal is a relatively safe country to visit. It has not experienced any recent terrorist attacks; but, terrorist groups are present in West Africa and have targeted westerners. All travelers should maintain situational awareness when traveling.
Street crime is very common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. U.S. citizens have been robbed at knife-point, particularly in the Corniche d’Ouest area. Take precautions when visiting, such as not walking alone after dark and avoiding carrying valuables in public. Additionally, be wary of scam artists who may request funds from you.
Exploring Saly
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Saly is a popular place to visit in Senegal because it has pretty beaches, warm weather, and lots of fun things to do.
Tourists can relax on the beach, swim, and do water sports like surfing, jet-skiing, and kite-surfing. They can also go fishing, play golf, and take nature walks in the nearby Bandia Reserve, where they might see giraffes, rhinoceroses, and zebras.
Saly also has a fun nightlife with music, dancing, and many different restaurants and bars to try. Visitors can learn about the local culture by going to the markets, trying traditional Senegalese food and going to festivals.
Saly is a great place to go if you want to have fun outdoors, relax on the beach, and experience the local culture.
What Should I Take to Senegal?
- A money belt – Due to the amount of pick-pocketing that occurs, a money belt will allow you to keep your money and passport safe.
- Bug spray – The climate in Senegal is hot and humid, meaning there are plenty of bugs, including mosquitoes.
- An inhaler (if you have respiratory problems) – Due to all the sand in the area, some individuals may notice their respiratory issues become more severe.
- Walking shoes or sandals – there are lots of places to explore and a good pair of shoes will keep your feet from hurting at the end of the day.
U.S. Embassy to Senegal
When traveling it is very helpful to find out exactly where the U.S. embassy or consulates are located. Keep the address written down in case you have a legal problem, you lose your passport, or you want to report a crime. Be sure to keep a copy of your passport with you in case you lose the original.
U.S. Embassy to Senegal
Route des Almadies
Dakar, Senegal
Telephone: +(221) 33-879-4000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(221) 33-879-4000
DakarACS@state.gov
Visit the Embassy to Senegal website before departure to confirm correct contact details for the office.
If you have any questions about traveling to Senegal or are wondering what shots you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or booking online today.
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Senegal
Overall rating: 5.0 stars – 11 reviews
★★★★★
“Excellent Resource for World Travelers“
“Bottom line: I feel 100% more ready for my trip to Senegal…with a clear understanding of how to stay healthy while I am there. The staff is TERRIFIC–very knowledgeable, and they act like everyplace in the world is a wonderful place to go.”
Submitted by: Carol
★★★★★
“Wonderful Preparation“
“The ladies, both the receptionist and the RN, took excellent care of me and gave me a great overview of the possibilities of what I may come into contact with while in Dakar, Senegal. I will always come back to Passport Health for future out of country trips. Thank you both!”
Submitted by: Natasha
★★★★★
“Very helpful!“
“The clinician at the location in Roswell, GA was very helpful and generally interested in me as a person. I had a good experience and am now set to go to Senegal, Africa!”
Submitted by: Alex
★★★★★
“Great Immunizations“
“The nurse who helped us did a great job in providing the needed information for our trip to Senegal and the yellow fever vaccination we needed. Thank you so much!”
Submitted by: Kathleen
★★★★★
“What a Trip I’ll Have“
“I loved meeting the nurse. She was very helpful in going over everything that I may need for my time abroad and what I should do as far as staying healthy while I’m there. I feel confident that now I know more about what to expect, health and safety wise, for my time in Senegal!”
Submitted by: Katie Beth
★★★★★
“Informative“
“My husband has used Passport Health over the years due to his work overseas. Now that I have to go to Senegal, I made the call too. They had a binder ready for me with all kinds of great information. They reviewed each disease in the area and suggested shots based on my past vaccine history. They were so helpful and knowledgeable. I even purchased the military grade insect repellent from them. I’m all set!”
Submitted by: Gwen
★★★★★
“Second Visit“
“I took my daughter to Passport Health in August in preparation for a student travel program to Senegal. We were pleased with the support and suggestions that were provided at that time. Now, in preparation to visit to my daughter, it was my turn. I was pleased with the comprehensive information and the answers to my questions. Thank you for the one-stop convenience and great service!”
Submitted by: Diane
★★★★★
“Excellent“
“I went in because my daughter needed shots for her mission trip to Senegal. Our nurse was very good. She gave us a lot of information about Senegal and helped us figure out what we needed. I just wish you would submit insurance. But other than that it was great.”
Submitted by: Nancy
★★★★★
“Knowledgeable“
“The nurse explained clearly what vaccine and supply options were available and what was recommended for our trip to Senegal. She took the time to answer all our questions. Very glad we used Passport!”
Submitted by: Bev
★★★★★
“Excellent, Efficient Service“
“My mother and I are traveling to Senegal for Christmas to meet my sister. Our nurse was affable yet efficient in delivering crucial information on what we needed vs. what we may want. When we decided on a particular batch of vaccines, she gave us what we needed and had us on our way! Took only about 30-45 minutes.”
Submitted by: Peter
★★★★★
“Great experience“
“Very thorough explanation. I was pleasantly surprised to receive such a detailed report on Senegal. Knowledgeable nurse who really knew his stuff.”
Submitted by: Dara
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Senegal?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Senegal?
What is the Climate Like in Senegal?
How Safe is Senegal?
Exploring Saly
What Should I Take to Senegal?
U.S. Embassy to Senegal
“Bottom line: I feel 100% more ready for my trip to Senegal…with a clear understanding of how to stay healthy while I am there. The staff is TERRIFIC–very knowledgeable, and they act like everyplace in the world is a wonderful place to go.”
“The ladies, both the receptionist and the RN, took excellent care of me and gave me a great overview of the possibilities of what I may come into contact with while in Dakar, Senegal. I will always come back to Passport Health for future out of country trips. Thank you both!”
“The clinician at the location in Roswell, GA was very helpful and generally interested in me as a person. I had a good experience and am now set to go to Senegal, Africa!”
“The nurse who helped us did a great job in providing the needed information for our trip to Senegal and the yellow fever vaccination we needed. Thank you so much!”
“I loved meeting the nurse. She was very helpful in going over everything that I may need for my time abroad and what I should do as far as staying healthy while I’m there. I feel confident that now I know more about what to expect, health and safety wise, for my time in Senegal!”
“My husband has used Passport Health over the years due to his work overseas. Now that I have to go to Senegal, I made the call too. They had a binder ready for me with all kinds of great information. They reviewed each disease in the area and suggested shots based on my past vaccine history. They were so helpful and knowledgeable. I even purchased the military grade insect repellent from them. I’m all set!”
“I took my daughter to Passport Health in August in preparation for a student travel program to Senegal. We were pleased with the support and suggestions that were provided at that time. Now, in preparation to visit to my daughter, it was my turn. I was pleased with the comprehensive information and the answers to my questions. Thank you for the one-stop convenience and great service!”
“I went in because my daughter needed shots for her mission trip to Senegal. Our nurse was very good. She gave us a lot of information about Senegal and helped us figure out what we needed. I just wish you would submit insurance. But other than that it was great.”
“The nurse explained clearly what vaccine and supply options were available and what was recommended for our trip to Senegal. She took the time to answer all our questions. Very glad we used Passport!”
“My mother and I are traveling to Senegal for Christmas to meet my sister. Our nurse was affable yet efficient in delivering crucial information on what we needed vs. what we may want. When we decided on a particular batch of vaccines, she gave us what we needed and had us on our way! Took only about 30-45 minutes.”
“Very thorough explanation. I was pleasantly surprised to receive such a detailed report on Senegal. Knowledgeable nurse who really knew his stuff.”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Senegal?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Senegal?
What is the Climate Like in Senegal?
How Safe is Senegal?
Exploring Saly
What Should I Take to Senegal?
U.S. Embassy to Senegal