Travel Vaccines and Advice 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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.