Senegal
About
| Senegal is the place to head in West Africa. Long sandy-white beaches, a hip music scene, a crumbling colonial heritage, wildlife and incredibly friendly people make it a superb place for those who want to explore African culture, or just kick back and get into the vibe of the real Africa. Explore the Siné-Saloum delta, a wild region of mangrove swamps, dunes and lagoons. Go on a trip in a pirogue (traditional African boat) through the Parc National du Delta du Saloum, out to the delta's myriad small islands, scattered between bolongs (channels). Sunbathe to your heart's content - there are plenty of beaches, but swimming can be hazardous in some places. Good areas for talking a dip include Casamance, Hann Bay, N'Gor Beach and Petite Côte. Strap on the flippers and discover Senegal's underwater world. Enthusiasts will find good diving waters all around the Cap Vert Peninsula, with February to April being the best months. |
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| Capital: | Dakar (DKR) |
| Currency: | West African CFA Franc (XOF) |
| Language: | French |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 221 |
| Time Zones: | No UTC/GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right. |
| Best Time to go: | November to February |
| Best For: | Sandy-white beaches |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. |
| Health: | Outside of Dakar, medical facilities are very limited and ill-equipped. |
| Customs: | When visiting a village, it is polite to call upon the village headman. Senegal is a Muslim society, and respect to religious customs should also be shown during the month of Ramadan. Clothing should be modest and swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Displays of affection between men and women should be avoided. |
| Local Offences / Laws: | Smoking is prohibited in some public places. Homosexuality is illegal. There are often police checkpoints at the entrance and exit to villages to enforce speed restrictions; fines are paid on the spot. |
| Travel Tips / Warnings: | ATM’s are limited outside the city and may not accept foreign cards. |
| Duty Free: | 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. 1 bottle of spirits and 1 bottle of wine. 1 bottle of perfume and 1 bottle of eau de toilette. |
| Prohibited Imports: | Prohibited items include obscene publications, narcotics and subversive publications. Restricted items requiring a permit include firearms and ammunition, medicines (other than for personal use), meat and endangered species. |
Issuing Authorities
Embassy of the Republic of Senegal
Charles Manor 57, Charles Street Bailey’s Muckleneuck, Pretoria
Tel: 012 460 5263
E-mail: embasenegal@gmail.com
Submissions: Mon, Wed & Fri 09:00-12:00
Collections: Mon-Fri 15:00 - 16:00
General visa information is available here: senegal-embassy.uk/visas/
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Mar 31; Apr 4, 21; May 1, 29; Jun 7, 9; Jul 6; Aug 13-15; Sep 5; Nov 1, 3; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Mar 20; Apr 4, 6; May 1, 14, 25, 27; Jun 26; Jul 6; Aug 3, 15, 26; Nov 1-2; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
Visas are required by SA passport holders.
If arriving at Dakar Blaise Diagne International airport (DSS), travellers can obtain a visa on arrival for no charge.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
- Return air ticket
- Valid passport,
- Hotel booking/letter of invitation/business letter
- Yellow fever vaccination
SA Representative
South African Embassy
Mermoz SUD, Lotissement Ecole de Police, Dakar
Tel: +22 133 865 1959
E-mail: ambafsud@orange.sn
Web: dirco1.azurewebsites.net/dakar
Also accredited to Cabo Verde and The Gambia
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
