Senegal

Översikt

Despite Senegal’s reputation as one of the more politically stable country’s in West Africa, it nonetheless suffers periodic bouts of mass civil unrest. There are a number of sources for this, including high unemployment, rising commodity prices, religious tensions and chronic power shortages. Petty crime particularly in Dakar targets expatriates. Other crimes including pick-pocketing and property theft are often reported. Occasional armed attacks targeting travellers do happen in Casamance region, however, the security situation has improved since 2012. The level of risk in the main tourist areas in the Casamance remains low. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Senegal. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Senegal. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Senegal has confirmed recent cases of Dengue in Diourbel, Dakar, Fatick, Louga, Saint-Louis, and Thiès.

Risk of malaria and Zika virus is present throughout Senegal, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the whole country, including urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Senegal. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is endemic and a major public health problem in Senegal.

It is strongly recommended that visitors take out comprehensive travel insurance to cover their stay in Senegal. You should also check what activities and circumstances are covered by the policy. In Dakar you can obtain a reasonable standard of medical assistance. However, facilities outside of Dakar are of markedly worse quality; treatment in rural areas should only be sought in extreme circumstances.

Payment is usually expected to be presented before medical treatment, be aware that some facilities will expect this regardless of travel insurance.

Pass

A passport valid for at least six months after your date of intended departure will be required to enter Senegal.

Visum

Nationals of Canada, the UK, the EU, the US, Japan, South Korea and Australia do not require visas for a period of 30 or to 90 days, depending on nationality.

Visa processing normally takes around seven days, but can take up to 21 days.

Transit passengers continuing their journey on the same or first connecting flight out of Senegal are exempt from visa requirements providing they are holding relevant documentation, and are not leaving the airport.

A valid Yellow Fever certificate is a requirement for entry into the country. Failure to present such a document can result in either detention in a quarantine facility and/or mandatory vaccination at the point of arrival at the expense of the visitor.