CONTENT|CONTENU

TRAVEL REPORT
Senegal

1. RECENT UPDATES

Section 6 has been updated (dengue, polio, malaria).

BACK TO TOP

2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

There is no Official Warning for this country.

Senegal

Exercise normal security precautions

Exercise high degree of caution

Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid all travel

Canadians should  exercise a high degree of caution in Senegal because of the overall security situation and the risk of civil disturbances (see Section 3 below).

Guinean border area

The political crisis in Guinea, which began on September 28, 2009, could have repercussions along its borders, particularly the border with Senegal. The Senegalese authorities might implement stricter controls in this area, including roadblocks at which travellers will be required to identify themselves.

Casamance

Given the recent deterioration in the security situation in Casamance, any travel to that area should be considered carefully. The recent resumption of clashes between Senegalese forces and rebels of the MFDC (Mouvement des Forces Démocratiques de Casamance), robberies and looting across the region are adding to the insecurity.

All essential travel to Casamance from Dakar is best undertaken by air as road travel is unsafe. During the tourist season (November to April), there are direct flights from Dakar to Cap-Skiring. It is also possible to take the ferry to Ziguinchor. Any overland travel should be undertaken only on main roads during daylight hours, ideally in convoy and with reputable carriers.

Antipersonnel mines remain a danger in Basse-Casamance, where incidents are regularly reported. South of Ziguinchor, near the border with Guinea-Bissau, demining zones have been identified and demining operations are under way.

Border areas with The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau

Roads near the border with The Gambia are not safe. Armed attacks on travellers have been reported recently, including in the Sedoba region. There is also tension near the border with Guinea-Bissau, in the areas of Ziguinchor, Nyassia and Niagha.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad.

BACK TO TOP

3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions.

Crime

Violent robberies may occur in the main cities, particularly Dakar. It is therefore advisable to remain vigilant when travelling, protect travel documents, avoid displays of affluence, and stay away from isolated places, particularly at night.

Visitors should exercise caution in the arrivals and departures areas at the airport, especially after dark. These areas are often crowded, and travellers are regularly approached or get rushed by strangers. Many hotels offer a free shuttle service. Travellers should confirm the identity of the person welcoming them at the airport to ensure that they were sent by the hotel.

The risk of abduction remains significant for Western travellers in some remote parts of the country. It is best to avoid unnecessary road travel in such areas and maintain the utmost vigilance.

Fraud

Cases of attempted fraud are frequently reported in Senegal. For more information on overseas scams and their impact on the security of Canadians, see our Global Issues page.

Demonstrations and strikes

Demonstrations and strikes are common in some parts of Senegal. Canadians should exercise caution, follow local news reports, and avoid large public gatherings, which can become violent without warning.

Checkpoints

Travellers are advised always to carry photo identification. The authorities may conduct checks at any time.

Tourist facilities

Visitors should use only reputable and professional guides or tour operators and choose well-established accommodations. Road travel should be restricted to main routes and limited to daylight hours only.

Visits to wildlife parks should also be arranged only through reputable tour operators. Park rules should always be followed.

BACK TO TOP

4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries or regions have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Senegalese authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is the traveller’s responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal and its consulates for up-to-date information.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Senegal. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from Senegal.

Visas

Tourist visas are not required for stays up to 90 days.

Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

Foreign national identity card

If you will be staying in Senegal for more than three months, you must apply for a foreign national identity card. For more information, contact the Embassy of Canada in Dakar (see Section 5).

Vaccination

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is recommended for all travellers, and is required for travellers arriving from an other african country.

---

A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship is not a travel document. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document available to Canadians for the purpose of international travel. Canadian citizens returning to Canada who present other documents, such as a Certificate of Canadian Citizenship, birth certificate, provincial driver’s licence, or foreign passport, instead of a Canadian passport, may face delays or be denied boarding by transport companies.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify all visa requirements for this and other destinations, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries or regions may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country or region without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

BACK TO TOP

5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Senegal - DAKAR, Embassy of Canada
Address: corner of Galliéni and Amadou Cissé Dia Streets, Dakar, Senegal
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3373, Dakar, Senegal,
Tel.: 221 33 889 4700
Fax: 221 33 889 4720
E-Mail: dakar@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.senegal.gc.ca

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Dakar at (221) 33-889-4700. It is not possible to make collect calls from Senegal.

BACK TO TOP

6. TRAVEL HEALTH

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health Web site.

Dengue fever is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquitoes. It can cause flu-like symptoms and in some cases lead to dengue haemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. Travellers should protect themselves from mosquito bites. There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue fever.

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) recommends that travellers get vaccinated against poliomyelitis (polio). Polio is a contagious disease, spread from person to person and through contaminated food and water, that can attack the nervous system and destroy the nerve cells that activate muscles.

Malaria is a serious and occasionally fatal disease. It is caused by a parasite which is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. There is no vaccine available against malaria. Travellers can reduce their risk by following the Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

BACK TO TOP

7. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Medical facilities are adequate in the capital, Dakar, but are limited elsewhere.

Water used for consumption should be boiled or otherwise sterilized.

Travellers should take precautionary measures to avoid insect bites.

BACK TO TOP

8. LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries or regions, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare.

Social norms

Common sense and discretion should be exercised in dress and behaviour. Religious and social traditions should be respected to avoid offending local sensitivities.

During the lunar month of Ramadan (the ninth month of the Muslim calendar), visitors should use discretion when drinking, eating, and smoking in public between sunrise and sunset. Ramadan is expected to begin on or about August 11, 2010.

Homosexual activity is illegal in Senegal, and a conviction may lead to a prison sentence of one to five years.

Customs formalities

Some items, including auto parts, computers and computer parts, stereo equipment, tape players, tools, and video cameras and players, are subject to strict customs regulations and cannot be brought into the country without clearance by Senegalese authorities. Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Senegal (see Section 4, above) for further information on customs requirements.

Offences

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal. Convicted offenders are subject to a jail sentence, a fine, or both.

Possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs may result in long jail sentences, heavy fines, or both.

It is prohibited to photograph government buildings, airports, or other official facilities.

BACK TO TOP

9. TRAVEL AND CURRENCY

Air travel

See our FAQ on transportation in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.

Road travel

Main roads are in good condition, but travel after dark can be difficult because of poor lighting. Most secondary roads require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly in the rainy season.

The presence of pedestrians and animals, combined with bad driving habits and poorly maintained vehicles, makes local driving conditions difficult.

Accidents

It is advisable to report a road accident as soon as possible to the nearest police station, in order to avoid any conflict between the parties involved.

In the event of personal injury or death, drivers are detained until a judge determines responsibility. When a vehicle is rented with a driver, the driver and rental company will be held responsible.

Public transportation

Public transportation should be avoided if the vehicle appears overcrowded and poorly maintained.

Taxis are often badly driven and can be poorly maintained. It is advisable to use regulated taxis and to agree on the fare beforehand.

Border crossings

Bribe requests from border officials have sparked violent incidents at Diama, one of the official land border crossings into Mauritania. Travellers should not cross the Senegal River by private pirogue; to do so is illegal and dangerous.

---

Currency

The currency is the African Financial Community franc (CFA franc).

Exchange bureaus

Travellers should avoid exchanging large quantities of CFA francs for foreign currency from other than reputable exchange bureaus.

Payments

Credit cards are rarely accepted except by major hotels, travel agencies, and airline companies. Credit card cash advances can be obtained but are time-consuming.

Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on automated banking machine (ABM) services outside Canada. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ABMs around the world. Verify with your financial institution whether your bank card can be used with ABMs abroad. Some countries use chip and/or personal identification number (PIN) technology for credit cards. Check with your bank to find out if your credit card will be accepted abroad. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ABMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

BACK TO TOP

10. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

Rainy seasons

The rainy seasons extend from August to September in the western, northwestern, and northern regions and from July to September in the central and eastern regions. Heavy rains and tropical storms during these periods can make roads impassable. You should follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

BACK TO TOP

11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Returning to Canada

Traveller's Checklist

Health and Travel Insurance: Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

Adoption: Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child abroad, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

BACK TO TOP

12. ANNEX

N/A

BACK TO TOP