Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Senegal depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for SenegalEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 17
- Ambulance
- 15
- Fire
- 18
Currency
- Name
- West African CFA Franc
- Code
- XOF
- Symbol
- CFA
ATMs in Dakar, Saint-Louis, and major towns. EUR and USD exchanged at banks and Forex bureaus. Cards accepted at upmarket hotels and restaurants. Cash preferred in markets and for local transport. The CFA franc is shared by 8 West African nations.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type C, Type D
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
November–April is the dry, harmattan season — best for Dakar, Gorée Island, Casamance (the forested south), Saint-Louis (colonial city and gateway to Djoudj bird sanctuary), and the Pink Lake (Lac Rose — highly saline and turns pink due to bacteria). Dakar-Ziguinchor by boat through the mangroves is a classic journey.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | $5–10 USD per tour | — |
Dress Code
- Modest dress throughout — Senegal is a Muslim-majority country
- Women: cover arms and legs outside tourist areas
- Dakar is more liberal but respectful dress is always appreciated
Social Etiquette
- 'Teranga' is the Wolof concept of hospitality — Senegalese hospitality is legendary and defines the culture; refusing a meal or tea is an offence
- Thiéboudienne (rice with fish and tomato sauce) is the national dish — eaten communally from a single bowl
- Gorée Island (just 3km off Dakar) was the largest slave-trading post in West Africa — the Maison des Esclaves (House of Slaves) and its 'Door of No Return' is one of the most moving historical sites on earth
- Wrestling (laamb) is the most popular sport in Senegal — more watched than football; champions are national celebrities
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- LGBTQ+ activity is illegal with up to 5 years imprisonment — exercise extreme caution
- Drugs carry severe penalties
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome (Wolof — the main language) | Dalal ak jamm | dah-LAHL ak JAHM — 'come in peace' |
| Thank you (Wolof) | Jërejëf | JEH-reh-JEF |
| How are you? (Wolof) | Nanga def? | NAHN-gah DEF |
| Fine (Wolof reply) | Maa ngi fi rekk | mah ngee FEE REHK — 'I'm just here' |
| Welcome (Wolof informal) | Amul solo | ah-MOOL SOH-loh — 'no problem / no worries' |
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