Africa • Updated August 2026

Country Risk Report

Senegal

Overall Risk Rating

Low

Capital

Dakar

Languages

French (official); Wolof and other languages

Currency

West African CFA franc (XOF)

Executive Summary

Senegal is classified as a LOW risk destination and is one of the more stable and democratic countries in West Africa, with a long tradition of peaceful transfers of power and a growing tourism sector. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon, so the everyday risks are petty crime and scams, road safety, health and, in the southern Casamance region, a residual concern rather than instability. Petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and scams targeting tourists, is the most common issue in Dakar and tourist areas, with some more serious opportunistic crime after dark. The country is politically stable, though periods of political tension and protests have occurred around elections and can turn disruptive, and travellers should avoid gatherings. The southern Casamance region, separated from the rest of the country by The Gambia, saw a long low-level separatist conflict that has largely wound down following peace moves, but the region retains residual landmine contamination in places and warrants a degree of caution near the borders. Elsewhere, road safety is a serious hazard, malaria is present, and there is a general watch on Sahel instability to the east and north-east.

Risk Matrix

Category	Risk Rating	Commentary
Armed Conflict	Low	No active conflict; the Casamance separatist conflict has largely wound down.
Terrorism	Low	A low threat, with a Sahel-spillover watch in the east and north-east.
Kidnapping	Low	Kidnapping of travellers is rare.
Crime	Moderate	Petty theft and scams; some opportunistic crime after dark.
Civil Unrest	Moderate	Political tension and protests can occur around elections.
Health & Medical	Moderate	Reasonable private care in Dakar; limited elsewhere. Malaria present.
Internal Travel	Moderate	Poor road safety, long distances and Casamance-border caution.
Digital / Cyber	Low	Scams occur; some monitoring and disruption around unrest.

Essential Precautions

1Guard against petty crime and scams, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and tourist scams in Dakar.

2Exercise caution in the Casamance border areas, given residual landmine contamination and a wound-down separatist legacy.

3Avoid protests and political gatherings, which can occur around elections and turn disruptive.

4Take care on the roads, as road safety is poor and accidents are a leading hazard.

5Take malaria and health precautions, as malaria is present and care is limited outside Dakar.

6Watch Sahel instability to the east, near the borders with Mali and Mauritania.

7Use reputable transport and operators, for intercity and tour travel.

8Respect local customs, in a predominantly Muslim and welcoming society.

Security Situation

Low

Senegal is one of the more stable and democratic countries in West Africa, with uncommon violent crime against tourists. The everyday risks are petty crime and scams, road safety, health and a residual Casamance concern rather than instability.

Dakar and the West

Low

Dakar and the west are the main hub, functioning with petty crime, scams and occasional political tension the main concerns.

The Centre and Interior

Low

The centre and interior include towns and the groundnut basin, generally safe with road and remoteness considerations.

Casamance (the South)

Moderate

Casamance in the south is scenic and largely calm following peace moves, but retains residual landmine contamination near borders.

The Eastern Borders

Moderate

The eastern borders near Mali and Mauritania carry a Sahel-instability watch and are more remote.

Detailed Risk Assessment

Armed Conflict

Low

Senegal is not in active armed conflict. The long low-level separatist conflict in Casamance has largely wound down following peace initiatives, leaving a residual legacy rather than active fighting.

Terrorism

Low

The terrorism threat is low, with a spillover watch in the east and north-east given regional Sahel instability, though Senegal has avoided attacks on its soil. Standard vigilance is sufficient.

Kidnapping and Crime

Moderate

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. The main issue is petty crime, including pickpocketing, bag-snatching and scams targeting tourists, with some more serious opportunistic crime after dark in Dakar.

Internal Travel

Moderate

Poor road safety, long distances and Casamance-border caution are the main travel concerns, and travel to Casamance overland passes through The Gambia. Reputable transport and domestic flights and ferries serve the main routes.

Health and Disease

Moderate

Reasonable private healthcare is available in Dakar, but care is limited elsewhere, and malaria is present. Serious cases may require evacuation, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.

Cultural and Religious Sensitivities

Moderate

Senegal is a predominantly Muslim, culturally rich and famously hospitable society with strong Sufi traditions, and is generally welcoming. Modest dress, sensitivity around religion and politics, and respect for local customs and Ramadan are advisable.

LGBT Travellers

High

Same-sex activity is criminalised and faces strong social and religious hostility. LGBT travellers face risk and should exercise discretion, including over digital content.

Diplomatic and Government Situation

Moderate

Senegal is a stable democracy with a strong tradition of peaceful transfers of power, though the period around recent elections saw significant tension and protests. Consular support is available in Dakar.

Landmines and Unexploded Ordnance

Moderate

The Casamance region retains residual landmine contamination in places, a legacy of the low-level separatist conflict, which is being cleared. The risk is concentrated near certain borders and rural areas of Casamance, and travellers should stay on established routes and heed local warnings.

Digital and Cyber Threats

Low

Online scams occur, and the authorities restricted the internet and social media during past unrest, but broader cyber risk to visitors is limited. Connectivity is good in Dakar.

Vaccinations & Health Hazards

Strongly Recommended

Yellow Fever
Required for entry; carry certification.
Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to contaminated food and water.
Meningococcal Meningitis
Recommended; parts of the east lie in the meningitis belt.
Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.

Other Health Hazards

Malaria: Risk in most areas, higher in the south and interior. Take prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.
Road safety: Poor road safety is a leading hazard; use reputable transport.
Food and water hygiene: Practise strict hygiene outside reputable venues.
Remote care: Care is limited outside Dakar; hold evacuation cover.

Choosing the Right Insurance

Cover for Senegal is available on a specialist basis, with the Casamance border areas addressed on referral. Dakar, the coast and the main tourist areas are manageable with standard precautions, and cover should include medical care and evacuation.

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Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics

Checkpoints and Detention Triggers

Routine checkpoints operate, more so near borders; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Heed landmine warnings and caution near Casamance borders. Do not photograph military, security or government sites.

Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics

Kidnapping of travellers is rare. Pickpocketing and scams are the main issues. Some opportunistic crime occurs at night in Dakar. The eastern borders carry a Sahel watch.

High-Risk Travellers

Casamance-border travellers should heed landmine warnings. Eastern-border travellers face a Sahel-spillover watch. Night urban travellers face opportunistic crime. Remote travellers face limited care.

Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists

Essential Preparation and Medical

Senegal is low risk; standard precautions suffice. Heed landmine warnings near Casamance borders. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Take malaria prophylaxis and bite-avoidance measures.

Digital Security and Checkpoints

Guard against online scams. Connectivity is good in Dakar. Guard cards and financial data. Limit public location sharing.

Movement and Operational Security

Use reputable transport and take care on the roads. Note overland travel to Casamance passes through The Gambia. Stay on established routes in Casamance. Avoid gatherings around elections.

Conduct and Legal Compliance

Respect Muslim customs and Sufi traditions. Be aware of strict anti-LGBT laws. Keep valuables out of sight.

This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.