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Before you go to Senegal: what to know

Must know

  • Visa-free visits up to 3 months. Carry evidence of onward or return travel and booked accommodation; longer stays require registration with local authorities.
  • Cards work in large hotels and some restaurants and stores. ATMs are found in Dakar and major cities, but cash withdrawals may be limited.

Entry and visas

British citizen passport: Visa-free visits up to 3 months. Carry evidence of onward or return travel and booked accommodation; longer stays require registration with local authorities. Check the linked immigration guidance for other nationalities and purposes.

Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗

Money

Cash and cards are both common. Cards are accepted mainly in cities and tourist areas.

Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data

  • Cards work in large hotels and some restaurants and stores. ATMs are found in Dakar and major cities, but cash withdrawals may be limited.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Rules and bans

Laws visitors break unknowingly

  • Stay on main roads in Casamance because of the risk from landmines and unexploded ordnance.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗

Culture and clothing

Religion: Respect local religious traditions; ask before entering places of worship.

Clothing: Ask your hosts about appropriate clothing for community visits and religious sites.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

Climate

July–October is the main rainy season; flooding and landslides can disrupt overland travel.

Month by month
  • January: Jan: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • February: Feb: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • March: Mar: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • April: Apr: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • May: May: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • June: Jun: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • July: Jul: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • August: Aug: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • September: Sep: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • October: Oct: Main rainy-season window; check local forecasts.
  • November: Nov: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.
  • December: Dec: Outside the stated main rains; check local forecasts.

Best season: Choose dates for your route using local forecasts and road-condition advice.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.gc.ca ↗

What to pack

  • Copies of travel documents
  • An adapter compatible with your accommodation
  • Medicines with their prescription documents

Practical

Plugs: Confirm socket type and supply voltage with your accommodation before packing.

Water: Use a safe drinking-water supply; ask locally before drinking tap water.

Traffic: drives on the right

Insurance: Arrange insurance for your itinerary and planned activities, including medical evacuation where needed.

Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, travel.gc.ca ↗

Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.