Travel Vaccines and Advice for Senegal
Senegal is known as ‘The Country of Teranga’ or the ‘The Country of Hospitality’. This name is very reflective of the experience travellers have when visiting the country; locals are very hospitable and welcoming. There are local markets to explore filled with mouthwatering food, handmade fabrics, and amazing music.
Dakar, the country’s capital, is rapidly growing with a great nightlife and a wide variety of amazing restaurants. On the coast are amazing seasides that are great for surfing or wading in warm water. To the north are beautiful baobab trees and to the west mangroves and wildlife to see.
Travellers can experience the culture with year-round music and art festivals, vast museums, and colonial ruins.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Senegal?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Senegal?
What is the Climate Like in Senegal?
How Safe is Senegal?
Visiting the Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Lodge
What Should I Take to Senegal?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Senegal
Do I Need Vaccines for Senegal?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Senegal. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Senegal: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travel to most regions. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Senegal |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Jab lasts 3 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Recommended for travel to most regions. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a region with yellow fever. Recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Travellers should take antimalarials before, during, and after their trip to prevent malaria. Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
The risk for rabies is a risk for some travellers. If you will be involved in outdoor activities, work with animals, or who plan on taking an extended trip, consider vaccination.
The government of Senegal requires proof of yellow fever vaccination if you are travelling from a country with a risk of yellow fever.
For more details on any of the above vaccinations, visit the detailed Passport Health specialty vaccination pages or make an appointment with your local Passport Health by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Senegal?
No visa is required for stays under three months in Senegal. Passport validity must be for at least three months to be allowed entry. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are travelling from a region where yellow fever is present.
Senegal Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Senegal? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Senegal and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Senegal?
Senegal is generally tropical, meaning it is very hot and humid. There is a rainy season from May to November with strong winds and a dry season from December to April with hot, dry winds. The warmest month is August, the coolest month is February, the wettest month is September, and the driest month is January.
How Safe is Senegal?
Senegal is a relatively safe country to visit. It has not experienced any recent terrorist attacks; but, terrorist groups are present in West Africa and have targeted westerners. All travellers should maintain situational awareness when travelling.
Street crime is very common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. UK citizens have been robbed at knife-point, particularly in the Corniche d’Ouest area. Take precautions when visiting, such as not walking alone after dark and avoiding carrying valuables in public. Additionally, be wary of scam artists who may request funds from you.
Visiting the Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Lodge
17 km (10.5 mi) south of Toubakouta is the Fathala Wildlife Reserve and Lodge, a 60 square-kilometre reserve created in 2006. The area is home to the giant eland, antelopes, giraffes, rhinos, warthogs, buffaloes, and various monkey species. Travellers can also spend the night in luxury safari tents and go on sunset boat trips or birding safaris.
What Should I Take to Senegal?
- Money Belt – Due to the amount of pick-pocketing that occurs, a money belt will allow you to keep your money and passport safe.
- Insects Spray – The climate in Senegal is hot and humid, meaning there are plenty of insects, including mosquitoes.
- Inhaler (if you have respiratory problems) – Due to all the sand in the area, some individuals may notice their respiratory issues become more severe.
- Walking Footwear – there are lots of places to explore and a good pair of shoes will keep your feet from hurting at the end of the day.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Senegal
If you are in Senegal and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
British Embassy Dakar
BP 6025 Dakar
Dakar
Senegal
Telephone: +221 33 823 73 92
Emergency Phone: +221 33 823 73 92
Fax: +221 33 823 27 66
Email: britembe@orange.sn
If you have any questions about travelling to Senegal or are wondering which jabs you may need for your trip, schedule an appointment by calling or booking online today.
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