Safety and Security

Public demonstrations, political gatherings, and student protests are common in Senegal, both in Dakar and in outlying regions, particularly on Friday afternoons. Occasionally, these events have led to violence. Because of this potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times. Check the U.S. Embassy website for Security Messages related to demonstrations.

Incidents of banditry have been reported on the main highways outside of Dakar, particularly in the central and eastern area of Senegal, including around Tambacounda, Matam, and Kolda. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens carefully monitor the security situation before traveling.

Senegal shares borders in the north and east with both Mauritania and Mali. In February 2013, Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) made a public statement indicating that it regards Senegal as a hostile country for contributing to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA). The United Nations Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) took over authority for the mission in July 2013. Thus far, Senegal has been spared any direct terrorist attack, but does remain vulnerable due to its porous borders, regional instability, and the terror activities of AQIM and its affiliates. U.S. citizens planning to visit the border regions of Senegal are encouraged to exercise additional caution and to maintain situational awareness at all times. Travelers planning overland trips to Mauritania or Mali should monitor current security developments to assess appropriately the risks of regional travel.

Clashes in the region between government forces and alleged members of the Movement of the Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MFDC) have greatly diminished since 2012, and the government and MFDC are in talks to bring a peaceful end to the Casamance conflict. While attacks by MFDC rebels targeting military installations and personnel have ended, unplanned armed clashes in rural areas still occur. Civilians living and traveling in the Casamance are sometimes targets of opportunity for bandits that operate in the area.

The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remain on well-traveled routes at all times.

To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Street crime is very common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. Most reported incidents involve the grabbing of purses or backpacks by thieves on motorized scooters. Pickpockets and purse-snatchers are especially active in large crowds and at locations frequented by tourists. Aggressive vendors, panhandlers, and street children may attempt to divert the victim’s attention while an accomplice carries out the crime. To avoid theft, you should avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, particularly at night, lock doors and close windows when driving, especially at night and when traffic is slow or stopped, and avoid public transportation. You should not walk on dark streets at night, even in groups.

To minimize inconvenience in the event of theft, U.S. citizens should carry copies, rather than originals, of their passports and other identification documents. You should carry a credit card only if it will be used soon, rather than carrying it as a routine practice. There is traditionally an increase in crime before major religious holidays.

Be vigilant about your personal safety and take precautions to reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded places such as markets and taxi parks. Keep a low profile – do not display large sums of money, electronics, or jewelry. Many of the thefts reported to the Embassy are thefts of high-value personal electronics such as smart phones, tablets, and other portable electronics.

Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are increasing and at times have resulted in injuries when victims resist. U.S. citizens have been robbed at knife-point within the past year. This happens regularly along the Corniche d’Ouest, an area heavily frequented by tourists and westerners. As a result of this recent trend, the embassy prohibits its personnel from walking on the Corniche d’Ouest after dark. U.S. citizens have also reported crimes throughout the city of Dakar, including downtown, N’gor, and Almadies. Some criminals use mopeds or scooters in robberies; others reach in through open car windows on traffic circles.

If confronted by criminals, remember that cash and valuables can be replaced, but life and health cannot. U.S. citizens are encouraged to comply with the attackers, give them whatever they ask for, find a secure location, and seek assistance from local law enforcement. Again, when driving, it is important to keep your windows rolled up and doors locked.

In the past year, several U.S. citizen residences have been burglarized. No violence or personal injuries have been reported in these cases, in which the burglars appear to have been exclusively seeking financial gain. Persons who plan to reside in Senegal on a long-term basis should take measures to protect their dwellings by installing window bars (recognizing fire safety issues), solid-core doors with well-functioning locks, and an alarm system.

Visitors should be alert to fraud scams that may cause both financial loss and physical harm. Typically, business scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of West Africa. The perpetrators often claim to be victims of various western African conflicts or relatives of present or former political leaders.

Scams have many variations. In some cases, a series of “advance fees” must be paid to conclude the transaction, to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist, since the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. Another variation consists of a request for the U.S. citizen's bank account information, purportedly to transfer money into the account. Once the perpetrator obtains this information, however, he or she then simply transfers all money out of the victim's account. Other scams extend an apparent job offer, but request upfront payment for “administrative” or visa processing.

Personal and dating scams are also prevalent. Be wary of persons claiming to live in Senegal who profess friendship or romantic interest over the Internet. The anonymity of the Internet means that the U.S. citizen cannot be sure of the real name, age, marital status, nationality, or even gender of the correspondent. The correspondent is a fictitious persona created solely to lure the U.S. citizen into sending money.

Don’t wire money to purchase plane tickets. Prepay a plane ticket directly through an airline rather than wiring money for transportation to the traveler. U.S. citizens may also research the legitimate immigration and nonimmigrant visa process online with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State.

The best way to avoid becoming a scam victim is to use common sense. If an offer seems too good to be true, it is probably a scam. Carefully research any unsolicited business proposal originating in Senegal before you commit funds, provide goods or services, or undertake travel.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law.

Credit card fraud is prevalent in Senegal, particularly in Dakar. Avoid using credit cards if possible. Incidents of credit card fraud have occurred at major hotels and stores. If you must use a credit card, monitor your accounts carefully.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

In Senegal, there is no local equivalent to a “911” emergency line that coordinates an emergency response for all types of responders.

U.S. citizens who are victims or witnesses of a crime are encouraged to report crimes to Senegal's police hotline by telephoning 800-00-20-20, 17, 33–842-3575/76, or, in Dakar, 33-823-7149 or 33-823-2529. The fire brigade (pompiers) can be reached at 18.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.