Senegal: Current Travel and Safety Information (as of September 2026)

As of September 14, 2026, the travel and safety advisories for Senegal have been updated. Travel to the areas immediately bordering Mali, to Mauritania in the Matam Department, and to the areas bordering The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau in the Ziguinchor, Sédhiou, and Kolda Departments is expressly discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Anyone planning a trip to Senegal should avoid these regions when planning their itinerary and check the current situation before departure.

This is due to a tense domestic political situation: In May 2026, President Faye dismissed Prime Minister Sonko and his government, which may lead to spontaneous gatherings nationwide, particularly in the capital, Dakar. Travelers are advised to avoid large crowds as a general rule and to follow the instructions of local security forces. Violent clashes have also recently occurred in the border area with The Gambia between security forces and organized crime groups in connection with efforts to combat drug cultivation in the Casamance region.

A terrorist threat has existed throughout the Sahel region for years. Senegal itself has so far been spared from attacks, but there is an increased risk of kidnapping for foreign travelers, particularly in the tri-border area near the borders of Senegal, Mali, and Mauritania. Caution is also advised in the forests along the borders with Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, as landmine clearance has not yet been completed there. Travelers heading to these regions should strictly stay on the main roads and not leave paved roads.

A particularly important note concerns the legal situation for LGBTQ+ travelers: Since March 30, 2026, stricter criminal laws have been in effect in Senegal, under which homosexual acts can be punished with prison terms of up to 10 years and fines equivalent to approximately 15,000 euros. Since then, numerous cases of police action against individuals suspected of being homosexual have come to light, including some involving citizens of EU countries. Travelers should be aware of this legal situation before embarking on their trip and exercise appropriate caution.

Increased vigilance is also advised in coastal regions popular with tourists. In response to nighttime raids on hotels, the Senegalese government has increased the presence of security forces in tourist areas. Nationwide, however, travelers may still encounter harassment by street vendors and self-proclaimed tour guides, as well as theft, purse-snatching, and violent assaults—perpetrators often approach on motorcycles or on the beach. Travelers should not carry valuables in plain sight and should exercise particular caution in the evenings.

For anyone planning a trip to Senegal despite these warnings, careful preparation of entry documents remains essential. If you’re unsure which documents and which type of visa are required for your planned stay, you can count on a straightforward application process. Using our online form, the entire visa application can be handled conveniently and without unnecessary paperwork, allowing travelers to focus fully on safety preparations and planning their itinerary.