Senegal Country Travel Advice Report - Study Abroad Office
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Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Travel Advice Report
Senegal
Overall Risk Rating: Low - Moderate | 2.50
Drum Cussac Group Limited Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Contents
Country Risk Rating Breakdown ................................................................................................................................................................................ 3
Country Overview ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Security
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Political
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Infrastructural
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Environmental
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Medical
Overview ............................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4
Fact Box ..................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Travel Risk Advice ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Threat Scale Reference ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Drum Cussac Group Limited 2 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Country Risk Rating Breakdown
Country Overall Risk Rating Low - Moderate | 2.50
Security Environmental Infrastructural Political Medical
Moderate | 3.00 Low - Moderate | 2.50 Low - Moderate | 2.75 Low - Moderate | 2.50 High | 4.00
Drum Cussac Group Limited 3 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services Country Overview Low - Moderate | 2.50 Senegal has long been one of the most stable countries in the historically volatile West Africa region, and one of the few not to have experienced a coup or forced seizure of power since independence. Under current President Macky Sall, the government has made progress in combating corruption and implementing reforms as it actively pursues foreign investment, although some critics have accused the regime of cracking down on its opponents through its anti-graft efforts. The primary threats to foreign travellers are from petty criminal activity, road traffic accidents and health hazards. There are also latent concerns over the intent of transnational terrorist groups to target Senegal following attacks in nearby countries in recent years. Infrastructure is reasonable in Dakar but lacking in outlying areas, particularly in the south. The threat from a low-level separatist movement in southern Casamance has receded in recent years, although sporadic attacks persist. Security Moderate | 3.00 Overview Violence linked to a low-level insurgency in the southern exclave of Casamance has fallen significantly since 2012. Senegal does not have a history of terrorism, although concerns have mounted over a contagion of Islamist extremist activities in West Africa. Opportunistic street crime is the main threat to foreigners, especially in urban areas. Civil unrest occurs intermittently, driven mostly by grievances over socio-economic issues. Political Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview There are no threats to the current government’s stability. Corruption remains a problem, although the current government has made significant progress in tackling the issue in recent years. Infrastructural Low - Moderate | 2.75 Overview Overland travel in Senegal can be challenging due to varying road conditions, which can deteriorate significantly during the rainy season, as well as erratic driving by some local motorists. The unreliable supply of electricity and water has been a recurrent trigger of unrest in recent years. With one of the highest internet penetration rates in West Africa, Senegal is also vulnerable to cybercrime. Environmental Low - Moderate | 2.50 Overview Senegal is not affected by major storm systems, but its coastal area is susceptible to recurrent flooding during the June-October rainy season. Unexploded ordnance continues to pose a threat in the southern Casamance region near the border with Guinea-Bissau and Gambia. Medical High | 4.00 Overview Insect-borne diseases can pose a serious threat to travelers, especially during the rainy season. Medical facilities in Dakar are generally well- equipped to deal with most common medical conditions and ailments, although the standard of medical care outside the capital is limited. Drum Cussac Group Limited 4 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)
Intelligence and Analysis Services
Fact Box
Government
Presidential Republic
Type
Population 14,320,055 (2016)
Currency CFA franc
Languages French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
Time Zone UTC0
Religions Muslim 92%, Roman Catholic 7%, other 1%.
Traffic Drives on the right
Plug Types Type C, Type D, Type E and Type K
Ethnicities Wolof 38.7%, Pular 26.5%, Serer 15%, Mandinka 4.2%, Jola 4%, Soninke 2.3%, other 9.3%.
Drinking
Not Safe to Drink
Water
Significant Dates:
January 1 - New Year's Day April 4 - Independence Day April 13 - Easter Monday May 1 -
Additional
Labour Day May 21 - Ascension Day May 24 - End of Ramadan (Korite) June 1 - Whit
Information
Monday July 31 - Feast of Sacrifice (Tabaski) August 15 - Assumption Day August 29 -
Tamkharit October 6 - Grand Magal de Touba October 29 - The Prophet's Birthday
(Maouloud) November 1/2 - All Saints' Day December 25 - Christmas Day
International
Country +221
Code
Drum Cussac Group Limited 5 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Travel Risk Advice
Vaccinations and Key Health Risks
You should visit a health care professional at least four to six weeks prior to the trip. Travellers should ensure that they have routine vaccination
courses and boosters. Routine vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and
annual flu vaccine.
Zika virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses are present in the country, and mosquito prevention efforts are recommended.
There is no vaccination to prevent Zika and comprehensive mosquito protection methods are recommended. This is particularly important for
those who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, suffer from a severe, chronic medical condition, or have a medical condition that weakens
the immune system. Female travellers who are pregnant or who wish to become pregnant, including their partners, may wish to seek additional
medical advice.
Most travellers will require vaccines from:
Hepatitis A
Dependent on work, reason for travel, or underlying health conditions, some travellers visiting Senegal may require vaccines from:
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever
Malaria
Typhoid
Meningitis (Required for Hajj)
Rabies
Pre-departure
Opportunistic street crime is the main threat to foreigners, especially in urban areas, and travellers should undertake a pre-travel security
brief on the associated threats and operating environment and are recommended to have undertaken annual travel security training.
Travellers should have adequate travel insurance in place to enable rapid medical treatment or emergency extraction from the country and
should review contingency operations, business continuity and crisis management plans. Travellers should identify possible sources of
medical support in-country, such as the availability of a hotel-provided doctor for minor ailments.
Travellers should provide friends and family with a copy of their travel itinerary, make a copy of important travel and identification documents,
and if applicable, obtain their visa prior to arrival. Travellers should also have information on their meeting host, accommodation, relevant
embassies and trusted local contacts easily accessible.
On Arrival
Senegal's airports can be chaotic, and travellers should have a meet and greet procedure in place with a pre-booked driver.
Travellers should carry a copy of their travel documents at all times.
In Transit
Travellers should utilise low-profile pre-booked taxis or locally vetted transport providers which have emergency equipment appropriate to the
local geography and climatic conditions. Fuel levels in the vehicles should be at least half-full.
Travel routes should avoid isolated areas and potential choke points where practical. Travellers should establish the formal identification of
the driver before commencing any trip.
At Your Hotel
Travellers should stay at reputable hotels with good standards of international-level security.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 6 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
On arrival at the hotel, travellers should ensure the driver stays on site until your check-in has been confirmed.
In the Street
Travellers should avoid leaving the hotel, or secure accommodation, after dark. High-risk areas in Dakar include along the Corniche d’Ouest,
particularly in the Ouakam, Fenetre Mermoz and Fann neighbourhoods.
Travellers should be aware of the national culture and behavioural expectations in Senegal. Same-sex relations are criminalised and
penalties can include imprisonment. Negative attitudes towards LGBT issues are widespread, and travellers should carefully weigh the risks
of attending related rallies and events, as well as displaying overt signs of their sexual orientation in public, such as holding hands.
Travellers should keep a low profile, and should not become involved in local political issues and avoid discussing politically sensitive topics
in public. Travellers should avoid any demonstrations, protests and rallies, which may attract security forces and law enforcement officers
and present a dynamic and volatile environment.
Travellers should avoid sensitive areas, and during periods of heightened tension travellers should avoid symbolic places - such police
stations, government buildings, fast food restaurants, and banks – and locations of previous protests.
Travellers should avoid overt displays of wealth and dress discreetly and appropriately to the environment. Do not display money, jewellery
or valuables and keep a low profile.
Travellers should use only small denominations of the local currency, and keep large amounts of cash and cards in a separate place on your
person. Reduce the contents of your wallet or purse contents, particularly cards which may denote affiliations, memberships and accounts.
Do not use credit or debit cards unless absolutely necessary and then only at respected, well-known retail and service establishments.
Travellers should ensure that their mobile phone is carried with sufficient battery life and programmed with appropriate emergency numbers.
Travellers should also carry an ID card or passport and emergency medical information.
Travellers should be aware of their location and surroundings. Avoid high-crime areas and of walking through dimly lit streets after dark.
Travellers should know routes and carry a map if necessary, but keep it concealed.
In crowded situations, travellers should be aware of jostling as this may be a ploy for pick-pockets. Travellers should also be aware of people
loitering, and also that attackers may first pass their victim to attack from behind.
Travellers should ignore verbal ‘bait’ from passers-by, do not get into an argument and avoid eye contact with strangers.
COVID-19 Information
Total Cases (ECDC) (Updated on Monday): 57,263
Weekly percentage increase in cases:9.92%
Travel Restrictions: Internal Restrictions As of June 4, authorities are maintaining minimal COVID-19 restrictions. Businesses are operating.
Domestic air and ground travel has largely resumed. Facemasks are still required in public and when traveling.
International Travel Restrictions International air travel has also resumed; however, authorities have stated that travelers from countries with entry
restrictions in place for Senegalese nationals will be denied entry. Exemptions include travelers from West African Economic and Monetary Union
and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member states, foreign travelers with residence permits, and travelers on essential
business. Land borders with The Gambia are open for travel; borders with other neighboring countries are only open to commercial transport.
Travelers must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than five days before arrival in order to be allowed into Senegal.
Those transiting the country must also possess such a test result if remaining in Senegal longer than 24 hours. Persons traveling to Senegal by
air may be prevented from boarding their flights if they are not in possession of the required test results. Travelers must also complete a
passenger location form. Testing on arrival is no longer available.
Additional Information: https://sn.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/
Drum Cussac Group Limited 7 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Threat Scale Reference
Threat Rating Implication
The operating environment is benign and there are only isolated threats to business
1 - Negligible
and/or travel.
The operating environment is generally permissive, although there are a limited
2 – Low
number of threats to business and/or travel that requires basic mitigations.
The operating environment is challenging and there are serious threats to business
3 – Moderate
and/or travel that requires some mitigations.
The operating environment is hostile and there are significant threats to business,
4 – High
personal safety and/or travel, requiring comprehensive mitigations and planning.
The operating environment is characterised by pervasive direct threats to business,
5 – Extreme
personal safety and/or travel, requiring strict risk management procedures.
Drum Cussac Group Limited 8 Last Updated: 4 Aug 2021, 22:40 (UTC)Intelligence and Analysis Services
Disclaimer
Drum Cussac Group Ltd makes no representation, warranties or assurance against risk with respect to the contents or use of this document, and
specifically disclaims any express or implied warranties or usefulness for any particular purpose of this publication. Recommendations made are based on
information available at the time of writing. No express or implied warranty is given in respect of any judgment made or to changes, or any unforeseen
escalation of any factors affecting any such judgment.
Copyright
Copyright 2016 Drum Cussac Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express prior consent of Drum
Cussac Group Ltd.
Drum Cussac is a global consultancy delivering intelligence-led, technology-enabled risk, security and crisis management solutions to leading
international organisations. Our specialist operations teams are recognised experts in providing a highly responsive and proactive resource in
challenging and demanding situations.
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