preparing for a trip to senegal involves understanding potential health risks and safety considerations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. this guide provides comprehensive information on health precautions, security advice, and cultural nuances to help you travel with confidence.
essential health precautions for senegal
senegal, like many destinations, presents specific health concerns that travellers should be aware of.
proactive measures and informed decisions can significantly reduce the risk of illness.
hepatitis b prevention
hepatitis b is a viral liver disease transmitted through contact with infected blood and bodily fluids. for travellers, the risk often arises from potential exposure to these fluids.
hepatitis b vaccination is strongly recommended for all visitors to senegal. it's crucial to practice safe sex, use only new and sterile equipment for any medical procedures or piercings, and ensure that any tattoos or piercings are obtained from reputable establishments adhering to strict public health standards.
malaria awareness and prevention
malaria, a serious and potentially fatal disease caused by parasites, is transmitted through mosquito bites and poses a significant risk to travellers in senegal.
antimalarial medication is advised for most visitors. it's essential to consult a healthcare professional or a travel health clinic at least six weeks before your departure to discuss the most suitable antimalarial regimen. remember to take the medication exactly as prescribed.
additionally, protecting yourself from mosquito bites is paramount at all times. this includes using effective insect repellents containing deet, wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active, and sleeping in screened or air-conditioned accommodations.
if you experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, headache, or muscle aches, during your travels or up to a year after returning home, seek immediate medical attention.
inform your healthcare provider about your travel history to senegal.
covid-19 considerations
covid-19 remains an infectious viral disease, primarily spreading through close contact with infected individuals via respiratory particles. it can also spread through contact with contaminated surfaces.
vaccination is a key protective measure against severe illness, hospitalization, and death from covid-19. discuss the covid-19 vaccine with your healthcare provider before travelling to senegal. in addition to vaccination, continue to practice personal protective measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces, and maintaining physical distance where possible to protect yourself and others.
food and water safety
consuming unsafe food or water, or swimming in contaminated water bodies, can lead to gastrointestinal illnesses like travellers' diarrhea.
travellers' diarrhea is a common ailment caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with lower standards of hygiene and sanitation. to mitigate this risk:
- eat well-cooked food that is served hot.
- avoid raw fruits and vegetables unless you can peel them yourself.
- drink only bottled or purified water.
- avoid ice in drinks unless it's made from purified water.
- be cautious with street food and ensure it is prepared hygienically.
carrying oral rehydration salts is highly recommended, as rehydration is the most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea.
typhoid fever prevention
typhoid fever is a bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated food and water.
travellers visiting areas with poor sanitation, rural regions, or those staying for extended periods, particularly visiting friends and relatives, are at a higher risk.
vaccination against typhoid fever is recommended for travellers visiting regions with a risk, especially if they are likely to be exposed to places with inadequate sanitation. consult a healthcare professional to discuss your vaccination options.
schistosomiasis awareness
there is a risk of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by tiny worms, in senegal.
these worms are found in freshwater bodies like lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands. contact with untreated freshwater can lead to infection, as the worms can penetrate the skin. the eggs can cause symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, or urinary problems.
schistosomiasis primarily affects underdeveloped rural communities, especially those involved in agriculture and fishing. while most travellers have a low risk, it is advisable to avoid contact with untreated freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, and ponds.
currently, there is no vaccine or medication available to prevent infection.
insect and tick-borne diseases
many diseases are spread through the bites of infected insects and ticks, including mosquitoes, fleas, and flies. personal insect repellents are an essential tool for protection.
chikungunya
chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted by infected mosquito bites, causing fever and joint pain, which can sometimes be severe and long-lasting.
a vaccine for chikungunya (ixchiq) is approved in canada. discuss the benefits and risks of vaccination with your healthcare provider based on your travel plans, age, and personal preferences.
dengue fever
dengue fever is another mosquito-borne illness that travellers should be aware of.
prevention methods are similar to those for chikungunya, focusing on avoiding mosquito bites.
rift valley fever
rift valley fever is a viral disease that can cause severe flu-like symptoms and can be fatal. it is transmitted through contact with infected animal blood or tissues, mosquito bites, or consuming unpasteurized dairy products.
the risk for most travellers is generally low. protect yourself by avoiding contact with animals, particularly livestock, and unpasteurized dairy products. there is no vaccine available for rift valley fever.
zika virus
zika virus is a risk in senegal and is primarily spread through mosquito bites, but it can also be transmitted sexually.
zika virus can cause serious birth defects. pregnant women or those planning a pregnancy should discuss the potential risks with their healthcare provider and may consider avoiding or postponing travel to affected areas.
animal-related infections
certain diseases, like rabies and avian influenza, can spread directly from animals to humans.
engaging in activities that increase contact with animals, their droppings, or bodily fluids, such as visiting farms, petting zoos, or handling animals, heightens this risk. take precautions to avoid direct contact with animals and practice good hand hygiene.
respiratory infections
to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading respiratory infections like the flu or covid-19, practice good hand hygiene, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings.
being aware of personal protective measures can significantly lower the transmission rate of these illnesses.
tuberculosis
tuberculosis (tb) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. travellers who may be at high risk, such as those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or visiting friends and relatives in areas with a high prevalence of tb, should consult a healthcare professional about pre- and post-travel options.
safety and security considerations in senegal
senegal is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, but like anywhere, it's important to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions.
overall risk level
the government of canada advises travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in senegal due to levels of crime.
staying informed about local conditions and following the advice of local authorities is crucial.
casamance and border areas
the casamance region and areas near the borders with mauritania and mali can pose specific risks. historical conflicts in casamance have involved clashes between military and rebel groups.
in border regions with mauritania and mali, jihadist groups may be active. travellers should:
- only travel overland during daylight hours.
- stay on main roads.
- travel in a convoy when possible.
- hire reputable carriers or tour operators.
demonstrations and strikes
strikes and demonstrations can be common in larger cities.
travellers should avoid areas where these events are taking place and follow the instructions of local authorities. monitoring local media for information on ongoing demonstrations is also advised.
terrorism
while senegal has not experienced recent terrorist attacks, potential targets could include government buildings, places of worship, transportation hubs, and public areas frequented by foreigners.
always remain aware of your surroundings in public places and be vigilant.
kidnapping risk
kidnapping does not pose a significant risk in senegal, but it cannot be entirely ruled out, particularly as terrorist groups in neighbouring countries sometimes employ this tactic.
taking precautions in public places and being aware of your surroundings can help mitigate this risk.
hotel selection
when choosing accommodation, opt for hotels that have robust security measures in place, such as guards, security cameras, and metal detectors.
however, it's important to remember that even the most secure locations may not be entirely free from risk.
petty crime in dakar
in dakar, petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur, sometimes perpetrated by individuals on motorcycles. be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and avoid displaying valuable items openly.
identification requirements
you must carry photo identification at all times.
authorities may conduct identity checks, so it's advisable to have a certified copy of your passport with you. keeping a photocopy of your passport in a secure, separate location is also a good practice in case the original is lost or confiscated.
road safety
main roads in senegal are generally in good condition.
however, driving after dark can be challenging due to poor lighting. it is recommended to avoid driving at night between cities. when driving, keep doors locked and windows closed, and avoid leaving valuables visible in your vehicle. taxis are a common mode of transport, but they may not be well-maintained, and drivers might have poor driving habits.
it's best to use only officially marked taxis (typically yellow and black), as they do not have meters, and agree on a fare before starting your journey.
legal and cultural considerations
understanding local laws and cultural norms is essential for a respectful and safe travel experience.
illegal drugs
penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs in senegal are severe.
convicted offenders can face lengthy jail sentences and substantial fines.
activities involving children and prostitution
canadians travelling to senegal for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities with children or prostitutes should be aware that such actions are punishable by fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years.
sexual orientation, gender identity, and expression
travellers should be aware of the legal and social attitudes concerning sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and sex characteristics in senegal.
it's advisable to research and understand local customs to ensure a safe and respectful journey.
citizenship and consular services
if you hold both canadian and senegalese citizenship, your ability to receive consular assistance from the canadian government while in senegal may be limited.
international child abduction
the hague convention on the civil aspects of international child abduction does not apply between canada and senegal.
if your child has been removed or retained in violation of custody rights, it is advisable to consult a lawyer to determine applicable legal avenues.
currency exchange
it is recommended to avoid exchanging large amounts of cfa francs for foreign currency at locations other than reputable exchange bureaus to ensure fair rates and avoid potential scams.
climate and natural disasters
rainy season and flooding
the rainy season in senegal typically extends from july to october.
during this period, seasonal flooding can occur, which may impede overland travel and disrupt essential services. roads can become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. travellers should stay informed about weather conditions and potential travel disruptions.
emergency assistance and travel insurance
in case of emergencies, know how to access assistance.
consular assistance
for emergency consular assistance, you can contact the Embassy of Canada to Senegal in Dakar.
the emergency watch and response centre in ottawa is also available for support. remember that the decision to travel is ultimately the traveller's responsibility, and they are accountable for their personal safety.
medical facilities and insurance
while medical facilities are adequate in the capital, dakar, they are limited in other areas.
medical evacuation can be very expensive and may be necessary in cases of serious illness or injury. ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation and hospital stays.
travel health kit
packing a travel health kit is advisable, especially if you plan to travel outside of major city centres.
this kit should include essential medications and first-aid supplies.
making informed travel decisions
the government of canada provides travel advice to enable travellers to make well-informed decisions. while efforts are made to provide accurate information, it is offered on an "as is" basis.
the government of canada does not assume responsibility for any damages resulting from the use of this information. if consular assistance is required abroad, the government will make every effort to help, but there may be constraints.
be aware that safety and security concerns can arise quickly.
exercise a high degree of caution at all times, monitor local media, and follow the instructions of local authorities. your personal safety and security are paramount.