Senegal

COVID-19

There are reports of anti-COVID-19 hostility towards foreigners. Pay attention to your personal safety and surroundings.

Officials or people posing as officials, may try to detain or extort money from foreigners, including at the airport.

Petty crime

You’re most at risk of petty crime in large crowds. Look out for:

• pickpockets
• bag snatchers
• thieves on motorbikes

In Dakar, muggings and robberies happen:

• in the restaurant district of La Petite Corniche
• along the Corniche d’Ouest
• at the Leopold Senghor International Airport

Petty crime also occurs in St Louis’s restaurant area.

Criminals target foreigners, especially at night.

Home robberies also happen often.

To protect yourself from crime:

• don’t carry bags that are easy to snatch
• avoid walking at night, especially in isolated areas
• always lock your doors, even when you’re inside
• always keep vehicle doors and windows locked, even when moving

Scams

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and job offers. These scams often originate in West African countries, including Senegal.

If you travel to Senegal as a scam victim, you may be at risk of kidnapping, assault and robbery. Some scam victims have been killed.

In commercial scams, criminals ask for details of safe bank accounts to transfer large amounts of money. They may:

• promise a percentage of this amount to you
• send fake cashier cheques for urgent goods shipments
• request large fees for a fake government contract
• extort money from you for a bogus business opportunity

In relationship scams, criminals often meet their victims through internet dating sites or chat rooms. Once a connection develops, they may ask you to send money so they can come to Australia.

After you transfer money, the relationship ends.

They may also ask you to come to Africa to meet them. 

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don’t know
• don’t send money to anyone until you’ve thoroughly checked them

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don’t travel to Senegal to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. This includes in Senegal.

In October 2017, the US Government identified possible terrorist threats in Dakar. The threat focused on hotels and other popular destinations for Westerners. Security screening has increased. 

Remote areas are vulnerable to terror attacks, including by groups from nearby countries. This includes areas:

• near the borders with Mauritania and Mali
• to the east of the city of Podor as far as Kidira

To stay safe from terrorism:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• avoid crowds and other possible targets for terror attacks
• report any suspicious activity or items to police
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

If you must visit a possible terror target, always have an exit plan.

If there’s an attack, leave the area immediately if you can.

Avoid the area where the attack occurred, due to the risk of secondary attacks.

More information:

Read the original advice at SmartTraveller.gov.au by Australian Government