Exercise increased caution in Senegal due to elections, crime, and landmines.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Presidential elections in Senegal are scheduled for February 24, 2019.  If no candidate wins a majority during the initial balloting, a second round will be held, either on March 10, March 17, or March 24, with March 17 the most likely date.

Tensions are typically heightened during campaign and election periods, and some election-related demonstrations and other activities have resulted in violence.  The Senegalese government may impose travel restrictions as the elections approaches, sometimes without notice, which may affect travel plans.  Expect additional police and military checkpoints and possible road blocks throughout the country during the campaign period and election day itself.  Regular road travel between regions is prohibited on election days.

Armed individuals have set up roadblocks and attacked travelers on roads south of The Gambia in the Casamance region of Senegal.

Land mines from prior conflicts remain in the Casamance Region. 

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in this area. U.S. government employees are prohibited from travelling on National Route 4 south of Ziguinchor, on Route 20 between Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring, and on unpaved roads without armed escorts.  U.S. government employees are also prohibited from travelling after dark.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Senegal:

• Do not stray from main roads and well-traveled areas in the Casamance region.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.
• Review the Crime and Safety Report for Senegal.
• U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

Last Update:  Reissued with updates to the Travel Advisory Level and Risk Indicators.