Sub Saharan Africa

Senegal
Still current at: 27 November 2009 Updated: 16 October 2009

This advice has been reviewed and reissued with very minor amendments to the Summary and the Crime section. The overall level of the advice has not changed.

(see travel advice legal disclaimer)

Travel advice for this country

Local laws and customs

Local laws reflect the fact that Senegal is a predominantly Muslim country. You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan.

Most Senegalese are Muslim. There is a strong tradition of tolerance of other customs and religions, but it is a generally conservative society. You are advised to dress and behave modestly in public outside the main tourist areas. Bars and restaurants usually serve alcoholic drinks but drunkenness is considered offensive. Kissing as a greeting is acceptable but kissing romantically in public is not.

There is no gay scene in Senegal and article 319 of the penal code states that “an indecent or unnatural act with an individual of the same sex is punishable by 1-5 years imprisonment”.

Senegal has imposed a temporary ban on the import of poultry and poultry products. This is a precautionary measure against Avian Flu. No cases of Avian Flu have been reported.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.