Sub Saharan Africa

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• General
 

Travel Summary

• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6.  The WHO website at: www.who.int has further details. Check Swine Flu for further information.
  
  
• The Casamance region of south-western Senegal remains affected by incidents involving presumed separatist groups and by incidents of banditry.  We advise against road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda, other than on, the main road from Ziguinchor to Cap Skirring which is often used by groups of tourists.
  
  
• Most visits to Senegal are trouble-free.  Five British nationals required consular assistance in Senegal in the period 01 April 2008 – 31 March 2009 for incidences including hospitalisations and arrests, for a variety of offences. During this period assistance was also requested with regard to lost or stolen passports (12 cases).  
  
  
• Pick pocketing and street crime, occasionally involving violence, is common in parts of Dakar.  You should take sensible precautions and avoid carrying valuables in public.
  
  
• There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers. You should be aware that there is a high threat of terrorism and kidnap in neighbouring Mauritania and Mali.  You should take particular care in remote areas of Senegal along the borders with these countries.
  
  
• We advise that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance  for more details.