COVID-19 Precautionary Measures in Senegal (4 April Update)

Can a resident enter the country?

  • Yes

  • Citizens and residents are allowed to enter the country.

Can a foreigner enter the country?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Entry to Senegal is prohibited for foreign nationals from countries that have put in place travel restrictions for Senegal. Exemptions from this rule apply to travellers who are ordinarily resident in Senegal, diplomats, military, health professionals and other specific professional categories.

Is transit allowed through the country?

  • Yes

  • Travellers transiting Senegal must also show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test result if they stay in Senegal for more than 24 hours or wish to exit the airport.

Is a test required on arrival?

  • No

  • Testing is no longer available upon arrival.

Is a test certificate allowed?

  • Yes

  • Test certificates issued outside of Senegal are accepted. Test certificates must be from PCR tests. Rapid test results will not be accepted.

Test certificate required?

  • Yes

  • Arriving passengers over the age of two years must provide a COVID-19 PCR test certificate with a negative result conducted within the last 5 days prior to departure from the first embarkation point.

Is quarantine required on arrival?

  • No

  • Quarantine is not required on arrival.

Entry form required?

  • Yes

  • Several airlines are now requesting a letter of support from the Senegalese Embassy in the country of origin before boarding flights to Senegal. A sample of the application for the same for travellers from the UK can be found here.

  • All travellers arriving in Senegal are required to complete a passenger location form for public health officials. The form will be available on arrival or can be downloaded from this website.

  • Travellers travelling between the UK and Senegal via France will need to complete an exempted movement certificate for airline authorities. The certificate can be downloaded here.

  • Travellers travelling between the UK and Senegal via Belgium will need to complete an online passenger locator form. The form is available here.

Is vaccination required?

  • No

  • A COVID-19 vaccination is not required for entry into the country.

Insurance required?

  • No

  • Proof of insurance coverage for COVID-19 expenses is not required to enter the country.

Airline restrictions

  • Minimal

  • International commercial flights have resumed operations. Some flights to and from Dakar Blaise Diagne International airport have been cancelled as a result of the ongoing civil unrest.

  • Domestic flights are operating.

  • Some airlines are requesting a letter of support from the local Senegal embassy before boarding flights for Senegal. Travellers are advised to check with the airline before travelling.

  • Some airlines are only allowing foreign nationals with proof of residency in Senegal to travel. It is important to note that some airlines only accept a full residency card, and not a ‘récépissé’, although the government of Senegal have confirmed that a ‘récépissé’ is proof of residency. You should check with your airline before travelling.

Border restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Senegal’s border with the Gambia has been reopened. The borders with other neighbouring countries are only open for commercial transportation.

  • Anyone arriving from countries that have imposed entry restrictions on Senegalese travellers will not be allowed to enter, under the principle of reciprocity. Exceptions include the African Economic and Monetary Union and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), foreign travellers with a residence permit, and travellers with essential reasons to enter.

  • People departing Senegal must be tested for COVID-19 prior to their departure.

Curfew restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Authorities have lifted the state of emergency along with the overnight curfew in regions of Dakar and Thies.

Social distancing restrictions

  • Moderate

  • Public gatherings are restricted in the Dakar and Thies region.

Internal travel restrictions

  • Minimal

  • Masks are required.

  • Public transportation is operating. Face masks are required.

  • There is no internal restriction on travel between regions.

  • Vehicles travelling between regions will be required to list all passengers.

  • Non-essential travel is prohibited in Dakar and Thies.

Non-essential shops open?

  • Yes

  • Non-essential shops are open.

Accommodations open?

  • Yes

  • Hotels are open.

Restaurants open?

  • Yes

  • Restaurants are open with social distancing measures and the use of face masks.

Bars and cafes open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Bars may operate. Authorities have placed a ban on gatherings at bars.

Beaches and tourism sites open?

  • Yes with exceptions

  • Access to both public and private beaches is allowed. There is a ban on public gatherings at public beaches. Face masks must be worn and social distancing must be observed.

Museums and heritage sites open?

  • Yes

  • Museums and heritage sites are now open.

*Personal care services open? *

  • Yes

  • Personal care services are operating.

  • Gyms are open.

Places of worship open?

  • Yes

  • Religious sites, churches, and mosques are open with social distancing measures and the use of face masks.

Events allowed?

  • No

  • All types of gatherings including, gatherings at hotels, concert halls, bars, cafes, beaches, markets, sports fields, dance clubs, weekly markets, and demonstrations have been restricted in the region of Dakar and Thies until further notice.

Masks required in public?

  • Yes

  • Face masks are mandatory in public places, government buildings, private sector workplaces, shops, and markets, as well as on all forms of public transportation.

Other

  • Public access to sports fields, public spaces, and theatres is now allowed, although larger venues, such as stadiums, remain closed.

Advice For Travellers

The COVID-19 epidemic is constantly changing worldwide. Travel and border restrictions may change with little or no notice. Airlines may have their own requirements for testing, masking, and distancing. It is recommended that travellers carry a supply of face masks since the requirement can vary by location. It is recommended that travellers practice social distancing and maintain a 6-foot distance from other individuals and avoid crowded areas. Check with your airline, booking agent, or country's embassy for information on your specific travel plans.