Senegal Travel Risk

Exercise normal precaution in Senegal.

Senegal is generally a safe destination for travelers.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

This guide also has safety advice for regions of Senegal.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Senegal

Terrorist attacks in Senegal cannot be ruled out.

Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Several terrorist groups operate in neighbouring Mali, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM) and Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP). Whilst the regions most affected by terrorist activity are central and northern Mali, JNIM has increasingly conducted attacks in southern and western Mali near to the Senegalese border.

Terrorist kidnap

There is a threat of kidnapping in the wider Sahel region, which incorporates Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Chad and Burkina Faso, so take precautions to reduce the risk of kidnap in remote regions and border areas.

British nationals are seen as legitimate targets, including tourists, humanitarian aid workers, journalists and business travellers. If you are kidnapped, the reason for your presence is unlikely to protect you or secure your safe release.

The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners builds the capability of terrorist groups and finances their activities. This can, in turn, increase the risk of further hostage-taking. The Terrorism Act (2000) makes payments to terrorists illegal.

This section has safety advice for regions of Senegal. It only covers regions where FCDO has specific advice.

You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.

Northern and eastern border areas

Take particular care in remote areas of Senegal near the border areas with Mauritania and Mali.

Terrorist groups, including Jama’a Nusrat ul-Islam wa al-Muslimin (JNIM), are active in neighbouring Mali, and have carried out deadly attacks close to the border with Senegal. Border areas may be at risk or destabilised as the borders are not tightly controlled. See ‘Terrorism’.

Casamance Region

Casamance, the spur of land south of The Gambia, has suffered from decades of low-intensity separatist violence, largely directed at Senegalese security forces. Be on alert for clashes if you are travelling in the region, particularly close to the Gambian and Guinea-Bissauan borders. The risk of clashes is lower in the main tourist areas of the Casamance.

When driving:

• avoid travelling at night
• stick to main roads
• travel in convoy if possible
• do not pull over if anyone tries flag you down
• be aware that many roads in the Casamance are of low quality

Senegalese forces carry out minor operations near the border with The Gambia to combat wood trafficking.

Risk level

Senegal - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Senegal due to levels of crime.

Casamance and border areas

The security situation in Casamance has improved since the signing of the peace agreement in February 2025 between the government and certain armed groups. However, some rebel factions are not part of this agreement and remain active, particularly along the border between Senegal and the Gambia. In this area, clashes between security forces and armed rebel factions can occur at any time. During periods of tension, military operations and incidents such as mine explosions, armed attacks, and robberies targeting businesses and villages may occur. Rebel groups may also carry out sporadic attacks along roads, which are often closed at night.

Despite demining efforts, landmines and unexploded ordnance still pose a risk in the following areas, among others:

• Northern Sindian
• Niassya
• Southern Oussouye
• Niaguis

If you travel to Casamance:

• only travel overland during the daytime
• only use main roads
• travel in a convoy
• hire reputable carriers or tour operators

The border areas with Mali and Mauritania are at risk due to armed terrorist groups operating along the border. These groups carry out kidnappings. Be particularly vigilant in border areas, especially those near Mali.

塞内加尔现有黄色（中风险）地区1个，其他地区均为蓝色（低风险）。具体如下：

黄色地区：卡萨芒斯地区。外交部提醒在塞内加尔卡萨芒斯地区中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。