Senegal for Black Travelers: Entry Rules, Safety Numbers and Getting Around (2026)

Senegal holds the US State Department's lowest advisory level, and Dakar is one of West Africa's easiest first stops: visa-free for Americans and French-speaking. Checked 4 October 2026.

Entry for US passport holders

• No visa for stays of up to 90 days.

• Passport valid 6 months beyond arrival, with a blank page for the stamp.

• Yellow fever vaccination is recommended, and required if you arrive from a yellow fever country.

Numbers to save

• Police and emergencies: 17

• US Embassy Dakar (24/7): +221-33-879-4000

Getting around

• Ride apps: Yango and Heetch. Heetch rides are paid in cash.

• Licensed taxis are fine; agree the fare before you get in.

• Carry West African CFA francs in cash.

Know before you go

• The US advisory for Senegal is Level 1, Exercise Normal Precautions (December 2025).

• Street theft happens in the city. Avoid walking alone after dark, especially along the Corniche Ouest.

• Same-sex relations are illegal in Senegal, with up to 5 years in prison.

Before you go

Enroll in the State Department's STEP program at mytravel.state.gov/s/step so the embassy can reach you in an emergency. For more African countries in one download, get the Black Travel Guide: Africa Edition on blacktravel.org.