Travel
Yellow fever vaccination:
Yellow fever vaccination is obligatory when entering Senegal and you should make sure that you bring your certificate or booklet with you, as it may be demanded at the airport. Failure to have this may mean that you have to pay to be vaccinated on arrival.
How do I get to Dakar?
Many international airlines fly regularly to Dakar and connections are excellent. At present until the new airport is finished flights arrive at the Leopold Sedard Senghor Airport, which is about five minutes drive from hotels situated in Ngor, Yoff and Almadies and in general thirty minutes from city centre hotels.
Regular flights from Europe include: Air France, Brussels Airlines, Air Portugal ( TAP), Iberia, Air Europa, Eurofly from North Africa, Afriqiya, Royal Air Maroc, Tunisair, Air Algeria, from Asia, Turkish Airlines, from North America, Delta Airlines and African regional airlines including: Air Burkina, Air Ivoire, Arik Air, Bellview Airlines, CAM Mali, Elysian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air Mauritania, South African Airlines, TACV Cabo Verde Airlines, Virgin Nigeria
Your arrival in Dakar: Airport transfers
As a participant airport pick up on arrival and drop off on your return journey is included in your delegate package. However in order for us to do this, please can you inform us of your arrival / departure time and flight numbers.
Please also inform us of where you are staying so that we can take you to your hotel directly. If we do not receive this information then we cannot guarantee your collection at the airport.
Shuttle bus service
We will be providing a shuttle bus service during the event to take you to the Le Méridien President and any other activities that are connected with the event. Please check your hotel for the latest timetable information when you arrive.
What should I bring with me to Dakar?
- A yellow fever certificate – this is mandatory and you may be asked for this on arrival
- A photocopy of your passport – as it is always advisory to carry your ID with you
- Insurance – you are responsible for arranging your own travel cover
- Credit card – Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted at the main hotels and some restaurants.
- Medical Kit – always a good option just in case
- Malaria tablets and mosquito spray – you are in a malarial zone
- Your mobile phone – you can buy a local SIM for about $5
Health issues
- A Yellow Fever vaccination given at least ten days before entry into Senegal is required.
- Immunisation against Epidemic Meningitis with a multi-valent meningitis vaccine is advisable, although the risk in the urban area is low.
- Please make sure your immunisations against Polio, Tetanus, and Hepatitis A are up to date, although the risk for these diseases is not higher in Senegal than in any other country of the Global South.
- Malaria prevention is the most important precaution to take. You should not travel without a bottle of mosquito repellent and use it any time you plan to be outdoors in the evening. If malaria is not common where you live, you should also take prophylactic medication. Malaria in Senegal is resistant to Chloroquine. Use another recommended prophylactic drug, for instance Doxycycline. If you develop a fever within two weeks after return from Senegal, consult your doctor immediately
What currency do they use in Senegal?
The currency of Senegal is the CFA; the notes come in denominations of 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10,000. Coins are available in other amounts going up to 500 CFA. 1 Euro is approximately 655 CFA at the present time of writing. If you are bringing hard currency, euros are more widely accepted than dollars or pounds sterling and the exchange rate is better. If you want to withdraw money from cash machines, there are facilities for this throughout Dakar, make sure you inform your bank before you travel so that you can withdraw funds and they do not block your card!
What voltage is used?
If you are taking any electronic items to Senegal, the voltage requirement is 230 Volts.
What time zone is Senegal in?
Senegal Standard Time operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Can I drink the water in Senegal?
It is strongly recommended that you drink bottled water when you are there.