Is Dakar safe to visit right now? (September 2026)

Travel advisories for Senegal

What the advice says

• The US State Department rates Senegal at Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions, a country-level rating rather than one specific to Dakar.
• The UK Foreign Office notes a high global threat of terrorism and states that attacks in Senegal cannot be ruled out, including in places visited by foreign nationals.
• Frequent political demonstrations occur in Dakar and other cities and can turn violent; protesters sometimes block roads, including the route between the airport and the city.
• Robbery, burglary, and armed assault have become more common in Dakar, and street crime such as pickpocketing and bag-snatching is on the increase.
• Bogus taxi drivers at the airport may overcharge travelers, so pre-arranged transport is advised, and caution is recommended when exchanging cash due to the risk of fake currency.
• Travelers should be particularly careful after dark and avoid walking alone, per the general advice given for the city.
• These are country- and region-level advisories rather than street-by-street assessments, so local conditions can vary and change over time.