COVID-19 Information

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Senegal COVID-19 Information 

Last updated: 12/14/2020

Country-Specific Information: 

  • On December 10, the Government of Senegal re-affirmed its previous announcement regarding the mandatory wearing of masks in public places and in private places receiving the public, as well the ban on gatherings in certain public places as outlined below. Additionally, in the Dakar region, dancing and musical performances in bars are suspended.
  • On October 19, the Government of Senegal announced a three-month extension of the mandatory wearing of masks in public places and in private places receiving the public.  Also extended for three-months is the ban on gatherings in certain public places, including theaters, bars, public beaches and sports fields.  However, restaurants, casinos, places of worship, private beaches and markets are permitted to operate while maintaining social distancing measures and facial coverings.
  • The Government of Senegal permits public transportation services (taxis, care rapides and intercity buses) to transport the maximum number of passengers, provided all passengers wear a mask.
  • The Government of Senegal has also implemented restrictions that impact entry into Senegal for certain foreign nationals. Travelers who are not citizens or residents of Senegal or a country that is a member of the Economic Community of West African States, or who do not meet certain other exemptions outlined here, may be denied entry or face difficulty traveling to Senegal. U.S. citizens are not currently subject to these restrictions but must comply with other entry requirements (see Entry and Exit requirements below). We have received anecdotal reports of U.S. citizens who have faced difficulty booking travel to Senegal related to these restrictions. The U.S. Embassy is unable to intervene in such cases, but we encourage all U.S. citizens intending to travel to Senegal to contact their airline in advance of travel for additional information and register for S.T.E.P. (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) for the latest updates.
  • The United States Government does not plan to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to private U.S. citizens overseas.  Please follow host country developments and guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination.
  • See all U.S. Embassy Dakar Health Alerts. 

Entry and Exit Requirements: 

  • Are U.S. citizens permitted to enter? Yes
  • Is a negative COVID-19 test (PCR and/or serology) required for entry? Yes
    • Effective October 22, all travelers to Senegal over the age of two years must present an original COVID-19 test certificate showing a negative result and testing will no longer be available upon arrival. The test must occur within five days of entry into Senegal. The results must be from a PCR test (not a rapid test) and be issued by a laboratory approved for such testing or a recognized international health organization.  Travelers transiting Senegal must also show such proof if they will be present in Senegal more than 24 hours or wish to exit the airport.
    • Verification of testing compliance will be undertaken by the airline prior to departure.  Passengers without a negative COVID-19 test may not be permitted to board.
  • Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? No, Testing must be obtained within five days in advance of arrival to Senegal.
    • All travelers to Senegal may also be required to complete a passenger location form for public health officials, in accordance with recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization.  The form will be collected on arrival. The form is available for preview and download here.
  • The Government of Senegal has implemented restrictions that impact entry into Senegal for certain foreign nationals. U.S. citizens are not currently subject to these restrictions but must comply with COVID-19 screening requirements above. We encourage all U.S. citizens intending to travel to Senegal to contact their airline for additional information.
  • Land borders with The Gambia are open for routine travel, but all others remain open only for commercial transport. Individuals must present a negative COVID-19 test to cross at all land borders.
  • Individuals traveling through JFK airport and New York State are encouraged to monitor New York State-specific entry restrictions. For more information, please visit New York State’s website.

Movement Restrictions: 

  • Is a curfew in place? No
  • Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No  

Quarantine Information: 

  • Are U.S. citizens required to quarantine? No
    • All travelers to Senegal may be required to complete a passenger location form for public health officials, in accordance with recommendations from the International Civil Aviation Organization.  The form will be collected on arrival. The form is available for preview and download here.  

COVID-19 Testing: 

  • Individuals in Senegal may obtain COVID-19 testing at the following locations. The cost is FCFA 40,000 per test.
    • L’Institut Pasteur de Dakar, 36 Avenue Pasteur à Dakar, centre ville, and sur la VDN, à côté de la Gendarmerie de la Foire (+221 78 103 3937, +221 33 839 9233, +221 33 839 9232)
    • L’Institut de Recherche en Santé, de Surveillance Epidémiologique et de Formation L’IRESSEF, cov-travel@iressef.org, Pôle urbain de Diamniadio and Ngor en face du stade de Ngor, +221 70 954 1871, +221 77 7016590, +221 33 872 2588
    • Le Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie, Hôpital Aristide le Dantec, 30 avenue Pasteur, Dakar, +221 33 889 3800, +221 77 633 3017
    • Le Laboratoire de l’Hôpital Militaire de Ouakam, km 8, route de Ouakam, Dakar, +221 76 223 0485, +221 77 357 1731 

Transportation Options: 

  • Are commercial flights operating? Yes
  • Is public transportation operating? Yes
    • Use of facial covering is required on public transportation, including taxis.  

Fines for Non-Compliance:

  • Violators of COVID-19 measures, including mandatory use of facial coverings, may be subject to fines.

Consular Operations:

  • The U.S. Embassy in Dakar accepts a limited number of passport and Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) applications, emergency passport applications and provides notarial services on Mondays and Wednesdays. Notarial service and passport appointments can be scheduled online here.  To request an emergency passport or CRBA appointment, please email DakarACS@state.gov.  All application, fee and documentation requirements apply.  See the Embassy website for additional details.
  • Entrants to the U.S. Embassy are subject to COVID-related rules and precautions.  If you do not feel well, please wait to request an appointment.
  • The U.S. Embassy resumed limited immigrant and nonimmigrant visa services.

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