Country-Specific Information
« In view of the continuing downward trend in cases of COVID-19 noted in Senegal, the health control measures at the borders, which are the subject of circular N°18288/MSAS/DGSP/DP, have been lifted, » says a press release from the Ministry of Health and Social Action signed by the Minister, Dr Marie Khemesse Ngom Ndiaye.
The same document states that: « in parallel, epidemiological surveillance measures are strengthened at all levels of the national health pyramid. The present note takes effect from the date of its signature ». With this communiqué, travellers to Senegal can enter the country without a vaccination certificate or a negative RT-PCR COVID-19 test.
- The Government of Senegal encourages individuals who believe they may be ill to seek care early, and encourages everyone to be vaccinated against COVID-19. The government also encourages individuals to avoid all gatherings and travel. Use of facial coverings is mandatory in public places and in private places receiving the public.
- Individuals seeking medical treatment for COVID may contact the numbers set up for COVID information by the Senegalese authorities: 78 172 10 81; 70 717 14 92; or 76 765 97 31; or call toll free 800 00 50 50 or SAMU at 15 15 or 19 19 to find treatment options.
- Individuals may also contact their local physician or referring physician.
- Restaurants, casinos, places of worship, private beaches, sporting events and markets are permitted to operate while maintaining social distancing measures and facial coverings. Violators of facial covering requirements face possible detention and fines imposed by law enforcement officials.
- Public transportation services (taxis, care rapides and intercity buses) may transport the maximum number of passengers, provided all passengers wear a mask. Violators of facial covering requirements face possible detention and fines imposed by law enforcement officials.
COVID-19 Testing
- Are PCR and/or antigen tests available for U.S. citizens in Senegal? Yes
- If so, are test results reliably available within one calendar day?Yes
- Individuals in Senegal may obtain COVID-19 testing at the following locations. The cost is FCFA 25,000 per test, with same-day results available for an additional fee at many sites. Call the Senegal COVID hotline at 800 00 50 50, or the SAMU hotline at 15 15 or 19 19 for more information.
In Dakar
- 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. Walk-in testing is available at this location. Same-day testing is available at this location.
- 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
- Le Laboratoire national de Santé publique (LNSP), Ex. RIAOM, Quartier 10eme, En face Croix Rouge, Thies, +221 775191373, +221 763596212
- Le Laboratoire de l’Hôpital Principal de Dakar (HPD), 1, Avenue Nelson Mandela, Dakar, +221 775295614
- Le Laboratoire de Bactériologie-Virologie de l’Hôpital de Fann (LBV Fann), Avenue Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar, +221 338691818
Outside of Dakar
- Diamniadio (close to DSS airport) – IRESSEF, Arrondissement 4 Rue 2 D1, Pole Urbain de Diamniadio, BP 7325. +221 77 858 2668, +221 76 656 2757. Walk-in testing is available at this location. Same-day testing is available at this location.
- Touba – Soumpou Gui, Madiyana Touba, +221 77 230 61 68
- Kédougou – HLM Kédougou Villa numéro 18, +221 77 748 00 96
- Kaolack – Hôpital bou Ndaw, Kasnack, Dr Amary Fall, +221 77 451 14 51 / +221 76 284 59 43
- Ziguinchor – Hôpital Silence, Ziguinchor, Idrissa DIENG, +221 76 191 24 47
COVID-19 Vaccine Information
- Has the government of Senegal approved a COVID-19 vaccine for use? Yes
- Are vaccines available in Senegal for U.S. citizens to receive? Yes
- Which vaccines are available in Senegal? Senegal has made available the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine, as well as the AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines received through the COVAX program . Please check with your local health clinic to see which vaccines are available at that location.
- The Government of Senegal has made vaccines available to all through local health clinics free of charge to anyone in the target population of adults aged 18 and older. Individuals must present a valid ID (National ID card, driver’s license, passport, etc). Public hospitals in Dakar are also distributing vaccines. Vaccination hours are Monday through Saturday from 9am to 3pm.
- Senegal’s target population eligible for COVID-19 vaccines includes all individuals 18 and up. Children 12 and up are eligible to be vaccinated if they have a documented medical comorbidity or other medical need as documented by a medical professional. Third “booster” vaccine doses are available beginning six months after the individuals last COVID-19 vaccine was administered.
- For more information, interested individuals should visit https://vaccincorona.sec.gouv.sn/ and consult their local District Sanitaire. Monitor the Ministry of Health information for additional details. You may also call +221 725 4848 to learn more about available vaccines and vaccination centers in Dakar.
Entry and Exit Requirements
All travelers to Senegal over the age of two years must present either a:
- COVID-19 vaccination certificate with a QR code showing that they were fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca (SK Bioscience or Vaxzevria), Covishield, Janssen J&J, Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, Sinovac, or Sinopharm at least 14 days before departure; or
- A negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours before departure. The test result must be in English or French.
- Verification of testing compliance will be undertaken by the airline prior to departure. Passengers without acceptable proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 PCR test result may not be permitted to board.
- Are health screening procedures in place at airports and other ports of entry? Yes. Testing must be obtained within 72 hours in advance of departure to Senegal. Travelers arriving without valid testing or proof of vaccination may be subject to testing and/or quarantine on arrival
- Vaccination proof that does not have a QR code will not be accepted. Such travelers must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or RT-PCR test result issued at most 72 hours prior to departure.
Movement Restrictions
- Is a curfew in place? No
- Are there restrictions on intercity or interstate travel? No
- 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.
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.
Transportation Options
- Are commercial flights operating? Yes
- Is public transportation operating? Yes
- Use of facial covering is required on public transportation, including taxis.
- Violators of Senegal’s COVID-19 restrictions may incur fines or be detained by law enforcement officials.
Resources
- The Senegalese media publishes regular COVID-19 updates in collaboration with Senegalese health authorities. Monitor the official Senegalese Ministry of Health website and World Health Organization site for updates.