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Visiting Senegal. Here's what you need to know.

Whether you're here for a week or two months — Dakar is easy to navigate if you know what to expect. Here's your practical guide: what to prepare, what to do on arrival, and who to call if you need help.

Most nationalities enter Senegal visa-free for up to 90 days. No application needed — just a valid passport and a return ticket.

At a glance
VisaTourist — free, up to 90 days
Best seasonNovember – May (dry season)
CurrencyXOF — 1 EUR ≈ 655 XOF
Budget/dayFrom 40 EUR/day (comfortable)
SIM cardAvailable at the airport — Orange or YAS
Checklist12 steps total

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Your tourist checklist

A practical 12-step checklist for visiting Dakar and Senegal with confidence.

0 / 12 completed
Phase 1: Before departure

Week -1 to 0

Check your passport validity
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
Get travel insurance
Must cover Senegal — medical evacuation recommended
Book your accommodation
Almadies or Ngor for comfort — Yoff for budget
Download offline maps
Maps.me with Dakar downloaded — useful without data
Note emergency contacts
SAMU 15 / Police 17 / your country's embassy in Dakar
Phase 2: First 48 hours

Days 1–2

Get a local SIM card
Orange or YAS at the airport — 20GB for approx. EUR 5
Download Wave app
For taxis, street food, and daily payments
Arrange airport transfer
Agree price before getting in any taxi — or use Yango app
Withdraw local cash (XOF)
ATMs at airport and Plateau — keep some cash for markets
Phase 3: Enjoy Dakar

Days 3 onwards

Explore your neighbourhood on foot
Markets, cafés, the Corniche seafront
Day trip from Dakar
Gorée Island (20 min ferry) / Lac Rose / Saly beach
Connect with the local community
Visene forum — tips from people who live here
Concierge recommendation

Starter — €150 one-time

A focused call and practical arrival plan for short visits to Dakar and Senegal.

“I had 10 days in Dakar and no idea where to start. One call with Visene and I had a neighbourhood, a checklist, and three places to eat on day one. Wish I’d done it sooner.”

James K.

UK, Just Visiting

Recommended for you Recommended for you

Starter

€150

one-time

A practical orientation package for visitors who want Dakar to feel easier from day one.

  • Orientation & Q&A call (45 min)
  • Best areas for your stay
  • Local tips & contacts
  • Transport & safety advice
  • Practical arrival plan
Book my Starter call
Relevant services

Support matched to this profile

Airport transfer
SIM activation
Neighbourhoods