| July 21, 2004 COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: Senegal is a developing West African country. Facilities for tourists are widely available but vary in quality. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport is required. For American passport holders, a visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. Senegalese health officials will ask to see a WHO vaccination card with current yellow fever and cholera vaccinations, if the traveler is arriving from an endemic area. In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure. Travelers should obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008, telephone (202) 234-0540. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate. SAFETY AND SECURITY: Although there has been a decrease in fighting between Casamance separatists and the Senegalese military over the past three years, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar advises U.S. citizens to plan carefully all travel to the city of Ziguinchor and the area of Cap Skirring and to defer non-essential travel to other parts of the Casamance region of southern Senegal. Throughout the history of the insurgency, there have been few incidents of fighting within the city of Ziguinchor and the resort area of Cap Skirring. In recent years, however, rural areas have been the sites of sporadic violent attacks on Senegalese military and civilian personnel and, on rare occasions, tourists. U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Casamance area are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar for the latest safety and security information. U.S. Government personnel are periodically subject to clearance by both U.S. and Senegalese authorities prior to travel the Casamance area. In addition to a prolonged insurgency, armed bandits and land mines present a threat to American citizens in rural areas of the Casamance. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens not drive in the Casamance outside of Ziguinchor. Two airlines operate flights between Dakar and Ziguinchor, and charter flights are available to Cap Skirring from Europe. Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). CRIME INFORMATION: Street crime in Senegal poses high risks for visitors. Most reported incidents involve pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and street scam artists, who are especially active in large crowds and around tourists. In Dakar, there has been an increase in purse snatchings and pickpocketing in the downtown area. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed. U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. BUSINESS FRAUD: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout western Africa, including Senegal. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. Recently, an increasing number of American citizens have been the targets of such scams. Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of “advance fees” must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. One common variation of this scheme involves individuals claiming to be refugees or other victims of various western African conflicts (notably Sierra Leone) who contact U.S. citizens to request their help in transferring large sums of money out of Senegal. Another typical ploy has persons claiming to be related to present or former political leaders who need assistance to transfer large sums of cash. Other variations include what appear to be legitimate business deals requiring advance payments on contracts. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense - if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any unsolicited business proposal originating from Senegal should be carefully checked out before any funds are committed, any goods or services are provided, or any travel is undertaken. For additional information, the Department of State's brochure, Advance Fee Business Scams is available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov. MEDICAL FACILITIES: Several hospitals and clinics in the capital, Dakar, can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses. There is inadequate inpatient psychiatric care, though there is very good office-based psychiatry. Public hospitals do not meet U.S. standards, but several private clinics are at the level of small European hospitals, and even approach U.S. community hospital standards. The Embassy maintains a list of physicians and other health care professionals who may see U.S. citizen patients. The Embassy does not guarantee their services or recommend any of the physicians. Medical facilities outside Dakar are limited. French medications are far more readily available than American drugs, and the limited selection of American drugs in stock are often listed under the French trade name. Medications may be obtained at pharmacies throughout Dakar and in other areas frequented by tourists, and are usually less expensive than those in the U.S. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications. MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses incurred. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page. OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith. Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Senegal. Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Senegal. Because travelers to Senegal are at high risk for contracting malaria they should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam - tm), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone – tm). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, visit the CDC Travelers' Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm. Other vaccines may be recommended for travel to Senegal. Please visit the CDC's website for more information. AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT: As there is no direct service to the U.S. by Senegalese-registered carriers, or economic authority to operate such service between the U.S. and Senegal, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Senegal's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. Air carriers from countries meeting international safety standards are allowed, however, to conduct direct flights from Senegal to the U.S. As such, direct commercial air service to the U.S. provided by South African Airways began in Jan. 2003. (The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of South Africa has been assessed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration as Category 1 - in compliance with international safety standards.) For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.index. The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801. CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Senegalese law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Senegal are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for a U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien, to engage in illicit sexual conduct in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18, whether or not the U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident alien intended to engage in such illicit sexual conduct prior to going abroad. For purposed of the PROTECT Act, illicit sexual conduct includes any commercial sex act in a foreign country with a person under the age of 18. The law defines a commercial sex act as any sex act, on account of which anything of value is given to or received by a person under the age of 18. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Predators Act of 1998, it is a crime to use the mail or any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transmit information about a minor under the age of 16 for criminal sexual purposes that include, among other things, the production of child pornography. This law makes it a crime to use any facility of interstate or foreign commerce, including the Internet, to transport obscene materials to minors under the age of 16. CONSULAR NOTIFICATION AND ACCESS: The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification by Senegalese authorities of the arrest of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If arrested, U.S. citizens should always ask to be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy (see Registration/Embassy Location below). CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: Several types of items -- including computers and computer parts, video cameras and players, stereo equipment, tape players, auto parts, and various tools and spare parts -- cannot be brought into Senegal without clearance by Senegalese customs officials. Airport customs officials may hold such items if brought in as baggage or carry-on luggage. Travelers should check with the Embassy of Senegal in Washington, DC regarding these restrictions. (See Entry Requirements Section above for contact information.) In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products are illegal and bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. A current list of those countries with serious problems in this regard can be found at www.ustr.gov/reports/2003/special301.htm . Senegalese customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to atacarnet@uscib.org, or visit http://www.uscib.org for details. CURRENCY: Travelers can obtain cash from some ATM machines in Senegal. Travelers can obtain cash and/or traveler's checks through international credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa, and American Express, by presenting their credit card at a local financial institution sponsoring their card. CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/family/index.html or telephone (202) 736-7000. EMBASSY LOCATION/REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living in or visiting Senegal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Senegal. The mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. The telephone number is (221) 823-4296; after-hours (221) 823-4604. Embassy website is http://usembassy.state.gov/dakar/. * * * This replaces the Consular Information Sheet issued on January 8, 2004, to update the sections on Safety and Security, Criminal Penalties and Customs Regulations. | 
