Senegal Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Senegal
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Normal Precautions
Updated December 1, 2025
Senegal recorded 0.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2015, a rate that is among the lowest in the world. That places Senegal #189 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Africa average of 7.6 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Senegal at Level 1 of 4: Exercise Normal Precautions.
Homicide Rate
0.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#7 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 1 of 4
Data Year
2015
Homicide Rate Trend (2015-2015)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Senegal Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Senegal:
There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise normal precautions in Senegal. Exercise increased caution in the Casamance region due to crime and landmines . Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary Senegal is generally a safe destination for travelers. Read our travel guidance for Senegal to learn how to prepare for a safe trip. Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution Casamance region Exercise Increased Caution in the Casamance region due to crime and landmines . U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Senegal
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 04, 2025).
Casamance region
There are sporadic reports of armed banditry in the Casamance region of southern Senegal. Landmines from prior conflicts remain a concern, particularly in more remote areas off main roads. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in the Casamance region.
Crime
Street crime, including robberies at knife-point and home burglaries, is common in Senegal, particularly in urban areas. Beware of pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and thieves on motorized scooters. Robberies occur regularly along the Corniche d’Ouest, an area heavily frequented by tourists and westerners.
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent.Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Scams
Internet romance and financial scams are prevalent in Senegal. See the Department of State and FBI pages for information. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails and letters. Common scams center around: Romance/online dating Money transfers Offers of lucrative sales Offers of contracts with promises of large commissions Offers of free trips/luggage Lotteries Work permits/job offers U.S. visa opportunities
Technology Usage Abroad
Mobile devices can be compromised, stolen, or damaged anywhere in the world. Before traveling abroad, it is best to keep all software (operating system and apps) updated. If possible, use a virtual private network and encrypted voice over IP (VoIP) applications. Make sure that all VPN/VoIP are reputable, and U.S. based. Do not connect to unknown open Wi-Fi. GPS Navigation Apps are helpful in getting U.S. citizens around in a foreign country. Prior to using the GPS app make sure you research the route to make sure it is safe. GPS navigation app may give you the shortest route without safety consideration. Be careful when using dating apps or online dating websites while abroad. Scammers may target U.S. citizens. Tell your friends and family where you are, meet in a popular public place, and avoid consuming suspicious food or drinks. Avoid traveling alone to bars or nightclubs.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of crime are encouraged to contact the local police and the U.S. Embassy. Report crimes to local police by dialing 17 (from within Senegal) or to the national police by dialing +221 800-002-020. Contact the U.S. Embassy at +221 33-879-4000. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . The U.S. Embassy in Senegal can: Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Provide information on appropriate medical care. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion. Provide a list of local attorneys . We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys. Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States .
Domestic Violence
: U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Swimming
: A number of children drown each year in the Atlantic Ocean in Senegal. Riptides can occur anywhere on the coast. Do not swim in the ocean if you are inexperienced in swimming in water where very strong rip currents occur. Do not dive into water of unknown depths. Do not swim alone, especially at isolated beaches.
Tourism
: The tourism industry is not wellregulated. Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare. Dangerousareas/activities are not always labeledproperly. Staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities. If you are injured, you will likely need to seek appropriate medical treatment in or near major cities. First responders cannot reach areas outside major cities to provide urgent medical treatment. See our webpage for information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Senegal Population & Demographics
Population of 18,501,984, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Senegal safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Senegal at Level 1 of 4 (Exercise Normal Precautions). The homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 is among the lowest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Senegal?
Senegal has an intentional homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 people (2015, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #189 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Senegal?
Senegal is currently at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Senegal compare to other countries?
Senegal's homicide rate of 0.3 per 100,000 is below the world average of 5.2 and below the Africa average of 7.6.