The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for unrest and civil disturbances in Senegal prior to and directly following the second round of voting in the Presidential elections scheduled for March 18.  While the first round of voting on February 26 proceeded peacefully, there were several violent demonstrations in the preceding weeks.  The potential for demonstrations still continues in the run up to the second round and directly after as results are announced.  There is no evidence that foreign citizens are being targeted for violence.  This Travel Alert expires April 30, 2012.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Senegal during and immediately following the second round of voting should monitor local news, assess local conditions and travel routes, and consult the Embassy’s website for Emergency Messages to U.S. Citizens when making travel plans.  U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and consider altering routes to avoid areas where demonstrations are likely to occur.

U.S. citizens in Senegal should be aware of their surroundings at all times and use caution when moving around.  U. S. citizens should avoid crowds, demonstrations, political rallies, and spontaneous gatherings in Senegal.  We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence between demonstrators and/or local law enforcement.  U.S. citizens should avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution in the event they find themselves in the vicinity of a demonstration. 

For U.S. citizens already in Senegal, the U.S. Embassy also recommends that you take this opportunity to ensure that passports for all family members are up to date.  Carry a photocopy of your passport with you at all times so you’ll have proof of identity and citizenship available if questioned by local officials.  If detained or arrested, you should always ask to be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy. 

You can stay in touch and receive Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Dakar website.  Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).  You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Worldwide Caution.  Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler IPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.

If you are going to live in or travel to Senegal, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).  If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.  It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency.  You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date.  It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Dakar is located on at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar; the mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal.  If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, you are encouraged to contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email message to consulardakar@state.gov.  The Embassy telephone number is +(221) 33-829-2100.   For After Hours Emergency, please dial +(221) 33-829-2209 and ask to speak to the duty officer.