Overview
Malaria affects all of Senegal but varies by region and season: the south and east carry a high risk year-round, while the north and coast carry it mainly from June to December. Yellow fever is recommended for risk areas, and dengue, chikungunya and Zika add to the mosquito-related risks.
Recommended vaccines
Malaria by region
Bite protection and preventive tablets are advised in the high-risk zones; elsewhere bite protection remains the basis, with tablets sometimes advised for more vulnerable travellers. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.
Malaria risk is regional, concentrated in the areas detailed below.
The south and east of the country, including areas south of the Gambia and Matam province: high risk year-round.
The north, north-west and coast north of the Saloum Delta: risk mainly from June to December, lower January to May.
Risk is most pronounced from June to December in the north and along the coast; the south and east stay high-risk year-round.
Other health risks
Prepare your trip
Leaving in under 2 weeks? Still book a clinic: a first hepatitis A dose already protects, and yellow fever needs at least 10 days. A travel clinic will prioritise what fits your timeline.
Frequently asked questions
Is any vaccine required for Senegal?
No vaccine is required for entry from Belgium, but yellow fever is strongly recommended for risk regions.
Is there a malaria risk?
Malaria: high risk depending on the region. Risk is most pronounced from June to December in the north and along the coast; the south and east stay high-risk year-round. Bite protection and preventive tablets are advised in the high-risk zones; elsewhere bite protection remains the basis, with tablets sometimes advised for more vulnerable travellers. If fever develops, get tested for malaria promptly.
How far ahead of departure should I start?
Ideally 6 to 8 weeks before departure, to complete multi-dose schedules. Yellow fever, where it applies, must be given at least 10 days before arrival.
Our sources
Indicative information for a typical traveller, not medical advice. What you need depends on your itinerary, region, season and duration. See an approved travel clinic 6–8 weeks before departure: only they can give yellow fever and issue the certificate.