Senegal is situated at the Western African region. Travelers from around the world visiting Senegal will take note, firstly, of the marked hospitality of the locals, be it in the busy streets, or remote hideaways. Experiencing the entire country, expats would only have to stay in Dakar, where the modern culture and traditional heritage are tempered to give foreigners a taste of both past and present Senegal. If you’re heading off to this fab country, have a look at some important information.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
Dakar Women's Group
The Dakar Women's Group (DWG) is an informal group open to all women living in Dakar and speaking a minimum of English. It is a fun group made up of dynamic, interesting and friendly women.
Website: dakarwomensgroup.org
Expat Dakar
www.expatdakar.org is a community site created in 2005 by expatriates to help expatriates.
Website: expatdakar.org
International Schools
Dakar Academy
Dakar Academy was established in 1961 by United World Mission as a college preparatory, co-educational boarding and day school program primarily for missionary kids (MKs), providing kindergarten through grade 12. Boarding for children of missionaries begins in grade 6. DA's boarding homes are accredited by the Association of Christian Schools International, and it is the only accredited boarding program in Africa.
Curriculum:
Address: 69, rue des Pères Maristes, BP 3189, Dakar 18523, SENEGAL
Tel: (+221) 33 832 06 82
Fax: (+221) 33 832 17 21
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dakar-academy.org
International School of Dakar
The International School of Dakar is an English-medium school, serving children in grades Pre-Kindergarten 3 through grade 12. ISD is fully accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) and the Council of International Schools (CIS). The US based curriculum is enhanced by the best educational practices from around the world including the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program for students in grades 11 and 12.
Curriculum: American, International Baccalaureate
Address: BP 5136, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: +221 - 33 825 0871, +221 - 33 860 2332
Fax: +221 - 33 860 8523
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.isdakar.org
Local News in English
AllAfrica
AllAfrica publishes around 2,000 reports a day from more than 130 news organizations and over 200 other institutions and individuals, representing a diversity of positions on every topic. They publish news and views ranging from vigorous opponents of governments to government publications and spokespersons.
Website: allafrica.com/senegal
Country Information
Location: Africa
Capital City: Dakar
Other Important Cities: St. Louis
Currency: CFA franc
Language: French, Wolof
Calling Code: +221
Internet TLD: .sn
Electricity: The country runs on 230V 50Hz. Electricity is provided by the national electricity company, SENELEC.
Website (French): www.senelec.sn
Emergency Numbers: 17/18
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Embassy Information
http://embassy.goabroad.com/embassies-in/senegal
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Nationals from the following countries may enter Senegal visa free: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote D’Ivoire, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Some countries including the US and most of the EU may obtain visa on arrival. Other nationals will have to apply at a Senegalese embassy or consulate.
A residence permit is required to stay for an extended period in Senegal. Expats would have to go through two biometric visas for 6 months, only then can they be eligible for a residence permit.
Documents required:
- A letter to the Minister of Interior requesting a long-term visa for Senegal
- A photocopy of your U.S. passport
- An “attestation tenant lieu de bulletin de naissance” *
- An “extrait de casier judiciaire” *
- A medical certificate
- A fee of 150000 CFA
- Three photos
Applications for residence permits can be done through Police des Etrangers Allees Ababacar Sy Pres du Commissariat de Police de Dieuppeul:
Tel: +221 33 869 30 01
Accommodation
Expats are more concentrated in the capital Dakar. This city is divided into communes, or municipalities. The architecture and infrastructures in the city are modern and very urban. It is the cultural and commercial center of the country and the first point of entry by foreigners.
Apartment rentals in Senegal range from 1 bedroom units that cost between $185 to $286 per month, to 3 bedroom units at $340 to $530 per month depending on their location and proximity to facilities and other conveniences.
Driving License
Expats may use their domestic license and an international license to drive legally in Senegal. Alternatively, expats may also convert their domestic license to a Senegalese license (provided the country of origin has reciprocity agreements with Senegal) at the Department of Land Transport.
Documents Required:
- The driver's license applicant
- A certificate of residence
- 3 passport photos
- The computer and / statement or certificate of authenticity issued by the issuing country
- The fee for issuing the
- A certified copy of the identity card
- A medical certificate issued by the health center officials
For more information visit the Senegalese government website: www.servicepublic.gouv.sn/index.php/demarche_administrative/demarche/1/392
Healthcare
The facilities in Dakar are adequate for major and minor cases; outside, medical care can be very limited with quality varying. Medications are primarily French in origin and are less expensive. Malaria is prevalent in the country, precautionary vaccination is highly advised.
Insurance Companies
Allianz Senegal
In its 11 countries of operation, Allianz Africa also offers the comprehensive portfolio of Mondial Assistance travel assistance and repatriation solutions.
Address: Avenue Abdoulaye Fadiga X
Rue de Thann, BP 2610
Dakar
Senegal
Tel: +221.33.8494400
Fax +221.33.8231078
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.allianz.com/en/about_us/where_we_are/regions_countries/senegal.html
Hospitals
Barthimee Medical Hospital
The Barthimee Medical Hospital was founded in 1998 as a base of operations for rural medical work. While it started in a small house, the four story clinic is now nearing completion and is located in the southeast section of Thies, a city with the second largest population in Senegal.
Website: www.missionintersenegal.org/contact-us.php
Hospital of Hope
The Hospital of Hope Association is a nonprofit humanitarian organization, registered in Senegal and Switzerland for the purpose of providing health care and education.
Website: www.hospital-of-hope.org/
Hopital Principal de Dakar
Base of the School of Application of Military Health Service and the central military hospital group in Dakar, Principal Hospital of Dakar remains a public health facility that provides public service mission, including the management of emergencies.
Address: Hopital Principal de Dakar
Tel: +221 839 50 50
Fax: +221 839 50 88
Website: www.hopitalprincipal.sn
Imagerie Modern du Senegal
Address: Dakar Fan B.P 5027
Dakar
Senegal
Tel: +221 33 859 12 59, + 221 33 859 12 62
Fax: +221 33 859 12 60
Website: imodsen.com
Clinique Casahous
Address: 5 rue de Thiong, B.P. 2102, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: +221 821 30 30
Fax: +221 821 66 71
Clinque de la Madelaine
Address: 18 Avenue de Jambaars, B.P. 3500, Dakar, BP3500, Senegal
Tel: +221 218 074, + 221 821 94 70
Fax: +221 821 94 71
Clinique du Cap
Address: Avenue Pasteur, B.P. 583, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: +221 889 02 02
Fax: +221 821 61 46
Clinique de I'Amitie
Address: N°525-527, HLM Grand Yoff, BP 15282, Dakar, Senegal
Tel: +221 33 869 6490
Fax: +221 33 827 0097
