Senegal
Regulations on entry, stay, residence, and treatment access for people living with HIV
The categories of restriction are:
- Unclear restrictions - it is not clear to what extent restrictions apply.
Restrictions on entry to Senegal
We found no evidence of any official restrictions on entry to Senegal based on HIV status.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Senegal does not have any HIV-related restrictions on entry.
Nothing on the website of the Embassy of Senegal in London suggests an HIV-related restriction on entry.
Restrictions on short-term stay in Senegal
It is unclear whether Senegal imposes restrictions on short-term stay of people living with HIV.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Senegal does not have any HIV-related restrictions on short-term stay.
The Consulate of Senegal in Madrid provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with a visa application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
According to the official Senegal website for online services, to obtain a working permit, applicants should submit a medical certificate. It is not clear if such health certificates include HIV disclosure or testing.
Restrictions on long-term stay in Senegal
It is unclear whether Senegal imposes restrictions on long-term stay of people living with HIV.
According to UNAIDS and the US Department of State, Senegal does not have any HIV-related restrictions on long-term stay.
According to the Consulate of Senegal in Morocco for all stays longer than three months a residence certificate should be acquired. The official Senegal website for online services provides a list of supporting documents that should be included with the residence certificate application and none of those documents makes reference to HIV or the general health of the applicant.
However, according to the unofficial source SeneKeur, a resident visa to Senegal requires a medical certificate. It is not clear if such health certificates include HIV disclosure or testing.
Treatment access in Senegal
The following summarises available information on access to healthcare for people living with HIV in Senegal. There is some evidence that non-nationals are restricted from accessing treatment in the same way as nationals.
To guarantee equity in universal access to treatment for all people living with HIV in a context of human resource shortages, Senegal has opted for task delegation since 2014. HIV care and ARV treatment is provided in all health services in Senegal.
Access to HIV prevention options, including pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is available in Senegal as part of the national HIV prevention efforts.
For individuals interested in accessing PrEP or PEP, contacting a local healthcare provider or a nearby HIV service organisation can be an effective first step to find out about eligibility, availability, and locations offering these services.
Healthcare in public facilities is generally affordable, though not free. Foreigners are charged for services if they are not covered by insurance. Consultations and services are typically much less expensive than in private facilities but may require payment at the time of service.
Foreigners working in Senegal may be able to access healthcare benefits through social security contributions if enrolled by an employer. Those without social security typically rely on private or international health insurance.
Pharmacies in Senegal are well-stocked, particularly in urban areas, and most common medications are available. For specific or uncommon medications, bringing a supply or ensuring a prescription from a local doctor may be necessary.
Antiretroviral medication can be imported for personal use.
Sources
The HIV Justice Network's Global HIV Criminalisation Database
Visit the Senegal page on the Global HIV Criminalisation Database to see more information about known HIV criminalisation laws in this country, an overview of how the laws are used, and any significant advocacy developments.
UNAIDS Global AIDS monitoring data
This information about access to HIV services comes from UNAIDS https://lawsandpolicies.unaids.org/, a platform to view data on HIV-related laws and policies. This is information provided by national authorities and civil society and may contradict other sources.
Migrant populations
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable documented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable undocumented migrants to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Migrants are able to access HIV services | Yes |
Refugees and asylum seekers
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable asylum seekers to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens | Yes |
| Laws/policies enable refugees to access HIV services under the same conditions as citizens implemented (countries with such laws/policies) | Yes |
Share
If you want to refer to this page when travelling and may not have internet access, you can use your browser to Save or Print this page - how you do it will depend on the device and browser you are using.
This site focuses on information about HIV travel. Please also consult your own Foreign Office/Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, or the local consulate of the country you are visiting, to see what restrictions there are specifically for you as a citizen of your country, regardless of your HIV status.
