FAQ

Is there a visa requirement to enter Dakar?
Visas are available on arrival and are included in the package.

Are Visas needed for Qatar?
No, American citizens do not need a visa for tourism or business stays in Qatar for up to 90
days, thanks to a recent agreement. To qualify for this visa-free entry, your passport must be
valid for at least three months from the date of arrival and you need a confirmed hotel booking
upon arrival. 
 Visa-free entry: U.S. citizens are now eligible for visa-free stays of up to 90 days.
 Passport validity: Your passport must be valid for at least three months from the date of
your arrival in Qatar.
 Required document: You need a confirmed hotel booking upon arrival.
 New arrangement: This change came into effect on October 1, 2024, and Qatar is the
first Gulf nation to join the Visa Waiver Program.

Is there a visa requirement to enter Qatar?

Should I take any shots prior to traveling to West Africa?
We recommend visiting the CDC website on the below link. We also recommend taking the
yellow fever vaccine before travel and bringing malaria pills to take during and after travel.
Consult your doctor for any additional medical or vaccine needs.

How should I pack for the trip?
You should pack in comfortable business casual clothes or native garb which reflect the
tradition and culture of the African nations we are visiting. There are several formal meetings
that will require business suits however one dress suit/dress will suffice. Here is a link for other
items to bring when traveling abroad:
Is traveling to these countries safe?
Both countries have nominal petty crime and are considered safe environments for Americans
to travel. Qatar is listed as one of the safest countries in the world. There is a U.S. embassy in
both Senegal and Qatar we have registered the delegation with both embassies.

What is the climate?
West Africa has two seasons, the rainy season and the dry season. We will be visiting during the
dry season.
Qatar has two main seasons: a hot summer from approximately May to September and a
milder winter from November to February. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to

November) are transitional periods with warmer weather and gradually cooling temperatures,
respectively. 

Do the citizens of Senegal and Qatar speak English?
Senegal is a French speaking nation and Qatar is an Arabic speaking nation. We will have access
to translators for both countries and most meetings will be in English.

What is the currecy?
Senegal – CFA Franc
Qatar - Qatari Riyal
Where can I find the exchange rates?
https://finance.yahoo.com/currency-converter/

Should I Tip?
Yes, tipping is appreciated and should be budgeted accordingly throughout West Africa
Tipping in Qatar is not mandatory, but it is a appreciated gesture for good service.A common tip
for restaurants is 10-15% if a service charge is not already included in the bill, while a flat
amount like 10-20 QAR is common for taxis, hotel staff, or tour guides. Carrying cash is helpful,
especially for smaller tips or individual service providers. 

How much should I tip?
Tipping is commiserate to the service provided.

Is there internet, cell phone and charging stations?
There is Internet throughout West Africa and Qatar however we encourage you to call your
service provider to see if you have cell phone coverage in the region. We also recommend you
bring a portable charger to keep your mobile devices charged.

Will there be time for leisure and tourism?
The purpose of this trip is to engage in high level business meetings with government officials
and the private sector. Though we have selected a few sites for tourism, there will be limited
leisure time for the delegation.