Dakar, SenegalSmoking policy at Dakar, Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS)
Warnings & Caveats
After-security smoking requires paid access (approximately 16 USD as of November 2023). Prices may have changed. Connecting passengers who exit to smoke landside must re-clear security, which takes additional time.
Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) is a relatively modern facility serving Dakar, located about 47 kilometers east of the city center in Diass. The only confirmed free smoking option is outside the terminal building, landside, before you clear security. Airside, the situation is more restricted and involves a paid access point.
Before Security
Smoking before security is straightforward: you step outside the terminal building to designated outdoor areas. There are no indoor smoking rooms on the landside. The outdoor spots are accessible to anyone, no ticket or boarding pass required, and are the easiest option if you have time before check-in or before heading through the security checkpoint.
After Security
This is where things get more complicated at DSS. According to a traveler report from November 2023, there is one smoking area available after security, but it requires paid access at approximately 16 USD. No further details about the exact location, operator, or facilities of this paid area are confirmed in available sources, so treat that figure as a rough guide rather than a guaranteed price.
If you are on a connecting flight and do not want to pay for access to the airside smoking area, your alternative is to exit the terminal, smoke outside, and then go back through security screening before your onward flight. Factor in enough time for re-screening, especially during busy periods.
Vaping Rules
No specific information about vaping rules at DSS is available from current sources. Given the general smoking restrictions in place, it is safest to treat vaping the same as cigarette smoking and only use it in the designated outdoor areas or the paid airside zone.
Transit and Layovers
If you are transiting through DSS and your layover is short, the paid airside smoking area (around 16 USD) may be worth considering to avoid the time cost of exiting and re-clearing security. If your layover is long enough, exiting landside to smoke outside the terminal and re-entering is a viable free alternative, but confirm with airport staff whether your ticket type allows re-entry without complications.
Bottom Line
Smoke outside the terminal before security for free, or pay roughly 16 USD to access the single airside smoking area after security. Connecting passengers who skip the paid option will need to exit the terminal and clear security again.
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