The Gambia International Travel Information (2024)

Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime and inadequate health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.

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Embassy Messages

Alerts

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The Government of The Gambia requires visitors to obtain a visa prior to or upon entering the country. The fee for a Gambian visa issued through the Gambian Embassy in the United States is currently $200 but is subject to change. Alternatively, tourists can apply for a visa upon arrival in The Gambia. Tourists are typically granted a 30-day stay in The Gambia upon arrival. The fee for this visa on arrival is currently $108 but is subject to change. You must have at least one blank page in your passport for the stamp. Travelers who stay beyond the allowed time are fined $15 per month of overstay, payable in cash at the airport upon departure. Extensions to stays can be requested at the Department of Immigration in Banjul.

Visit theEmbassy of The Gambia in Washington DC’swebsite for the most current visa information. However, please note that the Embassy of The Gambia’s website is frequently not functioning and current information on visas may be difficult to find.

Travelers entering and exiting The Gambia are required to pay a $20 security fee upon arrival and departure at the airport, payable in cash (USD or dalasi) only at kiosks.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of The Gambia.

Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abduction, andcustoms regulationson our websites.

Avoid the areas of southern Gambia which border theCasamance region in Senegal, due to potential landmines.

Crime:Petty street crime is common. Beware of pickpocketing, purse/bag-snatching, phone-snatching, and theft from vehicles. These crimes occur on ferries, on the beach, in markets and other commercial areas, and in hotels. Ensure that your travel documents, luggage, and valuable items are secure.

Beware of “bumsters” - local men who approach tourists, particularly on beaches and tourist zones, offering help, to act as local guides or to enter into a relationship. They will often demand payment for their services, even if no agreement has been made. Be polite but firm in turning down unwanted help or attempts at conversation.

Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark.

Do not display cash and valuable personal property.

Drive with doors locked and windows closed or rolled up enough at all times to prevent theft while stopped in traffic.

Demonstrations:Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events.

• Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent.
• Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

International Financial Scams:See theDepartment of Stateand theFBIpages for information.

Relationship fraud/scams:Internet and in-person friendship, romance and financial scams are prevalent in The Gambia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails, letters, WhatApp, texts, and/or contact initiated in person. Scammers sometimes pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help, others ask for assistance to help them and family members in need. They request financial assistance from victims to help pay for potentially fraudulent or potentially partially valid claims, such as for urgent medical treatment, school fees for numerous relatives, rent payments, car repair, payment of exit taxes, or government fines.

Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and whose situation you cannot independently verify.

If you believe you might be a victim of an internet or similar scam, it is strongly recommended that you send no money nor gifts and completely disengage from all contact with the individual(s).

SeeInternet Dating and Romance Scams.

Business fraud/scams:The U.S. Embassy receives reports of scams in which U.S. businesses sent payment, but did not receive shipments.

Be suspicious of any unsolicited offers to participate in lucrative business opportunities, especially if they require financial disclosures, money transfers, large up-front investments, or promises of confidentiality.

Carefully scrutinize all proposals before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel.

Victims of Crime:U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in addition to Gambian police. Sexual assaults by relatives are often seen by police as family matters outside their jurisdiction and they may not investigate.

Report crimes to the local police at 117 for police assistance or ambulatory services, and 118 for fire and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(220) 439-2856. The Gambian Police Force operates a 24 hour emergency line at (220) 422-4914. Please be advised that emergency responders may lack fuel for vehicles or face other resource challenges.

Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.

See our webpage onhelp for U.S. victims of crime overseas.

We can:

• Provide information regarding options for local medical care; The Gambia has an austere medical environment.
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent
• Provide general information regarding the victim’s role during the local investigation and following its conclusion
• Provide a list of local attorneys
• Provide our information onvictim’s compensation programs in the U.S.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or a loan for limited medical support in cases of destitution
• Help you find accommodation and arrange flights home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

Tourism:Outside of primary tourist areas in the immediate capital region, formal tourism industry infrastructure is minimal or nonexistent. The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is moderate to minimal in the immediate capital region, and limited to unavailable in much of the rest of the country. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase private medical evacuation insurance.

Criminal Penalties:You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs can result in long prison sentences. This includes use or possession of marijuana.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite.

Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See ourwebpagefor further information.

Dual Nationals:In addition to being subject to all of The Gambia’s laws affecting foreigners, dual U.S. - Gambian citizens may be subject to additional provisions of Gambian law. Please inquire at a Gambian embassy or consulate regarding your status before you travel. Gambian police routinely do not recognize dual citizenship and may treat you solely as a Gambian citizen. This is particularly true if you use a Gambian passport rather than a U.S. passport to enter The Gambia.

Medications:Many common medications are available in Gambian pharmacies although you may need to know the European name or brand to find an equivalent product. Medication, such as insulin, requiring refrigeration may be difficult to store as The Gambia is subject to frequent power outages. You can face fines up to $2,000 and/or three years imprisonment if you arrive with substances containing one percent or more of: hydroquinone (in any form), hydrocortisone (unless in trace amounts and for specific purposes such as anti-itch products), betamethasone, flucinonide, clobestatol, or clobestatone. For more information, including additional restrictions on importing medications, please contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

Photography:It is against the law to photograph or film airport security operations, military installations, embassies, or government motorcades. You could be fined, have your photographic equipment confiscated without notice, and risk detention and arrest. Do not take photos of Gambians without their permission.

Currency:The dalasi is the official currency, though U.S. dollars, euros, and West African Francs (CFA) are accepted in some places. The Gambia is a cash economy; credit cards are accepted only at major hotels when the internet connection is working and a few restaurants. You should only exchange currency at banks or exchange bureaus. Changing money unofficially is prohibited. Due to the potential for fraud, avoid using ATMs except those at banks. Money transfers are widely available at Western Union branch offices.

Faith-Based Travelers:See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report– see country reports
• Human Rights Report– see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad

LGBTI Travelers:Under Gambian law, consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal. Prison terms range from five years to life imprisonment. Antidiscrimination laws do not protect LGBTI individuals, and there is strong societal discrimination against LGBTI individuals. Gambian authorities have called on landlords and owners of bars, restaurants, and hotels to monitor activities that happen in their environments.

SeeourLGBTI Travel Informationpage and section 6 of ourHuman Rights reportfor further details.

Travelers with Disabilities: The law in The Gambia prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, though the law not generally enforced.Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States.Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure. Limited accessibility exists in both the capital city area and the surrounding regions.

• The availability of rental, repair, or replacement parts for aids, equipment, and devices is very limited, if not impossible to find. Service providers, such as sign language interpreters or personal assistants, are not readily available.

Students:See ourStudents Abroadpage andFBI travel tips.

Women Travelers:Although gender-based violence is illegal, many women experience domestic violence. Rape, including spousal, familial, and relationship rape, is a widespread problem. Police generally consider spousal and familial rape to be a domestic issue outside their jurisdiction.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is a crime. Accomplices who are aware of the practice but do not report it to the police can also be punished. Seventy five percent of girls and women have undergone FGM/C, with fifty six percent of girls undergoing this before the age of 15. Seven of the nine major ethnic groups practice FGM/C on girls from shortly after birth until age 16.

See our travel tips forWomen Travelers.

For emergency services in The Gambia, dial 117.

Ambulance services are unreliable in most areas, including in the immediate capital region.

We do not pay medical bills. Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas. Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments and individuals must then seek reimbursem*nt. Seeour webpagefor more information on insurance overseas. Visit theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Preventionfor more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription. Check with the government of The Gambia, via the nearest embassy or consulate, to ensure the medication is legal.

Vaccinations:Be up-to-date on allvaccinationsrecommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The government of the Gambia does not require vaccines for citizens of the United States unless they are arriving in the Gambia from a yellow fever zone. Visit the U.S Centers for Disease Control’s website to review their recommendations forvaccinationsfor travelers to the Gambia.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC)

Air Quality:VisitAirNow Department of Statefor information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list ofdoctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Health facilities in general:

• Medical facilities are very limited, some treatments are unavailable, and emergency services can be unpredictable and unreliable. Sanitation may not be at the same level as in the United States
• There are no trauma centers in The Gambia and severe accidents require evacuation to Senegal, Europe or the United States.

General Health:

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Malaria
• Zika
• Yellow Fever
• Dengue Fever
• Diarrheal Illness
• Rabies
• Meningococcal Meningitis
• Tuberculosis
• Schistosomiasis

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information aboutResources for Travelersregarding specific issues in The Gambia.

Water Quality:

• Tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested. Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

Air Quality:

• The air quality varies considerably and fluctuates with the seasons. It is typically at its worst during harmattan, between the months of January and April. People at the greatest risk from particle pollution exposure include:
  • Infants, children, and teens
  • People over 65 years of age
  • People with lung disease such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema;
  • People with heart disease or diabetes
  • People who work or are active outdoors

Road Conditions and Safety:Road conditions are poor, particularly during the rainy season, which generally lasts from July through September. Although main roads are paved in the greater Banjul area, many are potholed and poorly lit. Some drivers in the Banjul area do not use vehicle lights at night, while others habitually drive with high beams on. Side roads in the Banjul area and most roads outside the Banjul area are unlit and unpaved. Livestock and pedestrians pose road hazards throughout the country, including in the greater Banjul area.

Traffic Laws:Numerous accidents are caused by intoxicated drivers. You may be substantially fined or imprisoned if you cause an accident while intoxicated.

The police do not consistently apply traffic laws and regulations, and sometimes compel drivers to pay fines on the spot for violations, real or contrived. Written citations/tickets are rarely given.

Police periodically set up impromptu traffic stops on major streets to check for drivers’ licenses and proper insurance. You are obligated to stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints. Do not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that security personnel may view as suspicious or provocative.

Government convoys pose serious risks to drivers and pedestrians. Government convoys frequently travel at high speeds and often in either or both lanes of traffic, including in the oncoming traffic lane and do not always use sirens to announce their presence.

• Pull to the side of the road as far as possible.
• Do not attempt to move until the entire convoy has passed.
• Failure to comply may result in vehicle damage and/or personal injury.

Public Transportation:Exercise caution when using taxis, particularly at night. Most taxis lack safety belts and many are not road-worthy.

Water transportation, including government ferries, is unsafe and unreliable. Ferries, which usually lack sufficient numbers of life preservers for all passengers, are often overcrowded. It is highly recommended that you exit your vehicle quickly after parking to avoid becoming trapped inside for the duration of the crossing. However, this is not always possible, increasing the safety risk. The wooden dugout “pirogues” that also cross the Gambia River often leave shore overloaded.

See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Visit the website of The Gambia’snationaltourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

Aviation Safety Oversight:As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in The Gambia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of The Gambia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Further information may be found on theFAA’s safety assessment page.

Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to The Gambia should also check forU.S. maritime advisories and alerts. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings.

Port Security: The Commandant of the Coast Guard has determined that effective anti-terrorism measures are not in place in The Gambia ports and has imposed conditions of entry on vessels that arrive in U.S. ports having visited ports in The Gambia. Mariners and passengers on commercial vessels traveling through the ports of The Gambia should exercise increased caution.

Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area.