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foreign office travel advice gambia

  • Passports, travel and living abroad
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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice . 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and any specific travel advice that applies to you: 

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  • LGBT+ people  

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated. 

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

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Caution October 19, 2023

Worldwide caution, update january 10, 2024, information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

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Travel Advisory July 31, 2023

The gambia - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

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

Exercise increased caution due to other factors in

  • The southern border area adjacent to Senegal’s Casamance region due to the potential presence of  landmines and sporadic border skirmishes.

Country Summary: Theft and home burglaries occur frequently in The Gambia, especially in the broader Banjul area. U.S. government personnel live in housing with heightened security measures.

The Gambia’s health infrastructure is inadequate; services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care.  Pharmacies are not well regulated; locally available medications may be unsafe.

The Gambia’s Southern Border with Senegal:  Some landmines from the Casamance conflict remain in the border region.  There have been occasional border skirmishes in this region.  If travelling near or across the border stay on main roads and do not travel at night.

Read the  country information page  for additional information about travel to The Gambia.

If you decide to travel to The Gambia:

  • Do not stray from main roads and well-traveled locations if you travel to areas in southern Gambia that border the Casamance region of Senegal.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Bring your own over the counter and prescription medications.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for The Gambia.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Valid for duration of stay.

None required, but see Health section.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Banjul 92 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara Banjul, The Gambia Telephone: +(220) 439-2856 Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(220) 439-2856 Fax: +(220) 439-2475 Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

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 the  Embassy of The Gambia in Washington DC’s  website 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 on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.

Safety and Security

Avoid the areas of southern Gambia which border the  Casamance 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 the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages 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).

See  Internet 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 on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

  • 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 on  victim’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. See our webpage for more information on  insurance providers for overseas coverage .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

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 on  crimes against minors abroad  and the  Department of Justice  website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately. See our  webpage  for 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.

See our  LGBTI Travel Information  page and section 6 of our  Human Rights report  for 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 our  Students Abroad  page and  FBI 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 for  Women 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 reimbursement. See  our webpage  for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Visit the  U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  for 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 all  vaccinations  recommended 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 for  vaccinations  for travelers to the Gambia.

Further health information:

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

Air Quality:  Visit  AirNow Department of State  for information on air quality at U.S. Embassies and Consulates.

The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of  doctors 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:

  • Yellow Fever
  • Dengue Fever
  • Diarrheal Illness
  • 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 about  Resources for Travelers  regarding 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:

  • 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 

Travel and Transportation

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 our  Road Safety page  for more information. Visit the website of The Gambia’s  national  tourist 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 the  FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel:  Mariners planning travel to The Gambia should also check for  U.S. maritime advisories and alerts . Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the  NGA 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.

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in The Gambia . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA) report.

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The Gambia finally lifts all Covid travel restrictions

Travellers will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative covid test, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

The changes take effect from 13 December

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The Gambia has finally lifted its remaining Covid travel restrictions .

From 13 December, travellers to the petite West African nation are no longer required to present proof of being fully vaccinated or a negative Covid test to enter.

As of this date, the Foreign Office reports that : “entry requirements for The Gambia are the same for all travellers, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.”

The Gambia initially reopened its borders in October 2020, following a six-month lockdown. However, subsequent travel restrictions –  including the need for proof of vaccination and a negative Covid test – remained in place until now.

“All facilities in The Gambia are open,” says the FCDO, confirming this change.

A neighbour of Senegal, the Gambia has become popular in recent years for affordable beach holidays, with a subtropical climate and plenty of winter sun.

Despite the restrictions being lifted there, there may still be social distancing rules in place in different areas, with the Gambia being divided into six separate regions.

As reported by Crisis 24 : “Some businesses, government offices, and health facilities may still require individuals to wear a facemask.”

If travellers seek further information on the rules in specific areas, the UK Foreign Office says: “You should check with the local authorities on the current restrictions.”

The UK Foreign Office also highlights there is a compulsory Airport Development and Security fee, which “must be paid upon entering and exiting the country.”

“The fee is 20 dollars, or equivalent in euros, sterling or local currency,” reads the FCDO information, adding: “This will be collected via marked kiosks in Banjul International Airport.”

The Gambia is one of the slowest countries to reopen its borders to foreign visitors following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other cautious destinations reopening in autumn and winter 2022 have included China, Japan and Canada.

Meanwhile, Spain relaxed its long-held Covid restrictions on 21 October, meaning no travellers must show vaccination records or proof of a test, regardless of their vaccination status.

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The Gambia Experience

GAMBIA GUIDE

foreign office travel advice gambia

What's the weather like?

It's fair to say that The Gambia enjoys an idyllic climate with temperatures regularly in the low 30s, virtually no rainfall from November to June and a cooling sea breeze.

foreign office travel advice gambia

How much do things cost?

Generally speaking, you'll find your money goes a long way in The Gambia with everyday items like meals, drinks and snacks being very reasonably priced.

Yellow taxis

How do I get around?

Despite having a fairly rudimentary, if steadily improving, road system and little in the way of public transport, The Gambia is a very easy country to navigate.

Nightlife in Kololi

In the evenings you might wish to stay in your hotel and enjoy evening entertainment or you could try venturing out to explore the myriad of restaurants and bars.

Fine dining at Ngala Lodge - Kathryn Burrington

Food & Restaurants

One of the reasons customers return to The Gambia time and time again is the quality and diversity of the cuisine. You'll certainly not struggle to find new places to eat - and we offer exclusive discount vouchers!

foreign office travel advice gambia

Resort Areas

Kololi and Kotu are the two busiest resort areas in The Gambia - and where a good portion of the hotels we offer are situated - but there are other places to explore.

foreign office travel advice gambia

Shopping in The Gambia

You'll have fun shopping in The Gambia where bargaining and haggling is very much the name of the game - for everything from fruit, to shoes to souvenirs!

foreign office travel advice gambia

Culture, Language & Religion

The Gambia has a fascinating marriage of culture, language, religion and tradition, evident in all aspects of everyday life and in the festivals that take place each year. 

Jola Festival

Festivals & Music

Music is a part of everyday life in The Gambia and there are a number of festivals that take place each year, most of these are based around annual Islamic festivals.

foreign office travel advice gambia

The banks of the River Gambia have been inhabited for many centuries, but the archaeological evidence is as yet insufficient to throw much light on early Gambia history.

Jeddah Progress Nursery School

The Gambia Experience with the assistance of our generous customers has long been a supporter of the burgeoning Gambian education system.

foreign office travel advice gambia

Despite the growth of tourism, the economy of The Gambia is still predominantly agricultural, with the majority of Gambians earning their living from the land and sea.

Slave trading history at Janjangbureh, The Gambia

Further areas to explore

There are many resort areas to explore, however, there are few places well off the beaten track that you may wish to explore too.

Fab holiday, all that we wanted. Can’t wait until next year. Makes one appreciate what one has at home.

Mr Davidson – Guest – Palma Rima

British Travel Awards

foreign office travel advice gambia

The Gambia Removes Covid-19 Entry Restrictions

16th December 2022

foreign office travel advice gambia

Jenny Jackson

1 min. read

foreign office travel advice gambia

This week, Covid-19 entrance restrictions to The Gambia were removed.

Ahead of the winter solar season, the West African nation removed all restrictions on international travelers.

The Foreign Office’s most recent travel advice verified the modification, and The Gambia Experience’s website also modified to reflect it.

It read: “From 13 December 2022, all Covid-19 travel restrictions for travellers to The Gambia have been lifted.  

“The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to The Gambia no longer apply.  

“You are no longer required to show proof of being fully vaccinated.  

“You are no longer required to show proof of a negative Covid-19 test.”

$20 must be paid as a mandatory airport security fee both while entering and leaving the country. This will be collected at designated kiosks at the airport serving Banjul. Credit cards from Visa are accepted.

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The Gambia Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

  • Packing List

After Your Trip

Map - Gambia, The

There are no notices currently in effect for The Gambia.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to The Gambia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to The Gambia. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to The Gambia.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to The Gambia take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for The Gambia.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis (Meningococcal disease)

Recommended for travelers 2 months old or older traveling to  areas of The Gambia  that are part of the meningitis belt during the dry season.

Meningococcal disease - CDC Yellow Book

Meningitis Belt Map

Rabid dogs are commonly found in The Gambia. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in The Gambia, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to The Gambia. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥9 months old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission; this includes >12-hour airport transits or layovers in countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Recommended for all travelers ≥9 months old.

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

  • Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Schistosomiasis

  • Wading, swimming, bathing, or washing in contaminated freshwater streams, rivers, ponds, lakes, or untreated pools.

Avoid bug bites

African tick-bite fever.

  • Avoid Bug Bites

African Tick-bite fever

Chikungunya

  • Mosquito bite
  • Mosquito bite
  • An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby
  • Avoid animals

Rift Valley Fever

  • Touching blood, body fluids, or tissue of infected livestock

Rift Valley fever

Airborne & droplet

  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in The Gambia, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in The Gambia. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in The Gambia include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in The Gambia. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call The Gambia’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in The Gambia. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of The Gambia may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in The Gambia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Gambia, The for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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' class=

No very new advice later than September and advising against discussion of death penalty locally, but as I was registering my travel plans on LOCATE I thought to read the latest travel advice.

http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travel-and-living-abroad/travel-advice-by-country/sub-saharan-africa/gambia-the

I mention it as it provides a lot of good information to new visitors, and even hints I hadn't considered like quickly exiting vehicles on the Barra ferry so as not to be trapped inside when other vehicles are packed-in within inches of yours!

foreign office travel advice gambia

I always read this despite getting first hand info from TG. I emailed them after my last trip to up-date them re the Airport Development Tax and the cost of extending your visa. They agreed to update the visa aspect but said that some countries may not include the ADT in the ticket price and people should still check. I did advise them that there was nowhere to pay or check if it had been paid but they stuck by their guns.

I use the LOCATE service and an ex pat in Sanyang also can arrange for your details to be logged.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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WestJet Sky

FCO lifts travel advice ?against all but essential travel? to The Gambia

Following dialogue with the FCO, The Gambia Experience has announced that the Foreign Office Travel Advice ?against all but essential travel? to The Gambia was lifted yesterday (January 23).

Chris Rowles, managing director for the operator, said: ?We had anticipated the FCO acting swiftly to amend the advice, and as such we have seen strong interest and booking levels over the weekend and on Monday. Our next charter flight is fully booked in Economy and upgraded Star Class. Flights for next week and into February are also selling well as consumer confidence in The Gambia returns. We will be operating a Tuesday and Friday flight from Gatwick from now to the end of April, and then switching to a weekly departure throughout the summer. We are already receiving enquiries from agents in response to customer enquiries which is great to see.?

The Gambia Experience is also extending its thanks to the trade for their continued support. Gill Synnuck, trade relations manager, commented: ?We?ve been inundated with messages of support and best wishes from the trade. It?s times like these that make me proud to work for such a wonderful company, with the support of so many lovely agents whose patience and understanding over the last week has been overwhelming. We?re delighted with the outcome and are looking forward to welcoming many more people to The Gambia in 2017.?

The operator is currently offering holidays from ?499 per person, including flights, transfers and bed-and-breakfast.

Visit Gambia.co.uk for more information.

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The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

  • the whole of The Gambia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks.

Travel to The Gambia is subject to entry restrictions

  • To enter The Gambia, you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before you arrive in The Gambia
  • You must present a physical copy of the test results to Ministry of Health officials upon arrival. Failure to present a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before you arrive in The Gambia to Ministry of Health officials will result in you being tested and quarantined for 14 days at your own cost
  • If arriving from the United Kingdom you will be expected to take a mandatory COVID-19 test.. You will be transported to a government mandated quarantine facility by Ministry of Health officials and tested. You will be quarantined at your own cost pending a negative COVID-19 result
  • Government provided COVID-19 tests can be taken free of charge at Independence Stadium Bakau, Brusubi Turntable (next to Petroleum House) and Mbollet Market, Brikama

See Entry requirements for more information before you plan to travel.

Preparing for your return journey to the UK

If you’re returning to the UK from overseas, you will need to:

Check our advice on foreign travel during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and sign up for email alerts for this travel advice.

If you’re planning travel to The Gambia, find out what you need to know about coronavirus there in the Coronavirus section .

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO ’s guidance on foreign travel insurance .

You should avoid large gatherings and protests in public areas, monitor local media for up-to-date information and follow the advice of local authorities. See Political situation

There are a number of checkpoints operating in and around the capital Banjul. Expect your vehicle to be searched if you’re stopped by security forces.

Terrorist attacks in The Gambia can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism

In the years before the new government took office, some foreign nationals were detained by the police in relation to homosexuality. Although homosexuality remains illegal, the new government has taken a softer stance on many issues, including homosexuality. See Local laws and customs

The Gambia has provision in law for the implementation of the death penalty for a number of crimes including arson, murder and treason. In February 2018, President Barrow announced a moratorium on the death penalty. See Local laws and customs

Take care when swimming in the sea. Tides, waves and under currents can all be very strong.

Most visits to The Gambia are trouble-free, although independent travellers are at increased risk due to the lack of local support in an emergency. If you’re travelling independently, make sure next of kin in the UK have details of your itinerary and keep in regular touch. Take out travel and medical insurance before you travel.

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IMAGES

  1. The Gambia

    foreign office travel advice gambia

  2. GAMBIA BUSINESS TRAVEL GUIDE by Outlook Publishing

    foreign office travel advice gambia

  3. The Gambia Travel Advice & Safety

    foreign office travel advice gambia

  4. Is it safe to visit the Gambia

    foreign office travel advice gambia

  5. Gambia Travel Advice

    foreign office travel advice gambia

  6. Is Gambia safe to travel to?

    foreign office travel advice gambia

COMMENTS

  1. The Gambia travel advice

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. Before you travel

  2. The Gambia Travel Advisory

    Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime and inadequate health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory. Exercise increased caution due to other factors in. The southern border area adjacent to Senegal's Casamance region due to the potential presence of landmines and sporadic border skirmishes.

  3. The Gambia International Travel Information

    Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories.

  4. Is it safe to visit the Gambia

    On Tuesday the Foreign Office issued a change to its travel advice for the Gambia, in the wake of president Yahya Jammeh's apparent refusal to relinquish power to president-elect Adama Barrow, a ...

  5. The Gambia finally lifts all Covid travel restrictions

    The Gambia initially reopened its borders in October 2020, following a six-month lockdown. However, subsequent travel restrictions - including the need for proof of vaccination and a negative ...

  6. Gambia Travel Guide & Information

    Our Gambia travel guide is full of fantastic information to prepare you for your perfect holiday in The Gambia. ... the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office including information on safety and security, local laws, currency and health. ... currency and health. They also provide a Foreign Travel Checklist but be aware that advice can ...

  7. NaTHNaC

    Travellers should always check the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice and their country-specific pages for the latest COVID-19 travel advisories which may include information on travel restrictions, quarantine, COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements. This includes considering the recommendations and ...

  8. FCO advises against all but essential travel to The Gambia

    Wednesday, 18 January 2017 10:00. In light of the current political situation in The Gambia, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office has changed its level of advice to The Gambia and now advises against all but essential travel. ABTA estimates there are around 2,000 people currently on holiday with its members in The Gambia; additionally there will ...

  9. The Gambia Removes Covid-19 Entry Restrictions

    The Foreign Office's most recent travel advice verified the modification, and The Gambia Experience's website also modified to reflect it. It read: "From 13 December 2022, all Covid-19 travel restrictions for travellers to The Gambia have been lifted. "The rules that previously applied to travellers coming to The Gambia no longer apply.

  10. Republic of The Gambia

    Security Status. High Degree of Caution. Latest Travel Alert. Border regions: Avoid non-essential travel to southern border area with the Casamance region of Senegal due to risk of attacks by armed groups and the presence of landmines. General Travel Advice. Irish citizens can enter the Republic of the Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days.

  11. Gambia Travel Advice

    Best time to go to Gambia. With most months averaging around 30°C, The Gambia has year-round appeal. The dry season falls between November and April, so it's the perfect winter sun spot. During these months, the thermostat hovers around the low to mid-30s, with barely any rain. Between June and October, you can expect temperatures to cool a ...

  12. British holidaymakers being flown out of The Gambia

    Thousands of UK tourists are being returned from The Gambia after the Foreign Office issued new travel advice amid a state of emergency. Thomas Cook plans to bring home 985 customers from package ...

  13. The Gambia

    Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of The Gambia may be poor. Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries). Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas. If you choose to drive a vehicle in The Gambia, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.

  14. Foreign Office Travel Advice

    No very new advice later than September and advising against discussion of death penalty locally, but as I was registering my travel plans on LOCATE I thought to read the latest travel advice...

  15. FCO lifts travel advice ?against all but essential travel? to The Gambia

    Tuesday, 24 January 2017 11:28. Following dialogue with the FCO, The Gambia Experience has announced that the Foreign Office Travel Advice ?against all but essential travel? to The Gambia was lifted yesterday (January 23). Chris Rowles, managing director for the operator, said: ?We had anticipated the FCO acting swiftly to amend the advice, and ...

  16. Gambia Travel Advice

    The best time to visit The Gambia is exactly when you want to escape the UK - winter. While everyone else is wrapped up in woolly jumpers, you can make them jealous by escaping to the equator from November to April. We're talking 30°C heat for Christmas. July to October is considered rainy season, but the downpours are usually short and ...

  17. The Gambia

    current Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice in addition to the FCDO specific country page (where available) which provides additional information on travel restrictions and entry requirements in addition to safety and security advice.

  18. The Gambia travel advice

    The FCDO advises against all but essential travel to: the whole of The Gambia based on the current assessment of COVID-19 risks. Travel to The Gambia is subject to entry restrictions To enter The Gambia, you will need to show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before you arri