Gambia Travel Advice

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Intelligent Protection Travel Advisories Africa The Gambia

The Gambia Travel Advice

Security travel advice for the Gambia

How safe is the Gambia?

Threat level: Medium
The general travel advice for the Gambia is to remain vigilant. Poverty does play a major role in the level of crime in the Gambia, but must of the crime is not targeted against tourists, save pickpocketing, etc.

The Gambia is the smallest country on the continent of Africa. Gambia sees over 100,000 tourists each year the majority of which, according to official statistics, come from the United Kingdom.

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides its business and private clients with Security and Bodyguard services in the Gambia. If you are interested in these services, please see our page: Bodyguard Services in the Gambia.

On 30th December 2014, there was a failed coup in the Gambia's capital city, Banjul. A gun attack on the President’s residence was unsuccessful and a number of suspects were arrested, both in the Gambia and the United States.

Since the attack, authorities have increased security surveillance and there are a number of checkpoints currently operating in and around Banjul. Vehicle searches are common place. Drivers should not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that security personnel may view as suspicious or provocative.

The Gambia is reasonably stable, the present Government seized power in a coup in 1994. The President, Mr Jammeh, is well-known for expressing bizarre views. In 2007, he claimed that he could cure AIDS with a herbal concoction - a view condemned by health experts.

In January 2017, a state of emergency was declared by Gambian President Yahya Jammeh, who refused to hand over power to opposition leader Adama Barrow, who won the general election in 2016. Many Gambians fled the country over the border to Senegal to escape a possible conflict but are now slowly returning. Former President Yahya Jammeh has now left the country.

As with many countries, The Gambia does have an issue with petty crime and scams. General security travel advice is to please be very aware of this in and around hotels and areas with high populations of tourists. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and having expensive jewellery on display. Western tourists are thought to be high-priority pickpocket targets because of their perceived wealth and thieves know that they often carry around valuables and cash during the day.

Demonstrations took place in April and May 2016 in Banjul. Political demonstrations can sometimes turn violent, and tourists in the Gambia have been known to get caught up in the violence. Avoid large public gatherings and monitor the local media. It is also advised that you avoid discussing politically sensitive topics in public.

Muggings involving tourists are increasing, the theft of passports and other valuables from hotel rooms has also peaked. The best travel advice for the Gambia is, bo not take valuables or large sums of money to the beach especially. Take particular care when visiting isolated beaches and markets. You may want to consider making a copy of your passport or ID which you can carry on you, and leave your important documents at home.

Homosexuality is illegal in the Gambia and you should exercise extreme caution during your visit. There have been isolated incidents of foreign nationals being detained by the police in relation to homosexuality. There has also been a recent increase in homophobic violence across the country.

The Gambia's International Relations

The Gambia has maintained close relations with the United Kingdom, Senegal, and other African countries. It is a well-established member of the Economic Community of West African States.

The country enjoys bilateral ties with 7 countries and is seeking to maintain friendly relations with a number of others.

Travelling around the Gambia

Drivers who encounter a government motorcade in the Gambia should immediately pull completely off the road and bring the car to a complete stop until the motorcade passes. Roads are often very bad and full of potholes very notable on the Janjanbureh to Tendaba route.

You can drive in the Gambia for up to 3 months upon your first entry.

Airport police and customs officials routinely inspect incoming and outgoing luggage. Airline passengers are required to put their luggage through an x-ray machine before departing the airport. Travellers in possession of prescription drugs should carry proof of their prescriptions, such as labelled containers.

Commercial Travel Risk Services

Intelligent Protection International Limited provides companies and organisations with Commercial Travel Risk Services designed to mitigate risks of staff when they travel for business. If you are interested in these services, please see: Commercial Travel Risk Services.

Emergency services in The Gambia:

Police emergency: 117
Medical emergency: 116
Fire Service: 118

The Gambia Overview

Capital: Banjul
Official languages: English & local languages, Wolof & Mandinka
Religion: Islam
Currency: GDalasi (GMD)
Time now in Banjul:

Consular information for the Gambia

U.S. Embassy Banjul
92 Kairaba Avenue,
Fajara,
The Gambia
Telephone: +220 439 2856 or +220 437 6169 ext. 213
Emergency telephone: +220 437 5270
Email: ConsularBanjul@state.gov

British High Commission Banjul
48 Atlantic Road,
Fajara,
PO Box 507 ,
Banjul,
The Gambia
Telephone: +220 449 4508
Telephone: +220 449 5134 or +220 449 5133
Email: UKinTheGambia@fco.gov.uk

Consular information for the Gambia

Most tourists visiting the country are able to enter the Gambia and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. This includes UK and Canadian citizens. Some nationals will be required to arrange a visa such as U.S citizens,

A passport valid for the duration of stay is required by anyone entering the Gambia. Most nationals travelling from the UK, EU, Canada and Australia will not require a visa if they are staying for less than 90 days.

US citizens will need a visa which is about $105 USD and lasts for five years. This should be applied for before you leave the country, however in some instances, travellers have been granted entry to the Gambia and given 2 days to arrange a visa through the Department of Immigration in downtown Banjul. Nevertheless, you should not rely on this and aim to sort out a visa prior to departure.

Cultural advice for visiting Islamic countries

If you have never visited an Islamic country before, you maybe have some unanswered questions the culture, what you can wear and general dos and don'ts. Intelligent Protection International Limited is highly experienced at working in Islamic countries and has done so for the past decade. We have written a guide that will help you understand what is culturally acceptable and hope you find it useful. See our page: Guide to Islamic culture for travellers.


Healthcare and Immunisations

It is advised that visitors to the Gambia are up-to-date with primary boosters such as MMR. It is essential that you get vaccinated against Yellow Fever, as there is a risk of the disease throughout the country. It is an entry requirement that you present a certificate proving your immunisation. This should be completed at least 10 days prior to departure.

It is further recommended that most travellers get Tetanus, Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations. You may also want to consider a Meningococcal Meningitis jab, as there is a small risk in some areas of the country, particularly to backpackers and those spending prolonged amount of times with the local population. Check with a health professional prior to travel if you are unsure.

Malaria is an issue within the whole of the country. Use of antimalarial medication is advised.

Schistosomiasis (parasitic infection also known as bilharzia) is also an issue, so contact with fresh water including activities such as swimming, bathing or paddling in fresh water lakes and streams is advised against.

Personal hygiene must be paramount and the local water supply avoided at all costs and bottled water inspected prior to consumption. A number of cases of bottled water being refilled with tap water and re-sold have come to our attention.

Medical facilities in The Gambia are very limited, some treatments are unavailable, and emergency services can be unpredictable and unreliable. Carry a sufficient amount of required medication but be aware that police in The Gambia have, on occasion, arrested foreigners carrying unlabelled pills. For a list of prohibited items, travellers should contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate. You should ensure that any prescription medication is carried in its original packaging alongside a copy of your prescription.

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      Disclaimer:
      You are responsible for your own safety abroad and for making the decision to travel.

      The information contained in this Travel Advice for Gambia is provided for information only. Whilst care is taken to ensure that this country brief is as up-to-date and accurate as possible, it is provided on an "as is" basis without any representation or endorsement made and without warranty of any kind, express or implied. Intelligent Protection International Limited does not assume responsibility and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.