This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary (consular assistance cases updated with 2007 figures), Entry Requirement Section (yellow fever vaccination) and General (Money) section (reference to appreciation of the Dalasi against foreign currencies removed). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Terrorism

 

The threat from terrorism is low, but you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.  For further information read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas.

 

Crime

 

Attacks on tourists are increasing.  You should not take valuables or large sums of money to the beach or display them in public.  The more popular beaches are usually manned by tourist police or hotel security.  Visiting isolated beaches is riskier and you should take particular care in those instances.

Theft from vehicles is also increasing.  Valuables should not be left in unattended vehicles.

 

You should take precautions in unlit areas or in places away from the Tourist Development Area.

 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad

 

Political Situation

 
The Gambia Country Profile.

 

The Gambia is a multi-party state and elections are held every five years.  The Presidential elections took place in September 2006.  The National Assembly elections took place on 25 January 2007.  Both passed off peacefully.

You are advised to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

 

LOCAL TRAVEL

 

The Casamance region of south western Senegal  (the area of Senegal due south of The Gambia) remains affected by incidents involving presumed separatist groups and by incidents of banditry. You should not travel by road from The Gambia to the Casamance in southern Senegal.  You should note that we advise against all road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda, other than on the N4 national highway, for which we advise against all but essential road travel, ando n the main road from Ziguinchor to Cap Skiring which is often used by groups of tourists during the daylight hours.

Travel to other areas in The Gambia is reasonably safe as long as sensible precautions are taken to safeguard your baggage and personal possessions.

 

Road Travel

 

You can drive on a UK driving licence for up to three months.

 

Driving standards are unpredictable and some local taxis are not roadworthy.  Driving after dark carries added hazards because of poor road and vehicle lighting.  For this reason, you should exercise particular caution when walking along roads at night.  In the event of an accident, emergency medical facilities are very limited.

 

During the rainy season (June to October) potholes on roads are common and you should take care when driving.  Poor roads up-country make travel outside of the Greater Banjul area difficult year round.

 

Security checkpoints are common on all major routes in The Gambia.  They are not always well sign-posted and care should be taken when approaching them, especially at night.

 

For more general information see:  Driving Abroad

 

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel:  http://europa.eu.int/comm/transport/air/safety/flywell_en.htm

Local laws reflect the fact that The Gambia is a Muslim country.  You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims (though children under the age of puberty are not required to fast).  For more general information see Travelling During Ramadan

The Gambian authorities will take strong action against anyone importing, exporting or found in possession of drugs or contraband.  You should not accept packages on behalf of anyone without knowing the contents.

 

New laws were introduced in 2003 to tackle the problems associated with travelling child sex offenders.  In particular, there are heavy penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child.

 

Homosexuality is illegal in The Gambia although generally tolerated if couples are discreet.

 

Photography of military and official installations is prohibited.

 

For more information for different types of travellers see:  Travel Checklists

Visas

 

There are no entry requirements for British citizens visiting for up to 28 days.  For visits in excess of 28 days, permission has to be obtained from the Gambian Immigration Department at their offices in Banjul.  Extensions cost D250 for each additional month.

 

You should check with Gambian High Commission in London for further details.

 

Passport Validity

 

Gambian authorities require that passports have a minimum of three months validity.

 

Travelling with children

 

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration, please contact the Gambian High Commission (address above).

 

Yellow Fever Certificate

 

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers coming from areas with risk of yellow fever transmission. This is particularly relevant for those travelling to the Gambia from neighbouring African countries.

Medical facilities in The Gambia are very limited and the cost of medical evacuation can be very high.  Private clinics will only treat fee-paying patients.

 

Water borne diseases and malaria are prevalent throughout the year.  You should carry any vaccination certificates with you.  The risk of malaria is greater during the months of June to November.  Two British nationals died from malaria in November 2005, after travelling to The Gambia.

 

You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date.  NHS Direct (0845 46 47) can provide you with advice on the vaccination requirements for The Gambia.

For further information on endemic diseases, like malaria, health outbreaks and vaccination requirements for The Gambia you should check the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre NaTHNaC and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel.

 

For more general health information see: Travel Health.

 

NATURAL DISASTERS

 

Floods are common during the rainy season (June‑October), but do not normally impact on tourists.

Insurance

 

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling.  This should include cover for medical treatment and evacuation, accidents, cancelled flights and stolen cash, credit cards, passport and luggage.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake.  Please see:  Travel Insurance.

 

If things do go wrong when you are overseas then this is What We Can Do To Help

 

Foreign visitors to the Gambia need to carry an ID with them at all times.

 

If you are a long-stay visitor you should register at the British High Commission in Banjul.

Money

You are advised to bring travellers' cheques or cash to The Gambia because only a few places accept credit cards.  Bureaux de Change and local banks do not.  There is an ATM in the tourist area of Senegambia and several other locations which accept VISA but not MASTERCARD.