Travel Advice
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Country Description

The Gambia is a developing country in West Africa. Facilities for tourism in the area of Banjul, the capital city, are good, but they are limited in availability and quality outside the capital.

Entry Requirements

A passport and visa are required. Travellers are urged to obtain the latest information on customs and entry requirements from the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

Areas Of Instability

Although The Gambia recently completed a transition from military to civilian rule, travellers should nonetheless avoid political gatherings or demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Visitors should not photograph airports nor military installations and should be prepared to stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints.

Medical Facilities

Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. Travelers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Further information on prescription drugs is found in the section on import/export restrictions.

Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage to be useful.

Information On Crime

Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia. Travelers should be careful of pickpockets and the crowded market areas and on ferries. Travelers should not leave packages or luggage unattended in taxis.

The loss or theft abroad of a passport should be reported immediately to local police and to your nearest national embassy or consulate.

Traffic Safety & Road Conditions

The information below concerning The Gambia is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Safety of Public Transportation: Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Poor

Although the main roads are paved in the greater Banjul area, due to narrow, pot-holed, poorly lit streets, drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents. Almost all roads outside the capital are not paved, and traveling is difficult because of road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, which is June through October. Visitors driving up country to travel with a recognized travel guide. Travelers should be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.

Import/Export Restrictions

The Gambia has strict laws on the import/export of skin bleaching creams and some medications. Visitors arriving with substances containing hydroquinone, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, flucinonide, clobestatol or clobestatone are subject to fines up to $2,000 and/or three years imprisonment. Airport police and Customs officials routinely inspect incoming and outgoing luggage. Travelers in possession of prescription drugs should have proof of the prescription, such as a labeled container, with them. Police have been known to arrest foreigners carrying unlabeled pills. For a complete list of prohibited items, travelers can contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

Drug Penalties

Travellers are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties for possession, use or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

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