The Gambia

Emergency numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 117 or +220 422 4914 for police
• Dial +220 446 5359 or +220 773 9415 for ambulance
• Dial +220 449 5415 for fire
• Dial +220-313-6325 for Gambia Fire and Rescue Service.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays, and during large events.

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations.
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Crime

• Petty street crime is common in tourist areas. Beware of pickpocketing, purse, bag, or phone snatching, and theft from vehicles.
• These crimes occur on ferries, on the beach, in markets, and in hotels. Ensure that your travel documents, luggage, and valuable items are secure.
• 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 to prevent theft while stopped in traffic.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help.

Financial and romance scams are common in The Gambia. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a "romantic" relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers

Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and whose situation you cannot independently verify. 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. Be sure of all the facts before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crime. You may report crimes to the local police by dialing 117.

• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

The U.S. embassy or consulate can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care.
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system.
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States, but only in extremely limited situations.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

• U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance.
• U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications.
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using dating apps abroad, as scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• 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.

Tourism safety

The tourism industry is not well regulated:

• Safety inspections for equipment and facilities are rare.
• Dangerous areas and activities are not always marked with signs.
• Staff may not be trained or certified.
• If you get injured, you will likely need to travel to a major city at your own expense for appropriate medical care.
• First responders cannot reach remote areas in case of emergencies.
• U.S. citizens are encouraged to have medical evacuation insurance.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance.

Adventure travel

• Review the CDC website for more information about Adventure Travel.

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws. If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
• Convictions for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs can result in large fines and long prison sentences. This includes the use or possession of marijuana.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in The Gambia seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Arrest notifications

If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy or consulate immediately.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws.
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety.
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Prepare for your travel using these resources:

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• Consensual same-sex sexual relations are illegal in The Gambia. Prison terms range from 5 years to life imprisonment.
• There is strong societal discrimination against gay and lesbian individuals.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in The Gambia prohibits discrimination against people with physical, sensory, psychosocial, intellectual or mental disabilities. The law is not generally enforced.
• Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.
• General public sentiment around disability is not as accepting as in the United States.
• 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.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers

Although gender-based violence is illegal, domestic violence is common. Rape, including spousal, familial, and relationship rape, is common, yet underreported.

Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), while currently illegal in The Gambia, was culturally accepted and widely practiced for many years. People who are aware of FGM/C occurrences but do not report them to the police can also be punished.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information on Female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C).
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health resources

• CDC The Gambia Traveler Information provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Emergency numbers

For ambulance services contact a medical facility directly.

• Dial +220 446 5359 for Africmed  
• Dial +220 773 9415 for ambulance
• Dial +220 330 0100 for Sherab Medical Centre 

Ambulance services

• Ambulance services are not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.
• Hospitals have their own ambulance services which need to be contacted individually through each hospital.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses coverage abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in The Gambia. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Most hospitals and medical professionals require cash payment.
• Private hospitals often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

• Medical facilities in The Gambia are basic and limited. Serious conditions often require evacuation to Europe or the United States.
• There are no trauma centers in The Gambia and severe accidents require evacuation to Senegal, Europe, or the United States.
• Public hospitals generally do not meet international standards and should only be used as a last resort, especially in rural areas.
• The U.S. embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.
• Public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors usually require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Generally, in public hospitals only minimal staff is available overnight in non-emergency wards. Consider hiring a private nurse. Another option is to have family stay the night with the patient, especially a child.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.

Prescription medications

• Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.
• Check with the Gambian Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in The Gambia.
• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

• Travelers are advised to avoid traditional or alternative medical treatments in The Gambia. Some travelers have experienced serious complications or died after receiving treatment from unlicensed traditional healers. Ensure you have access to emergency medical facilities if you pursue such treatments.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

• If you are considering traveling to The Gambia to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.
• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in The Gambia with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Gambian courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in The Gambia via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays in documenting your child’s birth with local authorities and/or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is The Gambia is not safe to drink.
• Bottled water and beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in The Gambia.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• Review our information on Medicine and Health.

Road conditions and safety

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

Traffic laws

• Numerous accidents are caused by drunk drivers. You may be fined or imprisoned if you cause an accident while intoxicated.
• The police do not consistently apply traffic laws and regulations. They sometimes compel drivers to pay fines on the spot for violations, real or invented. Written citations or tickets are rarely given.
• Police periodically set up unannounced traffic stops on major streets to check for drivers’ licenses and proper insurance. You must stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints.
• Government convoys frequently travel at high speeds and often in either or both lanes of traffic, including in the oncoming traffic lane. These convoys do not always use sirens to announce their presence.

Taxis and ride-shares

• Exercise caution when using taxis, particularly at night. Most taxis lack safety belts, and many are not roadworthy. 
• Do not use “gelly-gellys”, three-wheelers, or other private vehicles or informal taxi rideshare vans. Only yellow taxis are recommended. 

Public and commercial transportation

• Water transportation is unsafe and unreliable. This includes government ferries.
• Ferries are overcrowded and usually lack sufficient safety equipment for all passengers.
• Exit your vehicle quickly after parking to avoid becoming trapped inside for the duration of the crossing.
• The wooden dugout “pirogues” that cross the Gambia River often leave shore overloaded. 
• Visit the website of The Gambia’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation oversight

• The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed The Gambia’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to The Gambia should check the following:

• U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Advisories
• MARAD Active Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings

The U.S. Coast Guard determined Gambian ports do not have effective anti-terrorism measures. Vessels that arrive in U.S. ports from Gambian ports must meet additional U.S. Coast Guard conditions of entry as described in the current Port Security Advisory, International Port Security Program - Port Security Advisory. Mariners and passengers in Gambian ports should be careful and use stronger security measures. 

Weather conditions

• Heavy rainfall during the rainy season, July through September, can cause flooding and landslides in The Gambia, including Banjul. Harmattan.
• Dry, dusty wind from the Sahara Desert, affects The Gambia from November to April, reducing visibility and causing respiratory issues.