Reissued after periodic review with minor edits.

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. 

The Gambia’s health infrastructure is inadequate.  Health 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 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level Two Health Notice for circulating Poliovirus in The Gambia.

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

If you decide to travel to The Gambia:

• Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your travel.
• Before any international travel, make sure you are up to date on your CDC recommended vaccinations for the region.
  
• Stay on main roads. Avoid less-traveled areas near southern Gambia that border the Casamance region in 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 X/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.

The Gambia’s Southern Border with Senegal – Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution

Some landmines from the Casamance conflict remain in this area. 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.