Gambia, The

Travel Facts

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in The Gambia. Some areas have increased risk. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html

Passport/Visa Requirements

US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 2 blank pages in their passport for any entry stamp and or visa that will be required. A visa is required. US citizens will need to get in touch with the country’s embassy or nearest consulate to obtain a visa prior to visiting the country.

US Embassy/Consulate

[220] 439-2856; US Embassy Banjul, Kairaba Avenue, Fajara P.M.B. 19, Serrekunda, Banjul, The Gambia; ConsularBanjul@state.gov; https://gm.usembassy.gov/

LGBTQIA+ Travelers

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html

Telephone Code

220

Local Emergency Phone

Ambulance: 16; Fire: 18; Police: 17

Vaccinations

The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gambia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions.

http://www.who.int/

Climate

Tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)

Currency (Code)

Dalasis (GMD)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)

230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Plug Type G

Major Languages

English, Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Major Religions

Muslim 95.7%, Christian 4.2%

Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water

Opt for bottled water

International Driving Permit

Obtain a temporary license from local authority.

Road Driving Side

Right

Tourist Destinations

Sanyang Village; National Museum of Gambia; Stone Circles of Senegambia; Kachikally Crocodile Pool; Makasutu Culture Forest; Kotu Beach; River Gambia National Park; Bijilo Forest Park

Major Sports

Soccer, basketball, athletics (track and field), cricket

Cultural Practices

Looking elders directly in the eye is considered rude.

Tipping Guidelines

A 7.5% tip is recommended at restaurants. A $1 (USD) a day tip for room service or maid staff is expected during a hotel stay.

Souvenirs

Batik cloth goods, traditional clothing, acacia or ebony wood carvings, native drums, ceremonial masks and statues; beaded, stamped, or carved silver jewelry

Traditional Cuisine

Domodah — a stew with ground peanuts or peanut butter, meat, onion, tomato, garlic, seasonal vegetables, and spices typically served over rice or findi (a grain similar to couscous)


Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.

World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.

US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.

To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)

How to get help in an emergency? 
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444


Page last updated: Thursday, September 21, 2023