The Gambia

Demonstrations and protests

Political protests in The Gambia, have become more frequent in recent years.

Protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

To reduce your risk during periods of unrest:

• avoid public gatherings, protests, rallies and demonstrations
• monitor the media and other sources for possible unrest
• follow the advice from local authorities

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Overland travel to the southern Casamance region of Senegal can be dangerous. Travellers should use main roads and avoid travelling at night. 

Armed bandits and separatist groups have operated in the Casamance region in the past, with occasional skirmishes crossing the border. Undeclared landmines are present within the Casamance region, particularly in more remote areas off main roads. See our travel advice for Senegal for more information.

More information:

• Travel advice for Senegal

Petty crime

Theft can occur anywhere, including at your hotel room or vehicle.

Pickpockets operate:

• in crowded market areas
• on ferries
• along tourist beaches

Tourists have been mugged at night while walking alone on beaches.

To protect yourself from crime:

• avoid being outside alone at night, especially on beaches
• keep car windows up and doors locked
• lock your accommodation, even when you're inside
• keep your credit card in sight when you're using it
• avoid conspicuous displays of money, devices, jewellery and watches
• arrange airport transfers and hotel pick-ups through trusted contacts and hotel services.

Scams and fraud

Scams and fraud can be common in The Gambia. 

Be aware of young men known as 'bumsters'. They approach tourists, particularly on beaches.

They might offer to:

• help as a local guide
• sell you things
• simply have a conversation to become your friend

Bumsters often also use romance schemes to try to get money or other forms of help from you. They may also try to leave the country through marriage to a foreigner.

Politely decline offers, advances or attempts at conversation from bumsters. Take care not to offend.

Internet scams

Internet scams come in many forms, including romance, friendship, business and job offers. These scams often originate in West African countries. The scammer may pose as someone they are not, or they may display a completely false identity.

In other cases, foreigners are lured to Africa to meet their prospective friend or marriage partner. Once in Africa, they may become victims of kidnapping, assault, robbery or extortion.

There have also been cases of sextortion, where scammers develop a fake romantic relationship and then ask to exchange revealing photographs or videos. Once they have these, the nature of the relationship will often change abruptly, and the scammers will demand payment in exchange for not releasing these items to the victim's family, friends or work colleagues.

Scam victims often lose money. In some cases, the scammer ends the relationship once the money has been sent. There’s often very little chance of getting the money back.

To protect yourself from scams:

• be wary of online contact from people you don't know
• don't send money to anyone until you've checked who they are

If you suspect a scam, get legal advice.

Don't travel to The Gambia to get your money back or to get revenge. You could be in danger.

If you're travelling to The Gambia, your family and friends may receive bogus phone calls and emails from The Gambia. Scammers may claim that you're in legal, financial or medical trouble and that you need money.

To protect your family and friends from scammers:

• be careful about giving out personal information or disposing of personal documents while in The Gambia
• tell friends and family to contact you directly if they receive any emails about you

If friends and family can't contact you directly, they should contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre.

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

Kidnapping 

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth. 

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media. 

More information:  

• Cyber security when travelling overseas 

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

An attack could happen anywhere, at any time. This includes places visited by foreigners.

To reduce your risk of being involved in an attack:

• be alert to possible threats, especially in public places
• report suspicious activity or items to police
• monitor the media for any new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Terrorism

Flooding

The rainy season is from June to October. Flooding may occur. Floodwaters may block roads.

If a natural disaster or severe weather occurs:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in touch with friends and family

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

Get comprehensive travel insurance for the whole time you'll be away.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is widespread in The Gambia. Yellow fever is a potentially fatal virus spread by mosquitoes. It's prevented by vaccination. Get vaccinated before you travel.

Malaria is also common (World Health Organisation).

Other mosquito-borne diseases also occur, including dengue (World Health Organisation). To protect yourself:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

HIV/AIDS

The HIV/AIDS infection rate is high (World Health Organisation).

Take precautions if you engage in activities that expose you to the virus.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common, including these listed by the World Health Organization:

• cholera
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• leptospirosis
• meningitis
• tuberculosis
• rabies
• bilharzia (schistosomiasis)
• COVID-19

Serious outbreaks can occur.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• don't swim in fresh water

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information:

• Infectious diseases

Medical care

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in The Gambia are limited.

Most doctors and hospitals will ask for up-front cash payment for medical care.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need to be evacuated to a place with better facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries.

Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs are illegal in The Gambia. This includes skin-bleaching creams and other medication available in Australia.

It's illegal to import, use or possess medication containing:

• codeine
• diazepam
• hydroquinone
• hydrocortisone
• betamethasone
• flucinonide
• clobestatol
• clobestatone

Other restrictions may apply. Check with the High Commission of the Republic of The Gambia before you travel.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in The Gambia. Take enough legal medicine for your trip. 

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating: 

• what the medication is 
• your required dosage 
• that it's for personal use 

More information: 

• Medication

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

The Gambia often blocks consular access to foreigners in detention.

If you're arrested, ask police or prison officials to contact the Australian High Commission in Abuja, or the Canadian Embassy in Dakar. Do this as soon as possible. See Local contacts

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe. The Gambian authorities will take strong action against anyone importing, exporting or found in possession of drugs. Don't accept packages on behalf of anyone without knowing their contents. They can include lengthy jail terms. Westerners have been jailed for up to 10 years for carrying small amounts of cannabis.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Death penalty and corporal punishment

The death penalty can apply for:

• arson
• treason
• murder

The Gambia resumed executions in 2012. In February 2018, President Barrow announced a moratorium on the death penalty.

Corporal punishment applies for some crimes such as:

• assault
• sexual assault
• theft
• serious driving offences

Other laws

It's illegal to take photos of military facilities, or to take photos in and around airports.

Some prescription or over-the-counter drugs are illegal in The Gambia. Penalties can be severe, including heavy fines or jail terms. See Health.

LGBTQIA+ information

Same-sex relationships are illegal. Penalties include jail terms from five years to life. 

There has been an increase in discrimination in The Gambia, including by government officials.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

The Gambia recognises dual nationality.

However, if you're a dual national travelling on your other passport and you're arrested, Australian consular officials may not be able to help you.

Always travel on your Australian passport.

More information:

• Dual nationals

Information on dress

The Gambia is a mostly Islamic country. Standards of dress and behaviour, especially in interior areas of the country, are conservative. Wear loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Take care not to offend.

Ramadan

The Islamic holiday month of Ramadan is observed in The Gambia. Respect religious and cultural customs and laws at this time.

During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking may be illegal in public during the day. If you're not fasting, avoid these activities around people who are. Seek local advice to avoid offence.

Explore our Ramadan page to learn more, including dates for Ramadan.

Visas

You may need a visa to enter The Gambia.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice.

Contact the High Commission of the Republic of The Gambia for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

Commercial flights to and from The Gambia are limited. The land border with Senegal is open. Contact High Commission of The Gambia for the latest details. 

A compulsory Security Airport Fee must be paid upon entering and exiting The Gambia. The fee is US$20, or equivalent in euros, pound sterling or local currency. The fee can be paid via marked kiosks in Banjul International Airport. Children below 2 years of age and transit passengers are exempt.

If you're driving across the border into The Gambia in a private vehicle, you may be asked to pay a vehicle registration fee.

Yellow fever vaccination

You need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter The Gambia. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever (Department of Health and Aged Care)

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost and stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate

Passport with 'X' gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers. 

More information:  

• LGBTQIA+ travellers 

The local currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD).

Good options for currency exchange include:

• Banjul
• the Atlantic coast resorts
• the tourist area of Senegambia

The Gambia is a cash-based economy.

Credit cards aren't accepted by many hotels, restaurants or retail outlets. Major hotels generally accept them, but sometimes telecommunication issues can make payments difficult.

There are a limited range of ATMs that accept foreign cards. Contact your bank to check if your cards will work in The Gambia.

Make sure you have enough cash to meet your needs.

Driving permit

To drive in The Gambia, you'll need both:

• a valid Australian driver's licence
• an International Driving Permit (IDP)

You must get your IDP before you leave Australia.

Road travel

Driving is very dangerous in The Gambia.

Driving hazards include:

• poor quality roads
• unsafe driving
• poorly maintained vehicles
• poor street lighting
• people on roads

It's more dangerous at night and outside urban areas.

The rainy season is from June to October. Heavy rain can cause:

• floods
• landslides
• damage to roads

Outside urban areas, four-wheel drives are necessary during the rainy season as roads may be in poor condition.

Police roadblocks are common. Police may ask for your ID, vehicle registration and ownership papers.

If you travel by road:

• learn local traffic laws and practices
• carry photo ID and vehicle registration and ownership papers
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Make sure your travel insurance covers you when using a motorbike, quad bike or similar vehicle.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Use registered taxis and limousines. It's best to arrange them through your hotel.

Public transport

Public transport is limited and mainly consists of yellow taxis.

Safety and maintenance standards are unreliable.

Boat travel

Travel on river boats including ferries and pirogues (canoes) may be dangerous. They can be overloaded and lack lifesaving equipment.

To reduce your risks:

• avoid boat travel at night
• check operator credentials and safety equipment before booking
• never board an overloaded boat
• insist on minimum safety requirements
• always use safety equipment, even if others don't

If appropriate safety equipment isn't provided, use another operator or a different form of transport.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check The Gambia's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 118.

Medical emergencies

Call 116.

Police

Call 117.

Emergency services may not have:

• an English-speaking operator
• enough fuel for vehicles

Other resources may be limited.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn't have an embassy or consulate in The Gambia.

The Canadian Embassy in Dakar, Senegal, gives consular assistance to Australians in The Gambia. This includes issuing Australian provisional travel documents.

Canadian Embassy, Dakar

Corner Rue Galleni and Rue Briere de l'Isle
Dakar, Senegal
Phone: +221 33 889 4700
Fax: +221 33 889 4720
Email: dakar@international.gc.ca
Website: https://www.international.gc.ca/country-pays/senegal/dakar.aspx?lang=eng

Limited consular services are also available from the:

• Australian High Commission in Abuja, Nigeria
• British High Commission in Banjul, The Gambia

The British High Commission can't issue Australian passports.

Australian High Commission, Abuja, Nigeria

Phone: +234 (0) 9460 6960
Email: ahc.abuja@dfat.gov.au
Website: nigeria.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Nigeria
X (Twitter) and Instagram: @AusHCAbuja

Contact the High Commission to find out about services or make an appointment.

British High Commission, Banjul, The Gambia

48 Atlantic Road
Fajara, Banjul
The Gambia
Phone: (+220) 4495 133
Fax: (+220) 4496 134
Email: bhcbanjul@fco.gov.uk

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia