The Gambia
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
Terrorism in The Gambia
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in The Gambia, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Political situation
Avoid large gatherings and protests in public areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
Crime
Be cautious of young men locally known as ‘bumsters’ who approach tourists, particularly on beaches, offering help or to act as local guides. They may offer to take you on tours into Senegal. It is unlikely they will follow the correct immigration procedures. This could result in you being detained by immigration authorities. They may also ask for money.
Be polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation.
Corruption is present at all levels and you may be asked for bribes.
Protecting your belongings
There are reports of passports and other valuables being stolen from hotel rooms.
Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas. Take care when visiting certain places, especially at night, such as:
- isolated beaches
- markets
- crowded events
- venues outside the main tourist areas
Do not take valuables or large sums of money to the beach or display them in public. Take sensible precautions to protect your personal possessions and do not leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page, and your entry stamp, in a separate place.
Local travel
Security checkpoints operate in and around the capital Banjul and are common on all major routes in The Gambia. They are not always well sign-posted. Take care when approaching them and expect your vehicle to be searched if you’re stopped by security forces.
Laws and cultural differences
The Gambia is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in The Gambia.
Ramadan
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, you should be respectful of those who are fasting.
Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
You should also:
- check opening hours of shops and restaurants
- be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk
- be patient and show tolerance
Personal ID
As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy.
Public offences
There are severe penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child. There are reports of increased child sex tourism. Report any incidents to the police.
Detainment
It is not always possible for the British High Commission to gain early access to detained British nationals in The Gambia.
Although the law specifies that detainees cannot be held for longer than 72 hours without charge, this is regularly exceeded.
The death penalty applies for a number of crimes including arson, murder and treason. A pause on the death penalty is in place.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There is a zero tolerance towards illegal drugs. This includes importing, exporting, or possession of drugs. Do not accept packages on behalf of anyone without knowing the contents.
Sentences for those found in possession of drugs can be severe, including fines or prison sentences. Cases of entrapment by Gambian authorities are not uncommon.
LGBT+ travellers
There is a zero tolerance towards LGBT+ people in The Gambia. Same-sex relationships are illegal and could lead to lengthy prison sentences.
Gambian law criminalises the act of men dressing as women with a 5-year jail term.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
The Gambia is primarily a cash-based economy. Check with your tour operator or hotel before travelling. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants accept Visa cards but very few accept credit cards. There are not many ATMs outside the tourist area of Senegambia. In other locations, ATMs can be unreliable.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in The Gambia, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in The Gambia for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
After 3 months you must apply for a Gambian driving licence, you can contact the local police station to ask where the nearest licensing office is. For the application process you need:
- proof of residency in The Gambia
- your valid UK driving licence
- a copy of your passport
Driving conditions
Driving standards are poor, roads are severely potholed and after dark there is poor road and vehicle lighting.
There is heavy rainfall from June to October, which can cause localised flooding. Take care if you’re travelling in rural areas or on non-paved roads during this period.
Some local taxis are not roadworthy.
River travel
The ferry service from Banjul to Barra is operating but it is often overcrowded and overloaded. Safety measures and maintenance are not up to international standards and ferries lack life saving equipment and rescue services. Consider using the alternative route across the Senegambia Bridge near Farafenni.
There have been several instances of the ferry becoming stranded on sandbanks. If using the ferry, get out of your vehicle quickly after parking to avoid becoming trapped inside your vehicle for the duration of the journey.
Pirogues (wooden dug-out canoes) in The Gambia can be overloaded and safety measures are not up to international standards. They are not recommended for long journeys. If you do travel on one, make sure it has life jackets.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Flooding
Localised flooding can occur during the rainy season, which runs from June to October.