Traveling To Gambia: A Uk Citizen's Guide

If you're considering travelling to The Gambia from the UK, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements to enter the country, but you will need a valid passport and may be required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate. It's also important to be aware of potential health and safety risks, such as malaria and crime, and to take necessary precautions. The Gambian health infrastructure is inadequate and may not meet the standards of care you are used to. In addition, there are cultural and legal differences to be mindful of, including laws around LGBTQ+ rights and photography restrictions.

No visa is required for British citizens, but a valid passport is needed

British citizens do not need a visa to enter The Gambia. However, it is essential to have a valid passport to enter the country. The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay in The Gambia. It is recommended that you check with your travel provider to ensure your passport and other travel documents meet the requirements. You may need to renew your passport if it is close to its expiry date.

Upon arrival in The Gambia, you will receive a stamp in your passport that permits you to stay in the country for 28 days. If you wish to extend your stay beyond this initial period, you can obtain two additional extensions of 28 days each from the Immigration Office in Banjul or the tourist police stations in the Tourism Development Area. However, for longer stays, you will need to apply for a residence permit by contacting the Gambian High Commission in the UK.

It is important to note that you must pay an Airport Security Fee when entering and exiting The Gambia. This fee is 20 US dollars, payable in US dollars, euros, British pounds, or local currency. While visa credit cards are accepted, it is worth noting that card machines are often out of service. Therefore, it is advisable to have the fee amount in cash to avoid any inconvenience.

In addition to the passport requirements, there are other essential considerations for travel to The Gambia. Firstly, ensure that you have the necessary vaccinations, including a yellow fever vaccination if you are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. Secondly, be aware of the strict rules regarding the goods you can bring into or take out of the country. You must declare any prohibited items or items that may be subject to tax or duty. Lastly, it is recommended that you review the latest health and safety information for The Gambia and take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances during your trip.

Yellow fever vaccination is required if arriving from a country with a transmission risk

Yellow fever is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The disease is endemic and intermittently epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa and tropical South America. The yellow fever virus has three transmission cycles: sylvatic (jungle), intermediate (savannah), and urban. Most cases of yellow fever in humans are due to sylvatic or intermediate transmission cycles.

The risk of acquiring yellow fever during travel is difficult to predict due to variations in ecologic determinants of virus transmission. However, for a 2-week stay, the estimated risk of illness for an unvaccinated traveller visiting West Africa is 50 per 100,000, and the risk of death is 10 per 100,000. For South America, the risk of illness is 5 per 100,000, and the risk of death is 1 per 100,000.

Yellow fever vaccination is recommended for people aged 9 months or over who are living in or travelling to areas with a risk of yellow fever transmission in Africa or South America. A single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides long-lasting protection and is adequate for most travellers. The vaccine is generally recommended for travel to areas classified as having endemic or transitional risk of yellow fever transmission.

According to the UK government, to enter The Gambia, you must have a certificate to prove you've been vaccinated against yellow fever if you're coming from a country listed as a transmission risk. The NHS also states that a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Therefore, if you are travelling to The Gambia from a country with a transmission risk, you will need to get a yellow fever vaccination and obtain a certificate to prove it. This is a crucial step to take before your trip to ensure your safety and comply with the entry requirements of The Gambia.

The Gambia has an inadequate health infrastructure

If you are considering travelling from the UK to The Gambia, it is important to be aware of the country's inadequate health infrastructure. The health services, hygiene standards, and quality control in The Gambia do not meet US standards of care, and travellers are advised to exercise increased caution. Here are some key points to consider:

Health Services and Infrastructure: The Gambia's health sector faces challenges due to insufficient financial and logistical support, deteriorating physical infrastructure, a lack of medical supplies and equipment, and shortages of adequately trained health personnel. This can result in limited access to essential medical care and longer wait times.

Pharmacies and Medications: Pharmacies in The Gambia are not well-regulated, and locally available medications may be unsafe. It is recommended that travellers bring their own over-the-counter and prescription medications to ensure access to safe and reliable supplies.

Vaccinations and Health Risks: Before travelling to The Gambia, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional and ensure that you are up to date on recommended vaccinations for the region. Some common health risks in The Gambia include malaria, respiratory infections, diarrhoeal disease, malnutrition, and neonatal sepsis. Taking necessary precautions, such as mosquito bite prevention and food and water safety, is essential.

Emergency Care: In the event of a medical emergency, it is important to know how to access healthcare services in The Gambia. While there have been efforts to strengthen emergency healthcare, particularly for mothers and children, the country still faces challenges in providing timely and effective emergency care due to limited resources and infrastructure.

Travel Insurance: Ensure that you have adequate travel insurance that covers healthcare abroad. This will provide financial protection in case of unexpected medical expenses during your trip.

By being informed and taking the necessary precautions, travellers can help ensure a safer and more enjoyable experience when visiting The Gambia. It is always advisable to stay updated with the latest travel advisories and recommendations from official sources before and during your trip.

The crime rate is high, with theft and burglaries occurring frequently

The Gambia has a high crime rate, with theft and burglaries occurring frequently. Tourists are often targeted by thieves, so it is important to never leave your luggage or valuables unattended or in plain sight. Pickpocketing, bag-snatching, and theft are common threats in the country, especially in crowded market areas, on public transport, in taxis, and on isolated beaches. It is advised to be vigilant and take precautions to minimise the risk of getting stolen from.

Public transportation in The Gambia is unreliable, and travellers are advised to use shared taxis if there is room. Negotiate the fare before entering the vehicle, and be cautious of thieves in public transport. It is recommended to get a taxi to and from bars at night and to avoid walking the streets after dark, as African cities are generally not safe for tourists at night.

There has been an increase in muggings, armed robberies, and other types of assault in The Gambia, but they are not considered a major threat. However, it is advised to be cautious when handling money or using ATMs, as they are often targeted for robberies. The risk of scams is also high in the country, with tourists being targeted by individuals posing as airport officials or offering marijuana and then extorting money as a bribe.

The Gambia is considered a high-risk country for arms trafficking, drug crimes, and human trafficking. It also faces challenges related to illegal logging, illegal fishing practices, and wildlife crimes. Corruption and bribery are prevalent, and there are reports of police officers accepting bribes from criminal actors. The country has a history of financial crimes, with widespread corruption and embezzlement involving public officials and company executives.

Overall, while The Gambia is considered a relatively safe destination for solo women travellers, it is important for all travellers to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.

There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements to enter the country

If you're travelling from the UK to The Gambia, there are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements to enter the country. However, it is important to note that the Gambian authorities set and enforce entry rules, so it is recommended to contact the Gambian High Commission in the UK if you are unsure about the requirements.

While there are no COVID-19-related entry requirements, The Gambia does have other entry requirements that travellers should be aware of. For instance, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay, and you will need to pay an Airport Security Fee of 20 US dollars (or the equivalent in euros, British pounds, or local currency) upon arrival and departure. This fee can be paid at marked kiosks in Banjul International Airport. It is also worth noting that travellers entering The Gambia are not required to have a visa, and a stamp in your passport will allow you to stay for 28 days. You can also get two extensions of 28 days from the Immigration Office in Banjul or the tourist police stations in the Tourism Development Area.

In terms of health requirements, it is recommended that you review the Vaccination and Malaria sections on the Fit for Travel website to find out if you need any vaccines or a malaria risk assessment before your trip. Additionally, The Gambia requires travellers to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.

It is also important to consider other aspects of your trip, such as travel insurance, which should cover your itinerary, planned activities, and any emergencies that may arise. The UK government recommends that British citizens review the latest health and safety information before travelling to The Gambia.

Frequently asked questions