The Gambia
Summary
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for The Gambia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
You should avoid large gatherings and protests in public areas, monitor local media for up-to-date information and follow the advice of local authorities. See Political situation
There are a number of checkpoints operating in and around the capital Banjul. Expect your vehicle to be searched if you’re stopped by security forces.
Terrorist attacks in The Gambia can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
Take care when swimming in the sea. Tides, waves and under currents can all be very strong.
Most visits to The Gambia are trouble-free, although independent travellers are at increased risk due to the lack of local support in an emergency. If you’re travelling independently, make sure next of kin in the UK have details of your itinerary and keep in regular touch. Take out travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Before you travel, check the ‘Entry requirements’ section for The Gambia’s current entry restrictions and requirements. These may change with little warning. Monitor this advice for the latest updates and stay in contact with your travel provider.
If you plan to pass through another country to return to the UK, check the travel advice for the country you’re transiting.
It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the FCDO’s guidance on foreign travel insurance.
You should avoid large gatherings and protests in public areas, monitor local media for up-to-date information and follow the advice of local authorities. See Political situation
There are a number of checkpoints operating in and around the capital Banjul. Expect your vehicle to be searched if you’re stopped by security forces.
Terrorist attacks in The Gambia can’t be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate. You should be vigilant, especially in places visited by foreigners. See Terrorism
Take care when swimming in the sea. Tides, waves and under currents can all be very strong.
Most visits to The Gambia are trouble-free, although independent travellers are at increased risk due to the lack of local support in an emergency. If you’re travelling independently, make sure next of kin in the UK have details of your itinerary and keep in regular touch. Take out travel and medical insurance before you travel.
Update history
2024-07-09 16:01
Updated assessment that although there is no recent history of terrorism in The Gambia, attacks cannot be ruled out (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-05-20 16:37
Information about river travel (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-04-22 12:03
Ferry services between Banjul and Barra have been suspended until further notice; The Islamic Summit of the OIC (Organisation of Islamic Cooperation) will be held in Banjul on 4-5 May; road closures and delays at Banjul International Airport (‘Safety and security’ page).
2024-01-24 16:35
This travel advice has been rewritten to make it easier to read and understand.
2024-01-17 09:29
Information that you may be asked to pay a vehicle registration fee when crossing a land border (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2023-06-22 11:01
Information about the global terrorism risks to British nationals abroad on all FCDO travel advice pages.
2022-12-15 10:48
Updated information on removal of all COVID-19 travel restrictions (‘Entry requirements’ and ‘Coronavirus’ pages).
2022-11-10 09:14
Removed information on arriving passengers being asked to submit a Rapid Diagnostic Test (‘Entry requirements’ page).
2022-05-24 13:45
Updated information on terrorism in The Gambia (‘Terrorism’ page)
2022-03-18 12:10
Information on The Gambia’s political situation (‘Safety and security’ page)