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/
Telephone Code
220
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 16; Fire: 18; Police: 17
Vaccinations
An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required for travelers arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission and for travelers having transited through the airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. See WHO recommendations. On 21 March 2022, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Travel Alert for polio in Africa; Gambia is currently considered a high risk to travelers for polio; the CDC recommends that before any international travel, anyone unvaccinated, incompletely vaccinated, or with an unknown polio vaccination status should complete the routine polio vaccine series; before travel to any high-risk destination, CDC recommends that adults who previously completed the full, routine polio vaccine series receive a single, lifetime booster dose of polio vaccine.
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
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: Wednesday, October 05, 2022
