Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US State Department currently recommends US citizens exercise normal precautions in Gambia. Some areas have increased risk.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
For the latest passport and visa requirements for this country, please consult the U.S. State Department’s “Learn About Your Destination” search tool, available through the link below.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages.html
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/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Telephone Code
220
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 16; Fire: 18; Police: 17
Vaccinations
The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gambia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia, influenza, and COVID-19.
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, Christian
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: Tuesday, June 04, 2024
