• The Gambia:
• Society:
• Traveller information

The Gambia - Traveller information

Local laws and conventions: The Gambia is a predominantly Muslim country, and local customs and sensitivities should be respected at all times – especially outside the tourist areas and during the month of Ramadan.

Strong action is taken against anyone importing, exporting or in possession of drugs, and visitors must not accept any packages without inspecting the contents.

Photography of military and official installations is prohibited.

Visitors to the country must have some form of identification on them at all times.

Gambians greet each other by shaking hands. It is customary not to touch food with the left hand.

Casual wear should be confined to the beach. Businessmen should wear jackets and ties, and businesswomen should ensure they dress modestly with shoulders covered and skirts (not trousers) below the knee. Business cards are appreciated. Business hours are Mon–Thur 0800–1600, Fri 0800–1230.

Immigration and customs: Those planning to travel to the country should check entry requirements. Passports must be valid for three months from the date of entry. Single parents travelling with children should carry documentation showing parental responsibility.

Travel within the country: Driving is on the right-hand side. Greater Banjul has a few local and international car hire firms, and an international driving permit will be accepted for up to three months. The best roads are found around Banjul; elsewhere, there is an ongoing programme of road-building and repair but driving outside Greater Banjul can be difficult.

Care must be taken when approaching security checkpoints, as they are not always well lit.

Bush taxis travel between towns and villages, and fares are fixed. Tourist taxis are green and licensed; local taxis are yellow and can be hailed in the street. Fares should be agreed before travelling.

There are many crossing points on the River Gambia either by boat or vehicle and passenger ferries. Tour operators run adventure and fishing trips on converted pirogues.

Travel health: Travellers are advised to have comprehensive medical insurance.

Malaria and water-borne diseases are widespread throughout November, and visitors will need to take insect repellent and loose-fitting clothing to prevent insect bites. Sunscreen and diarrhoea medicine should also be packed, as they may not be easily obtainable locally. Bilharzia is present, so swimming in fresh stagnant water must be avoided. Current vaccination recommendations for The Gambia should be checked before travelling.

It is safe to drink mains water in urban and resort areas, but in all other regions water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice must be boiled. Powdered and tinned milk is recommended.

Travellers who need prescription medicines should bring them in a sealed container, clearly labelled to avoid misunderstandings.

Money: The Gambia is a cash economy and very few places accept credit cards. There are ATMs in Senegambia, a major tourist area, which accept Visa but not Mastercard. Travellers cheques or cash can be changed at bureaux de change. Banking hours are Mon–Thur 0800–1330, Fri 0800–1100 and Sat 0800–1300.

There were 90,000 tourist arrivals in 2004.