This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of The Gambia’s current rules for the most common types of travel.
\n\nThe authorities in The Gambia set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Gambian High Commission in the UK.
\n\nTo enter The Gambia, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
\n\nCheck with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
\n\nYou will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
\n\nWhen returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement. See Dual citizenship.
\n\nYou do not need a visa to visit The Gambia. You’ll get a stamp in your passport that allows you to stay for 28 days when you arrive.
\n\nYou can get 2 extensions of 28 days from the Immigration Office in Banjul or the tourist police stations in the Tourism Development Area.
\n\nYou’ll need a residence permit for longer stays. For more information contact the Gambian High Commission in the UK.
\n\nYou must pay an Airport Security Fee when you arrive in and leave the country. The fee is 20 US dollars, which can also be paid in euros, British pounds, or local currency. Visa credit cards are accepted but card machines are often out of service. You can pay the fee at marked kiosks in Banjul International Airport. Children aged 1 or under and passengers transiting are exempt.
\n\nIf you are driving across the border in a private vehicle you may be asked to pay a vehicle registration fee.
\n\nTo enter The Gambia, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmission risk.
\n\nYou may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in The Gambia.
\n\nFor full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s The Gambia guide.
\n\nThere are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of The Gambia. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
\n\n","safety_html":"There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
\n\nUK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.
\n\nAlthough there is no recent history of terrorism in The Gambia, attacks cannot be ruled out.
\n\nAttacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreigners. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nAvoid large gatherings and protests in public areas and follow the advice of local authorities.
\n\nBe cautious of young men locally known as ‘bumsters’ who approach tourists, particularly on beaches, offering help or to act as local guides. They may offer to take you on tours into Senegal. It is unlikely they will follow the correct immigration procedures. This could result in you being detained by immigration authorities. They may also ask for money.
\n\nBe polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation.
\n\nCorruption is present at all levels and you may be asked for bribes.
\n\nThere are reports of passports and other valuables being stolen from hotel rooms.
\n\nPetty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas. Take care when visiting certain places, especially at night, such as:
\n\nDo not take valuables or large sums of money to the beach or display them in public. Take sensible precautions to protect your personal possessions and do not leave valuables in unattended vehicles. Keep a copy of your passport’s photo page, and your entry stamp, in a separate place.
\n\nSecurity checkpoints operate in and around the capital Banjul and are common on all major routes in The Gambia. They are not always well sign-posted. Take care when approaching them and expect your vehicle to be searched if you’re stopped by security forces.
\n\nThe Gambia is an Islamic country. Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions. Make sure your actions do not cause offence, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. There may be serious penalties for doing something that might not be illegal in the UK but is in The Gambia.
\n\nRamadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, you should be respectful of those who are fasting.
\n\nGet more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.
\n\nYou should also:
\n\nAs a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy.
\n\nThere are severe penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child. There are reports of increased child sex tourism. Report any incidents to the police.
\n\nIt is not always possible for the British High Commission to gain early access to detained British nationals in The Gambia.
\n\nAlthough the law specifies that detainees cannot be held for longer than 72 hours without charge, this is regularly exceeded.
\n\nThe death penalty applies for a number of crimes including arson, murder and treason. A pause on the death penalty is in place.
\n\nThere is a zero tolerance towards illegal drugs. This includes importing, exporting, or possession of drugs. Do not accept packages on behalf of anyone without knowing the contents.
\n\nSentences for those found in possession of drugs can be severe, including fines or prison sentences. Cases of entrapment by Gambian authorities are not uncommon.
\n\nThere is a zero tolerance towards LGBT+ people in The Gambia. Same-sex relationships are illegal and could lead to lengthy prison sentences.
\n\nGambian law criminalises the act of men dressing as women with a 5-year jail term.
\n\nRead more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
\n\nThe Gambia is primarily a cash-based economy. Check with your tour operator or hotel before travelling. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants accept Visa cards but very few accept credit cards. There are not many ATMs outside the tourist area of Senegambia. In other locations, ATMs can be unreliable.
\n\nIf you are planning to drive in The Gambia, see information on driving abroad.
\n\nYou can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in The Gambia for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.
\n\nAfter 3 months you must apply for a Gambian driving licence, you can contact the local police station to ask where the nearest licensing office is. For the application process you need:
\n\nDriving standards are poor, roads are severely potholed and after dark there is poor road and vehicle lighting.
\n\nThere is heavy rainfall from June to October, which can cause localised flooding. Take care if you’re travelling in rural areas or on non-paved roads during this period.
\n\nSome local taxis are not roadworthy.
\n\nThe ferry service from Banjul to Barra is operating but it is often overcrowded and overloaded. Safety measures and maintenance are not up to international standards and ferries lack life saving equipment and rescue services. Consider using the alternative route across the Senegambia Bridge near Farafenni.
\n\nThere have been several instances of the ferry becoming stranded on sandbanks. If using the ferry, get out of your vehicle quickly after parking to avoid becoming trapped inside your vehicle for the duration of the journey.
\n\nPirogues (wooden dug-out canoes) in The Gambia can be overloaded and safety measures are not up to international standards. They are not recommended for long journeys. If you do travel on one, make sure it has life jackets.
\n\nFind out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
\n\nLocalised flooding can occur during the rainy season, which runs from June to October. During the rainy season, heavy rain and storms can also cause disruption to roads and other infrastructure. Some routes may become difficult or impassable at short notice and fallen trees or debris may affect travel. Monitor local weather updates, follow the advice of local authorities, and allow extra time for journeys.
\n\nLocal and nationwide power cuts can occur which may disrupt water supplies, communications and other basic services. You should be prepared for possible disruption and monitor local media for updates.
\n\nTo prepare for long power cuts:
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