Gambia

Electricity

Electricity in The Gambia is supplied at 220 to 240 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. The standard plug type is the British-style three-pin rectangular plug (Type G).

Language

English is The Gambia’s official language and used in education, though local languages such as Mandinka, Wolof and Fula are widely spoken in daily life.

Money

The Gambia's currency is the dalasi (GMD), which is divided into 100 bututs. Dalasi are difficult to obtain outside of The Gambia but there is a bureau de change at the airport. Currency can also be exchanged at banks in the capital, Banjul, and at some hotels and tourist resorts. The Gambia is a cash-based economy where credit cards aren't widely accepted, though an increasing number of hotels and restaurants accept Visa debit cards. There are several ATMs in the tourist area of Senegambia and in other locations, but the machines can be unreliable.

Tipping

A 10 percent service charge is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills, and further tipping is discretionary. Generally all services rendered require a small cadeau (gift or tip).

Health

No vaccinations are required for entry into The Gambia, unless travellers are arriving from a country where yellow fever is present. It's recommended that travellers consult a health professional at least three to four weeks before departure.

Malaria is present year-round, with a higher risk during the rainy season (June to November). Travellers should seek advice on the most suitable antimalarial medication, as some may not be effective in The Gambia.

Vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria, and meningitis (particularly during the dry season) may also be advised. It's sensible to pack essentials such as insect repellent, sunscreen, and basic medications for stomach upsets, dehydration and minor cuts.

Tap water is not safe to drink; bottled water is recommended. Travellers should also avoid raw or unpeeled produce. Medical facilities are limited, so comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation cover is highly recommended.

Safety

Though crimes involving tourists are rare in The Gambia and safety isn't a major concern, robberies involving travellers can occur, particularly the stealing of passports and valuables from hotel rooms. It's wise not to carry valuables or large sums of money, or to display them in public, and valuables left in hotels should be kept in safes whenever possible.

Driving in The Gambia can be hazardous and many taxis are not roadworthy. Road travel from The Gambia to southern Senegal should be avoided due to fighting between rebel factions in the area and incidents with bandits.

Travellers should be wary of young men known locally as 'bumsters', who approach male and female tourists, particularly on beaches, and offer to help or act as local guides. Visitors should be polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation.

Local customs

The Gambia is a Muslim country, meaning it's considered disrespectful to dress immodestly away from the beach, swimming pools or tourist centres. Religious customs should be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan, when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet. Homosexuality is illegal and strong action is taken against travellers found to be in possession of drugs. It's prohibited to photograph military institutions.

Doing business

Business in The Gambia is generally conducted in a formal and respectful manner. Conservative dress is expected, with men typically wearing suits or collared shirts and women opting for modest attire. Greetings play an important role in establishing rapport; handshakes are common between men and between women, while cross-gender greetings may be limited to a polite verbal exchange.

Punctuality is appreciated, though meetings may not always start on time, so a degree of flexibility is useful. Business cards are becoming more common and are best offered and received with the right hand.

Gambians tend to value a personal approach to business, often preferring to build relationships before discussing formal matters. It's customary to acknowledge everyone in a meeting, regardless of status or gender, as a sign of respect.

Business hours typically run from 8am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, though government offices may close earlier on Fridays.

Duty free

Visitors arriving in The Gambia are permitted to bring 200 cigarettes or 250g of tobacco, a bottle of liquor or wine, a bottle of a bottle of eau de toilette or perfume, and personal effects into the country without paying duty.

Communications

The international access code for The Gambia is +220. Most Gambians access the internet through their phone data and visitors should purchase local SIM cards for their phones to do the same.

Passport & Visa

All visitors to The Gambia must carry a return or onward ticket, proof of sufficient funds for their stay, and any required travel documents for their next destination. Many nationalities, including those from the UK, EU, US, and most Commonwealth and ECOWAS countries, do not require a visa in advance and are granted entry on arrival, typically for 28 to 90 days depending on the passport held. However, travellers from countries that do require a visa should confirm entry requirements before departure, as visas may occasionally be issued on arrival under specific conditions.

Travellers arriving as part of a package tour or on a charter flight generally do not need to pre-arrange a visa, but it's still advisable to verify this in advance for peace of mind. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is only required for those arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk.

It is strongly recommended that passports have at least six months' validity beyond the intended date of departure, even if official requirements may differ. Immigration officers may apply procedures differently than expected, so checking with a consulate or airline before travel is advised.

Entry requirements

US citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. Visas are required, unless you are a passenger travelling as a tourist on a charter flight.

British citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days, or for passengers travelling as tourists on a charter flight.

Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for stays of up to 90 days.

South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. A visa is required not required for stays of up to 90 days.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for the period of intended stay. No visa is required for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.

Useful contacts

Gambia Tourism Authority: www.visitthegambia.gm

Emergencies: 116 (Ambulance); 117 (Police); 118 (Fire)