The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to The Gambia because of the potential for civil unrest and violence in the near future. On January 7, 2017, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members and authorized the departure of all employees who need to accompany those individuals from the country.
The security situation in The Gambia remains uncertain following December 1, 2016 presidential elections. On January 10, the Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the current president’s petition contesting the election results, which is a potential flashpoint that could lead to civil unrest. The sitting government has begun taking restrictive measures, which include shutting down and restricting radio stations, and making politically motivated arrests. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stated it may intervene if the president does not step down by January 18.
U.S. citizens should consider departing on commercial flights and other transportation options now, as airports and ferry terminals may close unexpectedly in the event of unrest. All U.S. citizens should have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance. U.S. citizens should ensure that travel documents (passports and visas) are valid and up-to-date. Consular services, already limited throughout the country due to very poor transportation infrastructure and security conditions, may be further limited, including in Banjul itself.
U.S. citizens who decide to remain in The Gambia should prepare for the possible deterioration of security:
- Exercise caution and remain abreast of the security situation.
- Follow the instructions of local authorities.
- Stay home or at another safe location.
- Have emergency supplies of food, water, and medications.
- Let friends and family know that there might be communication disruptions.
Additional recommendations on emergency preparedness are available on the Travel.State.gov web page "What Can You Do in a Crisis Abroad?"
For further information:
- See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and The Gambia Country Specific Information.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Contact the U.S. Embassy in Banjul, located 92 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul, at +(220) 439-2856 is open Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. After hours emergency number for U.S. citizens is +(220) 437-5270.
- Call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries from8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
