English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Unemployment and underemployment rates remain extremely high; short-run economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, on continued technical assistance from the IMF and bilateral donors, and on expected growth in the construction sector.

Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN), Gambian National Guard (includes Presidential Guard)

A passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required. The current fee for a five-year visa for Americans is $100. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends obtaining a Gambian visa in advance of arrival.

Travelers who do not obtain the necessary visa before arrival in The Gambia will have their passports stamped at the port of entry with a 24, 48 or 72 hour pass and are required to report to Banjul Immigration Department to document their stay. Banjul Immigration grants permission to remain for one month for about $16. Extensions require additional visits to the Gambian Immigration Department and additional fees.

A $10.00 (U.S. dollars) tourist levy is charged upon arrival at the airport. Payment is only accepted in U.S. dollars, British pounds, or Euros. NOTE: Charter flights should have this fee included in the price of the ticket.

Travelers are urged to obtain the latest information on customs and entry requirements from the Embassy of The Gambia, 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 905, Washington, DC 20005; telephone (202) 785-1399, fax (202) 785-1430; or from the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the U.N. at 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900-C, New York, NY, 10071; Telephone (212)949-6640. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate. Visit the Embassy of The Gambia web site at www.gambiaembassy.us for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.

Airports:  1, Airports w/paved runways:  1

Travelers driving a vehicle in The Gambia should stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints.  Drivers should not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that security personnel may view as suspicious or provocative. 

Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia.

The U.S. Embassy has received several reports of violent crimes against women.  Women should avoid walking alone on the beach and in tourist areas, particularly in the evening.

Infant MR total:  70.14 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 54.54 years  (male 52.68/female 56.46)

Required: Yellow Fever
Recommended: Malaria, Hep A & B, Meningococcal, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: MMR, DPT, polio

degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: dengue fever, malaria, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, yellow fever are high risks in some locations
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis

Dengue, filariasis, leishmaniasis, and onchocerciasis (river blindness) are other diseases carried by insects that also occur in this region. A number of rickettsial infections also occur in this region. Plague occurs sporadically or in outbreaks. Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers (or immigrants from the region) include tuberculosis, HIV and hepatitis B.

Medical facilities in The Gambia are very limited, some treatments are unavailable, and emergency services can be unpredictable and unreliable. 

Maleria is a serious risk to travelers in the Gambia.

Country Calling Code:  +220    
Internet Country Code:  .gm