Briefing de orientación en Gambia

En el siglo X, comerciantes musulmanes fundaron algunos de los primeros grandes asentamientos de Gambia como centros del comercio transahariano. Estos asentamientos acabaron convirtiéndose en importantes centros de exportación que enviaban esclavos, oro y marfil a través del Sahara. Entre los siglos XVI y XVII, las potencias coloniales europeas comenzaron a establecer relaciones comerciales con Gambia. En 1664, el Reino Unido fundó una colonia en Gambia centrada en la exportación de personas esclavizadas a través del Atlántico. Durante los aproximadamente 300 años de la trata transatlántica de esclavos, el Reino Unido y otras potencias europeas pudieron haber exportado hasta 3 millones de personas desde Gambia.

Gambia obtuvo su independencia del Reino Unido en 1965. Rodeada geográficamente por Senegal, formó la efímera confederación de Senegambia entre 1982 y 1989. En 1994, Yahya JAMMEH encabezó un golpe militar que derrocó al presidente y prohibió la actividad política. Posteriormente ganó todas las elecciones presidenciales hasta 2016, cuando perdió frente a Adama BARROW, quien encabezaba una coalición opositora, en unas elecciones libres y justas. BARROW revalidó su mandato en 2021. Gambia es el único miembro de la Comunidad Económica de los Estados de África Occidental que no tiene límites de mandatos presidenciales. Desde las elecciones de 2016, Gambia y Estados Unidos han mantenido unas relaciones mejoradas. La asistencia estadounidense al país ha respaldado actividades de fortalecimiento democrático, desarrollo de capacidades, desarrollo económico y programas de formación y educación en el sector de la seguridad.

Avoid large gatherings and protests in public areas and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Before you travel 

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to: 

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance 

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency. 

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice. 

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Terrorism  

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.      

UK 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.

Terrorism in The Gambia 

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in The Gambia, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Attacks 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.

Political situation  

Avoid large gatherings and protests in public areas and follow the advice of local authorities. 

Crime 

Be 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. 

Be polite but firm in refusing unwanted help or attempts at conversation. 

Corruption is present at all levels and you may be asked for bribes. 

Protecting your belongings 

There are reports of passports and other valuables being stolen from hotel rooms. 

Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas. Take care when visiting certain places, especially at night, such as: 

• isolated beaches  
• markets 
• crowded events  
• venues outside the main tourist areas 

Do 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. 

Local travel 

Security 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.

Laws and cultural differences  

The 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. 

Ramadan  

Ramadan 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.  

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk  
• be patient and show tolerance 

Personal ID 

As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy. 

Public offences 

There 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. 

Detainment 

It is not always possible for the British High Commission to gain early access to detained British nationals in The Gambia. 

Although the law specifies that detainees cannot be held for longer than 72 hours without charge, this is regularly exceeded. 

The death penalty applies for a number of crimes including arson, murder and treason. A pause on the death penalty is in place. 

Illegal drugs and prison sentences 

There 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. 

Sentences for those found in possession of drugs can be severe, including fines or prison sentences. Cases of entrapment by Gambian authorities are not uncommon. 

LGBT+ travellers 

There is a zero tolerance towards LGBT+ people in The Gambia. Same-sex relationships are illegal and could lead to lengthy prison sentences. 

Gambian law criminalises the act of men dressing as women with a 5-year jail term. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

Money 

The 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. 

Transport risks  

Road travel  

If you are planning to drive in The Gambia, see information on driving abroad. 

You 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.  

After 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:  

• proof of residency in The Gambia 
• your valid UK driving licence 
• a copy of your passport 

Driving conditions

Driving standards are poor, roads are severely potholed and after dark there is poor road and vehicle lighting.  

There 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. 

Some local taxis are not roadworthy. 

River travel 

The 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.

There 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.

Pirogues (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. 

Extreme weather and natural disasters 

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards. 

Flooding  

Localised 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.

Power shortages

Local 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.

Preparing for power cuts

To prepare for long power cuts:

• write down emergency contact numbers
• plan how you’ll let relatives and friends know where you are
• carry a power bank with extra charging cables
• carry a torch or other portable lighting
• ensure you have enough medicine and first aid supplies
• identify nearby safe places that may have back-up power such as hotels, hospitals and police stations, in case you need help
• read our advice If you are affected by a crisis abroad

Before you travel check that: 

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need 
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation 

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. 

Emergency medical number 

There is no equivalent to the UK’s 999 emergency number in The Gambia, it is best to visit in-person to ask for emergency contact details at local stations.  

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. 

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:

• check the current vaccine recommendations for The Gambia
• see how to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in The Gambia including:

• yellow fever
• malaria and dengue
• Zika virus
• schistosomiasis

UNAIDS estimated that around 24,000 adults aged 15 or over in Gambia are living with HIV. The prevalence percentage was estimated at around 1.4% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should use normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. 

Medication 

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries. 

If you bring prescription medication into The Gambia, take a copy of your prescription and keep items in the original packaging. Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines like those containing codeine or diazepam are banned under The Gambia’s drugs laws. For more information on the legal status of a specific medicine, check with the Gambian High Commission in the UK before you travel. 

In The Gambia you will need to go to a pharmacy to get most over-the-counter medicines. Only a very limited selection are available at supermarkets or other stores. Not all medicines available in the UK will be available in The Gambia.  

If you require specialist medication, check availability before travel or make arrangements to bring your medication with you. The widely used symbols are a green cross or a green ‘Bowl of Hygieia’ (a chalice or cup with a snake twined around it).  

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro. 

Healthcare in The Gambia 

Medical facilities in The Gambia are very limited and the cost of medical evacuation can be very high. Private clinics will only treat fee-paying patients. 

FCDO has a list of medical providers in The Gambia where some staff will speak English. 

Travel and mental health 

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.