Gambia

Recommended Vaccinations For Gambia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B in this country. Vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A in this country. Vaccination is recommended. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against the disease.

For Some Travellers

Cholera Vaccine

The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine

One dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) is recommended to infants 6 to 11 months prior to international travel.

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine

A BCG vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated adults and children under 16 years of age, staying in the country for more than 3 months. A tuberculin skin test is required prior to administering vaccination for all children from 6 years of age.

Meningitis Vaccine

Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).

Yellow Fever Vaccine

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travellers over 9 months of age.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

Since exposure to unsafe sources of food and water in The Gambia is variable, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities, rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Recommended Medications For Gambia

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

Anti-malarial medication is recommended for all travellers to The Gambia. Recommended medication includes atovaquone-proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is present.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Gambia

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in The Gambia.

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in The Gambia.

Cholera

Outbreaks of cholera occur frequently in this country.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever occurs in this country.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever occurs in this country.

For Some Travellers

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever

There is a risk of acquiring the Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic fever in the Gambia.

Hanta Virus

There is a risk of acquiring hantavirus in the Gambia through contaminated food or by coming into contact with someone infected with the virus

Measles

There is a risk of exposure to measles in the country.

West Nile Fever

The virus is transmitted to animals, birds and humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, and skin rash.

Leishmaniasis

There is a risk of acquiring Leishmaniasis in the country. The infection is transmitted by the bite of infected phlebotomine sandfly.

Rift Valley Fever (RVF)

Commonly spread via contact with domesticated animals infected with the virus. These include cattle, buffalo, sheep, goats, and camels, among others.

Rabies

Rabies is present in this country. Bats may also carry rabies-like viruses.

Malaria

There is a serious risk of malaria throughout the year in this country.

African Tick Bite Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Zika Fever

This disease may occur in the country.

Yellow Fever

There is a risk of yellow fever transmission in this country. This country requires yellow fever vaccination certificate for travellers 9 months of age and older arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission. The yellow fever vaccine is recommended for all travellers 9 months of age and older.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in The Gambia, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where water and food may not be safe.

Schistosomiasis

This disease is present in this country and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Meningitis

The Gambia is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, and outbreaks of meningitis may occur during the dry season (December to June).

Safety & Security in Gambia

Personal Safety

Petty crime such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles and hotel rooms is common in Gambia, especially in crowded areas like markets, ferries, and beaches. The crime rate has seen notable changes recently. Reports indicate an increase in armed robberies in early 2025, with incidents targeting businesses and individuals, sometimes involving firearms. You will encounter individuals known as bumsters, particularly on beaches and in tourist areas. These are young men who approach visitors offering unsolicited help, tour guide services, or attempting to initiate relationships, often with the ultimate goal of securing money or immigration opportunities. Politely but firmly decline their advances and avoid engaging in conversation. Police have been known to set up drug-related entrapment schemes where marijuana is offered to tourists, followed by demands for bribes to avoid arrest. Drug possession carries severe penalties. Corruption exists at all levels in Gambia, and you may face requests for bribes from officials. Security checkpoints operate around Banjul and on major routes, though they are not always well signposted. Avoid walking alone at night, particularly in isolated areas or on beaches. Serekunda is specifically flagged as an area to avoid after dark due to higher crime rates. As an Islamic country, Gambia expects visitors to respect local traditions and customs, particularly during Ramadan. Detainees can be held for longer than the legal 72 hours without charge, and consular access to detained foreign nationals is often delayed.

Extreme Violence

Gambia does not have a recent history of terrorism, but attacks cannot be ruled out and could occur indiscriminately in places frequented by foreigners. While historically not characterized by high levels of violent crime, recent reports show an increase in serious incidents. Armed robberies targeting businesses, individuals, and even police officers have increased in early 2025, with some incidents involving firearms. The involvement of foreign nationals in some of these crimes has also been noted, raising public concern and prompting calls for enhanced security measures. Violence and armed banditry occur in the border region between Gambia and Senegal’s Casamance region, related to the ongoing separatist conflict. Separatist militants target military installations, convoys, personnel, and civilians in the area. Some landmines from the Casamance conflict remain in this border area, and occasional border skirmishes occur. You should stay on main roads if traveling near the southern border and avoid night travel in this region. There is no evidence of mafia-style groups in Gambia, though criminal networks pose a threat to security. Drug trafficking, illicit trade, street crimes, and organized crime activities have reportedly increased following the 2016 political transition. The death penalty applies for crimes including arson, murder, and treason, though a moratorium is currently in place. Corporal punishment applies for some crimes including assault, sexual assault, theft, and serious driving offenses.

Political Unrest

Political protests in Gambia have become more frequent in recent years. Demonstrations can turn violent unexpectedly and lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. You should avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. In 2024, protests related to gender rights and government corruption occurred in Gambia. Thousands protested in Banjul in July 2025 alleging government corruption and calling for justice over multiple scandals. In May 2025, at least 27 protesters and two journalists were arrested during a demonstration organized by Gambians Against Looted Assets over the controversial sale of properties formerly owned by ex-president Yahya Jammeh. In August 2025, 23 individuals were arrested during protests against increased internet data costs, with police responding with tear gas and some protesters requiring hospitalization. Laws restricting freedom of assembly remain in force, and Section 5 of the Public Order Act requires permission from police to protest. This has been used to restrict public gatherings over the past five years. In 2020, police responded with force when a protest group allegedly deviated from their approved route. While the current government under President Adama Barrow has shown less inflammatory rhetoric than the previous regime, officials have occasionally issued warnings about crackdowns on free speech and detaining those who express opposition. The government does not restrict internet access or censor online content, but authorities have arrested activists and journalists under various criminal code provisions. Follow local media and the advice of local authorities regarding protests and civil unrest.

Areas To Avoid

Avoid less-traveled areas near southern Gambia that border Senegal’s Casamance region due to the presence of landmines from past conflict, armed bandits, separatist groups, and occasional border skirmishes. If traveling near or across the border, stay on main roads and do not travel at night. Avoid Serekunda at night due to higher crime rates. While main tourist areas like Senegambia may feel relatively safe in the evenings, venturing into unlit or isolated areas at night, especially alone, significantly increases your risk. Avoid walking in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas after dark. Isolated beaches lack police or security presence and are sites of muggings at night. Main tourist beaches usually have police or hotel security, but you should still secure your valuables. Crowded areas including markets, ferries, and public transport are hotspots for pickpocketing and theft. Farafenni, located near the porous border between Gambia and Senegal, serves as a hub for criminal activities involving individuals from both countries. The broader Banjul area experiences frequent theft and home burglaries. Be cautious around ATMs, as they are often targets for muggings and robberies. Drink spiking can happen anywhere, so never leave food or drinks unattended and pay attention when your drinks are being mixed.