Gambia🇬🇲
Gambia, a small African country, is situated on the Atlantic coast, surrounded almost entirely by Senegal. Its distinctive geographical feature — a narrow strip of land that extends from the coastline into the interior for about 300 miles — is shaped by the Gambia River. The country is known for its rich wildlife, stunning beaches, vibrant local traditions, and flavoursome food. Popular attractions include the Kiang West National Park, the historic island of Kunta Kinteh, and the lively markets in the capital city, Banjul. Visitors can also enjoy bird watching, explore ethnic villages, and participate in river excursions.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid drinking tap water. Always opt for bottled water to prevent health issues.
- Avoid public displays of affection, especially same-sex ones, due to Gambia's conservative culture.
- Avoid discussing or promoting LGBTQ+ rights as homosexuality is criminalized in the country.
- Avoid disrespecting local customs and beliefs. Respect the local culture and dress modestly.
- Avoid swimming in unknown or unsupervised water bodies as there may be risks of water-related infections or hazards.
- Avoid traveling alone at night, especially in isolated areas or dark streets.
- Avoid discussions about politics or criticizing the government, to refrain from inviting unwanted attention.
- Avoid any illegal activities as corruption in the police force can lead to unwarranted trouble.
- Avoid walking around with valuable items or large sums of money to reduce chances of theft.
- Avoid street food which is not cooked well or has been stored in substandard conditions to avoid foodborne diseases.
Overall
5
Crime 🔫
6
Gambia experiences average crime rate with most being petty theft and burglaries, often targeted at tourists. Major cities like Banjul and Serekunda have a higher crime rate, particularly in crowded marketplaces and residential areas. Travelers are advised to take precautions to avoid being victims of pickpocketing and theft, especially during festival periods.
Terrorism 💣
9
Terrorist attacks in Gambia are very rare with no significant events being reported in the recent past. The country maintains good relationships with its neighbors and the international community, thus reducing the threat of cross-border terrorist activities. However, it is always advised to remain vigilant during public gatherings and places frequented by expatriates and foreign travelers.
War ⚔️
10
There is no history of war or violent conflicts in recent times in Gambia. The country has been quite stable politically, especially after the peaceful transition from the authoritarian regime of Yahya Jammeh in 2017. Therefore, the country receives a high score in this category.
Natural Disasters 🌊
6
Natural hazards in Gambia primarily include flooding and bushfires. Flooding usually occurs during the rainy season from June to October and can cause significant disruptions in affected areas. Bushfires are common during the dry season from November to May. There are no severe earthquakes or volcanic eruptions recorded in the country.
Medical Care 🏥
5
While basic medical facilities are available in urban areas in Gambia, it lacks in advanced healthcare infrastructure or specialist services. Major hospitals are located in Banjul and patients with serious conditions often require evacuation to nearby countries. Hence, comprehensive travel health insurance with provisions for medical evacuation is recommended.
Tap Water Quality 💧
3
Tap water in Gambia is generally not safe for drinking due to the risk of waterborne diseases. Tourists are recommended to drink bottled water, which is widely available. Using water purification tablets before consumption is also advisable.
Disease Burden 🤒
4
Malaria, typhoid, and yellow fever are the diseases that pose significant risks in the country, particularly in rural areas. Dengue fever has been reported in Gambia, but it is not a major concern. Travelers are advised to take appropriate vaccinations and prophylactics before the visit.
Corruption 💸
3
Corruption remains a significant issue in Gambia. While the new government has initiated measures to tackle corruption, it is still prevalent in several sectors, and progress has been slow. Tourists are usually not directly affected, but the high corruption levels may impact public services.
Safety for Women ♀️
6
Women travelers usually feel safe in Gambia, but instances of harassment and advances towards female tourists have been reported. Hence, it's advisable to dress modestly and avoid walking alone at night. Familiarizing oneself with local customs and traditions would also help.
Safety for Queer People 👬
3
Gambia is not very accepting of LGBTQ+ individuals. Homosexuality is criminalized in Gambia, with severe punishments including imprisonment. Thus, while violence is not common, LGBTQ+ travelers should be cautious and discreet about their identities.
Censorship 📺
4
Under the past regime, press censorship was widespread in Gambia. While the situation has improved under the new government, issues persist. The government often interferes in media operations and journalists still face threats and intimidation.
Public Transportation 🚌
5
Public transport in Gambia consists of taxis, minibuses, and ferries. They are relatively safe to use but often crowded and operate without fixed timetables. There have been rare instances of tourists being targeted by criminals on public transport.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
Gambia is generally safe for tourists with major incidents being rare. Nonetheless, petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing are common in popular tourist locations. It's always best to be vigilant about personal belongings, especially in crowded places. Natural hazards like flooding during the rainy season and bushfires in the dry season can pose challenges. Since medical services are limited in rural areas, it's essential to have travel insurance that covers evacuation costs.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Major embassies in Gambia include the US Embassy and the British High Commission located in Banjul. Numerous other countries have honorary consulates in the capital city as well.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
Recommended vaccinations for Gambia include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Meningitis, Polio, Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), Chickenpox, Shingles, Pneumonia and Influenza. Malaria prophylaxis is also recommended.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
When exploring Gambia's wildlife parks and coastal regions, travelers might encounter crocodiles, hippos, snakes, spiders, and different kinds of sea creatures like stingrays and jellyfish. It's advisable to exercise caution and stick to marked trails when exploring wildlife areas.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Most Western nationalities, including US, UK, and EU citizens, require a visa to visit Gambia which can be obtained on arrival. However, it is recommended to check the latest regulations from the local Gambian embassy prior to travel.
💲 Currency
The official currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD). Money can be exchanged at authorized exchange offices and banks, and ATMs are available in urban areas.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Credit card acceptance in Gambia is limited and mainly restricted to major hotels and some restaurants in urban areas. It is good to carry cash for transactions in rural areas or smaller establishments.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
It is possible to work and travel in Gambia, especially in industries like teaching, tourism, and non-governmental organizations. However, jobs may not be well-paid as compared to Western standards, and understanding of local culture and language can be beneficial.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
The cost of travel and living in Gambia is relatively low compared to Western countries. Local food, public transportation and entry fees to attractions are inexpensive. However, prices for imported goods and luxury services can be high.