The Gambia Travel Risk

Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure.

Crime

Petty street crime and home burglaries happen often in The Gambia. This is most common in the Banjul area and tourist spots.

Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark.

Unrest

A separatist rebel group operates in the Casamance region of southern Senegal. There has been sporadic fighting along The Gambia’s southern border in the recent past. Stay on main roads and do not travel at night if travelling near or across the southern border.

Health

The Gambia’s health infrastructure is inadequate. Health services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated. Locally available medications may be unsafe.

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.

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.

Risk level

The Gambia - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in The Gambia due to petty crime.

Crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs, particularly in crowded markets and on ferries.

Theft from hotel rooms and from vehicles is common.

• Ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• Keep your car doors locked and windows closed at all times
• Don’t show signs of affluence
• Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe
• Don’t bring valuables or large sums of money to the beach
• Avoid isolated beaches

Beware of men (so-called “bumsters”) who offer to be tour guides, as they are likely to demand payment afterwards, even if that was not previously agreed upon. Politely decline any unsolicited offer.

Demonstrations

Demonstrations may occur. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

冈比亚风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在冈比亚中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。