Gambia

Översikt

Gambia is a much safer country to operate within than many of its West African counterparts, which is reflected in the relatively low overall security threat assessment. In 1994 Colonel Yahya Jammeh came to power in a bloodless coup and maintained a tight grip on political power through a mixture of patronage and repression.

In the 2016 presidential election, Jammeh lost to Adama Barrow. A prolonged political crisis sparked by Jammeh's refusal to accept defeat ended with the former president's eventual acceptance of the result and president elect Barrow returned from neighbouring Senegal, where he had been inaugurated pending Jammeh's agreeing to step down.

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Gambia. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip to Gambia. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

All travelers must show proof of vaccination with quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine upon arrival, as risk is present throughout the country.

Risk of dengue and malaria is present throughout Gambia, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of the country. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

The risk of African Tick-Bite fever is present in Gambia. Travellers who participate in outdoor activities in rural regions of endemic areas should take measures to prevent tick bites.

Schistosomiasis risk is present in the whole country, including urban areas. Avoid swimming in fresh water, such as lakes, rivers, ponds, and wetlands and eating raw foods which have not been washed with purified water.

In addition to these health risks, travellers diarrhoea is the most common travel-related medical problem affecting travellers to Gambia. It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been boiled.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic and a major public health problem in Gambia.

As medical centres are limited in Gambia, some treatments may not be available. Travellers with prescribed medication should endeavour to bring their own supplies in clear and labelled containers, as it is possible to be arrested for carrying medication which is un-labelled. You should also carry proof of prescriptions.

In the event of serious accidents and medical emergencies, evacuations to Senegal or Europe may need to be carried out as there are no trauma centres in Gambia. Travellers are advised to ensure that their health insurance is sufficient and up-to-date before arriving in Gambia.

Pass

All visitors to Gambia must have passports, which are valid for at least three months following their departure date. The passport also need to be valid for duration of stay.

Visum

Nationals of Australia, Canada, the EU, the UK, South Korea, Singapore do not need a visa for stays of up to three months. Nationals of the US  require a visa.

Transit passenger continuing their journey within two hours, not leaving the airport, and who are in possession of the necessary documentation for onward or return travel also do not require a Gambia visa.

Travellers who do not obtain visas will have their passports stamped with a 24-72hr pass, and will be required to report at the Immigration Department in Banjul to document their stay. Visa extensions are also available upon application to the Banjul Immigration Department.

Single-entry visas are valid for up to six months, while multiple-entry visas are valid for stays of up to one year.