Gambia

Översikt

Capital: Banjul (pop. 481,000)
Population: 2,822,093 (2025 est.)
Religions: Muslim, Christian
Languages: English, Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Time Zone: UTC 0
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +220
Electrical plug(s): Type G

Pengar

The local currency in Gambia is Dalasis (GMD). As of 6 October 2026 100 GMD is equal to 1.34 USD.

Currency exchange can be done at airports, banks and exchange offices.

Travellers should be prepared to use cash to make payments. The economy generally operates on a cash-only basis. Credit cards are accepted in upscale and/or tourist areas only. ATMs are only available in urban and/or tourist areas.

Although some large hotels will accept payment by credit card, if arranged at the beginning of the stay, many other businesses will only take payment in form of cash or travellers' cheques.

A 7.5% tip is recommended at restaurants. A $1 (USD) a day tip for room service or maid staff is expected during a hotel stay.

El

The power supply in Gambia is not reliable. Electricity operates on 230V at 50Hz using plug type(s) G. Gambia experiences frequent power outages and struggles to meet its electricity demand due to underdeveloped infrastructure and limited domestic energy resources.

Pass

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Gambia. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay and have one blank page.

Nationals of ECOWAS countries, Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger can enter the Gambia with a valid travel certificate.

Visum

Visa-free entry is available for certain travellers who qualify based on nationality and purpose of travel. All other travellers will need to obtain a visa from the nearest embassy or consulate or apply online (e-visa) prior to travel.

Entry visa requirements vary based on nationality, purpose of travel and other factors. Individual travellers are responsible for ensuring that they comply with all visa requirements, which should be confirmed with authorities at their destination prior to travel.

Visa Free Travel

Visa-free travel to Gambia (30 days): Maldivian nationals are permitted visa-free entry to Gambia for up to 30 days for single or multiple entry visits, as well as transits. Travellers are advised to consult with Gambian officials for the viability of entry.

Visa-free travel to Gambia (90 days): Foreign travellers from the UK, Commonwealth, ECOWAS, and the EU can enter the Gambia visa-free for up to 90 days for holiday or business trips.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally left the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOWAS will continue to allow nationals of these countries to enjoy the bloc’s privileges, namely visa-free travel to member states.

Visa-free entry to Gambia: Gambian authorities allow nationals of Saudi Arabia and Taiwan to enter Gambia without a visa. It was unclear how many days these nationals may stay visa-free in Gambia.

Visas

Entry visa: Foreign travellers from select countries wishing to enter the Gambia must apply for an entry visa, valid on single-entry or multiple entries, for up to 90 days. Applicants may apply for a visa for tourism or business purposes.

Some nationalities may qualify for visa-free entry depending on specific traveller circumstances; travellers should consult the Gambian High Commission or Consular Offices for further information.

Lokal resor

Overview

In general, travel throughout the country by road is safe. However, roads are poorly maintained and road rules are frequently ignored. Public transportation often lacks the most basic safety features, such as safety belts and headlights. Many roads outside Banjul are inaccessible during the rainy season (June-October) while many rural destinations are only reachable in sport utility vehicles.

Travel Safety

Air Travel

The Gambia's main and only international airport is Banjul Yundum International Airport (BJL/GBYD). The airport is situated 24km (15 miles) south of Banjul. The airport is currently served by several international airlines including Air Senegal, Turkish Airlines, Vueling and TAP Air Portugal.

Green tourist taxis are available between the airport and the city centre. Official rates vary depending on the price of fuel; however, the rates are usually posted on a board near the taxi rank and negotiating the price is normally not required.

Borders and Entry

Entry or Airport fees: Travellers must pay a compulsory Airport Security Fee equivalent to USD 20 upon arrival and exit at marked kiosks at Banjul International Airport (BJL/GBYD). Children below two years of age and passengers in transit are exempt. Travellers entering via land borders with a private vehicle may be asked to pay a vehicle registration fee.

Health-related surveillance measures: Authorities implemented Ebola surveillance measures at the country’s entry ports, effective until further notice, to prevent the entry of the disease.

Identification

Most travellers will need a passport to enter Gambia. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay and have one blank page.
Travellers with passports where gender is indicated as "neutral" are not allowed entry. The country's laws on LGBTQ people are conservative, and overall social acceptance is low. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer travellers in Gambia might face legal and social difficulties.

Road Travel

In the greater Banjul area, main roads are paved but narrow, potholed and poorly lit. Most roads outside the capital are unpaved. Overland travel can be difficult without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly during the rainy season. All roads are utilised by pedestrians and animals that cross the road unexpectedly, causing many accidents. Visitors should avoid driving outside urban areas after dark. Travellers are advised to stop at all security roadblocks and checkpoints and cooperate with the local police.

Automobile operators should note that traffic police and customs agents often set up roadblocks on the national highway and will frequently search luggage for contraband and illegal merchandise. In general, travellers are not searched and are seldom harassed by the authorities because of their status as foreign nationals and because they seldom travel on public transport. In any case, all international visitors should carry photocopies of their passports and various entry documents.

Travellers should be careful when travelling overland to the Casamance region in Senegal, as separatist rebels operate in this area. Visitors have been targeted on roads leading north from Ziguinchor to Banjul and from Bignona to Sedoba.

Public Transport

Ferries and Boats: In general, marine transportation can be unpredictable and risky. Ferry schedules are rarely adhered to and travellers are advised to allow ample time for delays. Ferries are often overcrowded and lack standard safety measures and equipment.

Pirogues, wooden dugout boats, should be avoided when crossing the Gambia River as they are often overcrowded and overloaded, making them prone to accidents.

If travel by ferry is required, it is recommended that visitors cross in the middle of the river using Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) watercraft. In Banjul, visitors can take the Banjul-Barra Ferry, while as for travelling upcountry they can take the Yeltenda-Farefenni Ferry. Although GPA ferries are slow, they tend to have much better safety records than other operators. Travel along the northern route is limited to bush taxis, which can be located by taking the ferry from Banjul to Barra. Alternatively, travellers may begin the journey from Banjul along the southern route and then cross the river upcountry between Mansa Konko and Farefenni, or at Georgetown, Bansang, or Basse Santa Su.

If travel by ferry is required, it is recommended that visitors cross in the middle of the river using Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) watercraft. In Banjul, visitors can take the Banjul-Barra , and upcountry they can take the Yeltenda-Farefenni Ferry. Although GPA ferries are slow, they tend to have much better safety records than other operators. Travel along the northern route is limited to bush taxis, which can be located by taking the ferry from Banjul to Barra. Alternatively, travellers may begin the journey from Banjul along the southern route and then cross the river upcountry between Mansa Konko and Farefenni, or at Georgetown, Bansang, or Basse Santa Su.

Buses: Most travellers use state-owned Gambia Transport Corporation (GPTC) buses to travel upcountry. Buses leave from Banjul to Basse Santa Su at least six times per day. The buses depart from the GPTC Bus Station on Cotton Street in Banjul Centre and generally depart on time beginning at 06:45 local time. The regular bus usually takes eight hours, and the express takes seven hours to reach Basse Santa Su. There is also the special express bus which only takes six hours to Basse Santa Su but demand is very high and it is not possible to make reservations. The best way to ensure a seat on the express or special express is to get the bus at the Jimpex Road Depot, which is easier to get to than the Cotton Street Station if you are staying in Serekunda or any coastal resort.

Minibuses: Minibuses travel within Banjul and the immediate surrounding areas. Common routes used by minibuses include Banjul-Bakau, Banjul-Serekunda, Banjul-Brikama, Serekunda-Abuko and Serekunda-Brikama. Travellers are encouraged to confirm rates prior to entering the minibus.

Taxis: In Banjul, the safest and most expensive taxis are the green tourist taxis regulated by the Gambian Tourist Authority. Green taxis can normally be found at most of the hotels and sites visited by tourists and use published rates, eliminating the need to negotiate. In spite of this, it is recommended that travellers always confirm the price prior to using a tourist taxi.

Yellow and green taxis generally are used as shared rides and maintain a specific route; however, it is always possible to hire one as an individual and negotiate the price.

Shared taxis (town taxis), which are normally yellow and green, can be hired for individual use and maintain the following commonly used routes: Serekunda-Fajara/Bakau and Bakau-Fajara.

Visitors can also use bush taxis (14-seat minibuses, seven-seat station wagons or five-seat sedans), which follow the southern route along Serekunda to Soma, where passengers must change bush taxis and pay another fare. Generally, GPTC bus fares are the same as bush taxi fares.

Online ride-hailing app services, namely 1 Bena, are more recommended than traditional taxis when possible as they have a fixed fare and are safer.

Vehicle Hire: There are several domestic and international car rental agencies in Banjul. Visitors interested in renting a car are encouraged to contact a car rental agency prior to travelling to The Gambia to ensure proper compliance with the requirements for insurance and driver's licence. Be sure to inspect the vehicle for obvious safety hazards.