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Relaxing river tours and amazing sights highlight Gambia. Visit worry-free with travel vaccines and more from Passport Health.

We’ll help keep you safe at home or abroad. Book your visit online today!

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Gambia

Passport Health offers a variety of options for travelers throughout the world.
Nationwide
Travel Health
Services

Yellow fever vaccination, mosquito repellents, netting and other key vaccines can help you stay illness-free.
Yellow Fever
Vaccination
Available

See what vaccinations or medications may be recommended for your specific destination.
Gambia
Specific
Advice

Passport Health offers a variety of ways to prevent travelers' diarrhea.
Travelers’
Diarrhea Kits
Available

The Gambia is also called “The Smiling Coast of Africa”. Its beautiful coastline and temperate weather attracts travelers from all corners of the globe.

Gambia is biologically diverse and is home to many national parks with a wide variety of species.

The country was once heavily involved in the slave trade. As a result, there are many monuments and museums that serve to educate travelers about the trade.

Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, seeking an adventure, or dive into a different culture, Gambia has something to offer for every traveler.

Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Gambia. The CDC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gambia: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.

COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. Check with your local Passport Health clinic if immunization is offered in your area.

See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:

  • COVID-19 –
    Airborne & Direct Contact –
    Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination
  • Hepatitis A –
    Food & Water –
    Recommended for most travelers
  • Hepatitis B –
    Blood & Body Fluids –
    Accelerated schedule available
  • Typhoid –
    Food & Water –
    Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
  • Yellow Fever –
    Mosquito –
    Required for all travelers over 9 months of age.
  • Rabies –
    Saliva of Infected Animals –
    High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
  • Meningitis –
    Airborne & Direct Contact –
    Proof of vaccination may be required. Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)
  • Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
    Various Vectors –
    Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
  • TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
    Wounds & Airborne –
    Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
  • Chickenpox –
    Direct Contact & Airborne –
    Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
  • Shingles –
    Direct Contact –
    Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
  • Pneumonia –
    Airborne –
    Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
  • Influenza –
    Airborne –
    Vaccine components change annually.
  • Polio –
    Food & Water –
    Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

See the tables below for more information:

Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Gambia

VACCINE HOW DISEASE SPREADS DETAILS
COVID-19 Airborne & Direct Contact Recommended for all unvaccinated individuals who qualify for vaccination
Hepatitis A Food & Water Recommended for most travelers
Hepatitis B Blood & Body Fluids Accelerated schedule available
Typhoid Food & Water Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator.
Yellow Fever Mosquito Required for all travelers over 9 months of age.
Rabies Saliva of Infected Animals High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travelers and those who may come in contact with animals.
Meningitis Airborne & Direct Contact Proof of vaccination may be required. Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June)

Routine Vaccinations for Gambia

VACCINE HOW DISEASE SPREADS DETAILS
Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) Various Vectors Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) Wounds & Airborne Only one adult booster of pertussis required.
Chickenpox Direct Contact & Airborne Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox.
Shingles Direct Contact Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles.
Pneumonia Airborne Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both.
Influenza Airborne Vaccine components change annually.
Polio Food & Water Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.

Sources: CDC, WHO and ISTM

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Gambia.

Malaria is an ongoing threat in Gambia. It is strongly recommended individuals take antimalarial medication before visiting Gambia. Other measures such as repellents and netting will provide more protection.

Gambia is in the ‘meningitis belt’, a section of Africa known for meningitis transmission. Meningitis vaccination is recommended for individuals traveling from December to June.

‘Banjul Belly’ or travelers diarrhea is common and precautions should be taken. Make sure to add a traveler’s diarrhea kit to your packing list.

Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.

Yes, U.S. citizens visiting Gambia must have a visa and and passport valid for the duration of their stay.

Gambia Entry Requirements

Do I Need A… For My Trip to Gambia?
Passport table check mark
Tourist Visa table check mark
Business Visa table check mark
Vaccinations table check mark

Sources: Embassy of Gambia and U.S. State Department

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry.

Gambia has a wet and dry season. The wet seasons lasts from June to October. The dry season ranges from November to May.

The months of November to March are cool and involve a sporadic breeze. January to April is characterized by the Harmattan winds that blow from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean. In Gambia the average daytime temperature is around 80 degrees.

There has been a rise in attacks on tourists. It is important to exercise a high degree of caution while traveling in Gambia.

pick-pocketing is very common, as is theft from hotel rooms and vehicles. Men called “bumsters” will often target tourists and offer themselves as tour guides. Beware of “bumsters” as they often demand high payments that are not agreed upon, politely decline any offers.

While in Gambia, monitor local media to avoid demonstrations and other large gatherings which often result in violence.

Many of the roads in Gambia, are narrow, poorly lit, and require a four wheel drive. Avoid driving in rural areas after dark. Police road blocks are common, and you may be asked for identification. Always cooperate with the authorities and stop at all police roadblocks and checkpoints.

For river crossings, wooden pirogues are often used. Do not use wooden pirogues as they lack security measures and are prone to overcrowding.

Avoid an Embarrassing Stop

Diarrhea can easily ruin a trip.Over 70% of travelers
will have diarrhea.

Get protected with Passport Health’s
travelers’ diarrhea kit
!

The town Janjangbureh, known as “Georgetown” is the old ‘second’ city of colonial times. Janjangbureh is one of the oldest river towns in Gambia. It serves as the administrative headquarters for the central river region.

Basse is another a river town with a lively feel. It is one of the major trading centers along the river. Basse is linguistically diverse with languages such as Arabic, French, Wolof, Serer, Mandinka and English being spoken.

An excursion to Janjangbureh and Basse is ideal for a traveler seeking an adventure.

Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Gambia:

  • Boots for Bush Treks or Safaris – Nothing is worse than sore feet, make sure you’re protected.
  • Cover-Ups – Gambia is a very modest society. Men and women may need to cover up in some areas.
  • Long Sleeves, Pants, and Hats – These will help protect you from the sun as well as mosquitoes.
  • Personal Medical Kit – Some medical supplies can be difficult to find in Gambia. Make sure you bring a fully-stocked first-aid kit with you.

If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Gambia, there is a U.S. embassy in the capital city of Banjul.

U.S. Embassy Banjul
92 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara
Banjul
The Gambia
Telephone: +(220) 439-2856, +(220) 439-2858 or +(220) 439-1971
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(220) 437-2856, x-2466
Fax: +(220) 439-2475
Email: ConsularBanjul@state.gov

Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!

Customer Reviews

Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Gambia

Overall rating: 5 stars – 4 reviews
★★★★★
“Well Worth The Visit“
“In preparing for a trip to Gambia, the staff was extremely helpful, professional and thorough with not only immunizations needed, but other considerations to make for a trip that will be enjoyable. So glad I made the appointment and would very much recommend to others!”

Submitted by: Kimberly
★★★★★
“What an experience! Amazing Service!“
“I wish I remembered my Nurse Practitioners name, but she works in the Stamford office and she is amazing. She immediately greeted us and brought us to the evaluation room. She presented me with a detailed handbook made for my trip to Gambia with everything I need to know health wise and walked me through everything. I had four shots that day that was done in less than 15 seconds. I love the Stamford office of Passport Health!”

Submitted by: Elsa
★★★★★
“Travel advice“
“Very informative visit covering recommended vaccines and travel precautions for my Gambia trip. Printed information will be valuable guide to take on the trip.”

Submitted by: Bill
★★★★★
“Just what I needed“
“I received the shots and preventative medication I needed for a trip to Gambia but I also became educated on what I did or didn’t need and why. I came away vaccinated and informed.”

Submitted by: Charley

On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Gambia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gambia?
What is the Climate Like in Gambia?
How Safe is Gambia?
Visit Janjangbureh and Basse
What Should I Take To Gambia?
U.S. Embassy in Gambia

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