Travel Vaccines and Advice for Gambia

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.

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 at least six months beyond entry.

Gambia Entry Requirements
Do I Need A…	For My Trip to Gambia?
Passport
Tourist Visa
Business Visa
Vaccinations

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

Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry.

The Gambia has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season from November to May and a rainy season from June to October. Banjul, Bakau, Kololi and Serekunda are the most popular tourist destinations in The Gambia and have similar weather patterns.

During the dry season, it is hot during the day, with temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees, and it rarely rains. The humidity is also low during this time, which makes it comfortable to visit. But, it can be cooler in the evenings, with temperatures dropping to around 65.

In the rainy season, it is also hot during the day, with temperatures ranging from 80 to 90. There is a lot of rain during this time, especially in the afternoons and evenings. This can cause flooding and road closures, which can make traveling more difficult.

The best time to visit The Gambia’s most popular tourist destinations is during the dry season, which is from November to May. During this time, the weather is comfortable, and there is plenty of sunshine.

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.

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.

If you’re going on a trip to Gambia, it’s important to pack for the hot weather. Here are some things you should bring:

• Light and breathable clothes
• Sunscreen to protect your skin
• Insect repellent to keep bugs away
• Hat and sunglasses to shade your face from the sun
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Swimwear if you plan on going to the beach or pool
• A basic first aid kit with items such as band-aids and pain relievers
• A portable charger to keep your devices charged
• A camera to capture your memories
• Cash in case you need to pay for something that doesn’t accept credit cards.

The U.S. Embassy in Gambia offers a variety of services for travelers. If you’re a U.S. citizen traveling to Gambia or living there, the embassy can help you with things like getting a replacement U.S. passport it also provides information about travel to Gambia, including health and safety information. If you have an emergency in Gambia, the embassy can help with things like medical emergencies and lost or stolen passports.

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

It’s important to remember that the services the embassy provides can change depending on the situation in Gambia. So it’s a good idea to check their website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information.

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