Travel Advisory
July 31, 2023
The Gambia - Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution
Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.
Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime and inadequate health infrastructure. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire travel advisory.
Exercise increased caution due to other factors in
- The southern border area adjacent to Senegal’s Casamance region due to the potential presence oflandmines and sporadic border skirmishes.
Country Summary: Theft and home burglaries occur frequently in The Gambia, especially in the broader Banjul area. U.S. government personnel live in housing with heightened security measures.
The Gambia’s health infrastructure is inadequate; services, hygiene, and quality control do not meet U.S. standards of care. Pharmacies are not well regulated; locally available medications may be unsafe.
The Gambia’s Southern Border with Senegal: Some landmines from the Casamance conflict remain in the border region. There have been occasional border skirmishes in this region. If travelling near or across the border stay on main roads and do not travel at night.
Read thecountry information pagefor additional information about travel to The Gambia.
If you decide to travel to The Gambia:
- Do not stray from main roads and well-traveled locations if you travel to areas in southern Gambia that border the Casamance region of Senegal.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Bring your own over the counter and prescription medications.
- Enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP) to receive alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
- Follow the Department of State onFacebookandTwitter.
- Review theCountry Security Reportfor The Gambia.
- Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review theTraveler’s Checklist.
- Visit the CDC page for the latestTravel Health Informationrelated to your travel.
