The Gambia

Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. The dates vary by year and country. During this time, you should be respectful of those who are fasting.  

Get more advice when you arrive from your tour guide, hotel or business contacts.  

You should also:  

• check opening hours of shops and restaurants  
• be aware that driving may be erratic, particularly when people are trying to get home at dusk  
• be patient and show tolerance 

As a foreign national, you must carry ID such as a passport. The police will usually accept a printed copy. 

There are severe penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child. There are reports of increased child sex tourism. Report any incidents to the police. 

It is not always possible for the British High Commission to gain early access to detained British nationals in The Gambia. 

Although the law specifies that detainees cannot be held for longer than 72 hours without charge, this is regularly exceeded. 

The death penalty applies for a number of crimes including arson, murder and treason. A pause on the death penalty is in place. 

There is a zero tolerance towards illegal drugs. This includes importing, exporting, or possession of drugs. Do not accept packages on behalf of anyone without knowing the contents. 

Sentences for those found in possession of drugs can be severe, including fines or prison sentences. Cases of entrapment by Gambian authorities are not uncommon. 

There is a zero tolerance towards LGBT+ people in The Gambia. Same-sex relationships are illegal and could lead to lengthy prison sentences. 

Gambian law criminalises the act of men dressing as women with a 5-year jail term. 

Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers. 

The Gambia is primarily a cash-based economy. Check with your tour operator or hotel before travelling. An increasing number of hotels and restaurants accept Visa cards but very few accept credit cards. There are not many ATMs outside the tourist area of Senegambia. In other locations, ATMs can be unreliable. 

Localised flooding can occur during the rainy season, which runs from June to October. During the rainy season, heavy rain and storms can also cause disruption to roads and other infrastructure. Some routes may become difficult or impassable at short notice and fallen trees or debris may affect travel. Monitor local weather updates, follow the advice of local authorities, and allow extra time for journeys.

Local and nationwide power cuts can occur which may disrupt water supplies, communications and other basic services. You should be prepared for possible disruption and monitor local media for updates.

To prepare for long power cuts:

• write down emergency contact numbers
• plan how you’ll let relatives and friends know where you are
• carry a power bank with extra charging cables
• carry a torch or other portable lighting
• ensure you have enough medicine and first aid supplies
• identify nearby safe places that may have back-up power such as hotels, hospitals and police stations, in case you need help
• read our advice If you are affected by a crisis abroad