Last updated: 20 Oct 2025
Gambia
About
| Gambia is Africa's smallest mainland nation, it is scenically varied, with sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of Africa's great waterways, dominates the country. The Gambia is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 540 different species. Relax on the pleasant beaches in the resort area near Banjul, where friendly bars and restaurants are never more than a short stroll away. Take a long-distance boat trip on the River Gambia, the dominant feature of the country. Look out for monkeys leaping through the riverside foliage, spot pelicans and hippos, or just relax and enjoy the peace of the wilderness. Spend a day fishing, either sea-angling in the Atlantic, creek-fishing inland near Banjul, or line-fishing from one of the beaches and hook a marlin, barracuda, ladyfish or snapper. |
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| Official Name: | The Gambia |
| Capital: | Banjul (BJL) |
| Currency: | Gambian Dalasi (GMD) |
| Language: | English. Several local languages are also spoken. |
| Dialling code from SA: | + 220 |
| Time Zones: | No GMT offset (2 hours behind South Africa) |
| Side of the Road: | Right |
| Best Time to go: | November – February |
| Plugs: | 230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are UK-style with three square pins. |
| Drinking Water: | All water should be regarded as being potentially contaminated. Milk is unpasteurised. |
| Health: | Medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended and it should include emergency air evacuation coverage. |
| Customs: | Respect to religious customs should be shown particularly during Ramadan, and dress should be conservative. The right hand must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Swimwear should be reserved for the beach. Local Offences / Laws: It is illegal to photograph military bases and airports. Homosexuality is illegal. It is illegal to export from The Gambia any article made from wild animal skins, ivory or feathers of any protected creature. Travel Tips / Warnings: Most businesses accept cash only. ATM’s are few and not always reliable, and should be used with caution due to high incidents of fraud. Road travel from Gambia to southern Senegal should be avoided. Road conditions are very poor |
| Duty Free: | The following goods may be imported into The Gambia by travellers over 18 without incurring customs duty: • 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco. • 1L of wine or beer. • Goods up to a value of D1,000. |
Issuing Authorities
Public Holidays 2025: Jan 1; Feb 18; Mar 26; Apr 18, 21; May 1, 25; Jun 7; Jul 6, 22; Aug 15; Sep 5; Dec 25
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Feb 18; Mar 16, 20; Apr 3, 6; May 1, 25, 27; Jun 26; Jul 22; Aug 15, 26; Dec 25
Visa Requirements
South African passport holders do require a visa
SA Representative
Representation accredited from Dakar, Senegal
Travel Health
| Compulsory: | Yellow Fever |
| Recommended: | Hepatitis A & B, Meningitis, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio |
| Malaria Risk |
