Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for The Gambia depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for The GambiaEmergency Numbers
- Police
- 117
- Ambulance
- 116
- Fire
- 118
Currency
- Name
- Gambian Dalasi
- Code
- GMD
- Symbol
- D
USD, EUR and GBP accepted at hotels. ATMs in Banjul and tourist areas.
Power Outlets
- Outlet type
- Type G
- Voltage
- 230V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
GMT (UTC+0) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
The dry season November to March is the cooler, drier window and prime birding season.
Major Airports
- BJL
Banjul International Airport
Banjul · only international airport
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
| Guides | D500–1000 per day | — |
Dress Code
What "modest dress" usually means
Shoulders and knees covered, nothing tight or sheer, no low-cut tops, no visible underwear or midriff. Loose, breathable fabrics work best in warm climates. In most places this is a social expectation rather than a legal rule — the country-specific notes below add any extras (headscarves at mosques, long trousers in temples, etc.).
- Beachwear fine on resort beaches; cover up in villages and towns
- The country is predominantly Muslim — modest dress in rural areas
Social Etiquette
- English is the official language; Mandinka, Fula and Wolof are widely spoken
- Haggling is expected in markets; a tourist tax applies to all beach hotels
- 'Bumsters' (local men offering guide services on tourist beaches) can be persistent — a polite firm 'no thank you' usually works
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Yellow fever vaccination certificate required
- Photography of government, military, airports and bridges prohibited
- Homosexuality is criminalised — travellers should be discreet
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Mandinka) | Salaam aleikum | sah-LAHM a-LAY-koom |
| Thank you (Wolof) | Jërëjëf | jeh-reh-JEF |
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