Safety and Security

The Gambia has not experienced any recent acts of terrorism or large scale violence; however, much of its southern region borders the Casamance region of Senegal, which is home to a long-running, low-intensity conflict.  For travel to the nearby Casamance region of Senegal, please see the Country Specific Information for Senegal. 

Demonstrations are rare in The Gambia. 

Travelers driving a vehicle in The Gambia are obligated to stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints in the country.  Drivers should not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that security personnel may view as suspicious or provocative.  Drivers who encounter a government motorcade should immediately pull completely off the road and bring the car to a complete stop until the motorcade passes.

 Like most countries in the region, conditions are subject to change and travelers should check with the U.S. Embassy for specific concerns. 

 To stay connected:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program so we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements.
• Follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and Facebook.
• Bookmark the Bureau of Consular Affairs website, which contains the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution.
• In the event of an emergency, contact us at 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the United States and Canada, or via a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries.
• Take some time before traveling to consider your personal security and checking for useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

CRIME: Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia. Travelers should be careful of pickpockets in crowded market areas and on ferries.  Packages or luggage should never be left unattended. U.S. citizens in The Gambia should be careful not to leave valuables or identity documents unsecured in hotel rooms or cars.  Travelers should also be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help. 

Visitors and resident U.S. citizens may wish to leave their windows up and doors locked while driving due to several reported automobile burglaries.  Long-term residents may wish to consider hiring security guards for their home to deter burglary and theft. 

Women should avoid walking alone, especially after dark, including beach and tourist areas.  Western visitors to The Gambia should be particularly cautious of individuals offering to be tour guides.  Known locally as “bumsters,” these individuals target western travelers, seeking either financial assistance or marriage in order to depart The Gambia.  Travelers are advised to be polite but decisive in turning down unwanted help or attempts at conversation. 

Business fraud has also been reported in The Gambia.  The U.S. embassy receives occasional reports of scams in which U.S. businesses sent, but did not receive, payment for shipments.  U.S. citizens should be suspicious of any unsolicited offers to participate in lucrative business opportunities, especially if they require financial disclosures, money transfers, large up-front investments, or promises of confidentiality.  The best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is common sense – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.   Carefully scrutinize all proposals before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel.  For additional information, please see the Department of State’s information on International Financial Scams. 

The U.S. Embassy is frequently contacted by victims of Internet romance scams and health-related plea-for-help scams perpetrated in The Gambia.  Generally, a U.S. citizen is befriended by someone or gets engaged to someone over the Internet.  This person, who can claim to be a U.S. citizen or a Gambian citizen, eventually requests financial assistance from the U.S. citizen to help pay for urgent medical treatment, to tide him or her over after a recent robbery, or to pay some form of alleged exit tax or government fine. In the vast majority of cases, the person with whom the U.S. citizen has been corresponding is using a fake identity and is in no need of assistance.  U.S. citizens are advised not to send money to anyone they have not met in person.  For more information on this type of scam, please refer to the State Department brochure on International Financial Scams, specifically the section on Internet Dating and Romance Scams. 

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available.  Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, you may be breaking local law too. 

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.   We can:

• Replace a stolen passport.
• Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
• Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
• Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Banjul for a list of lawyers practicing in The Gambia, or visit the Embassy’s website. 

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in The Gambia is 116 for Ambulatory services, 117 for police assistance, and 118 for fire.  The Gambian Police Force operates a 24 hour emergency line at (220) 422-4914.  Please be advised that the emergency numbers listed may or may not have an English-speaking operator available, and that emergency responders may lack fuel for vehicles or face other resource challenges.

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.