Gambia Rejseguide
Vigtig rejseinformation — alarmnumre, sikkerhed, valuta, visum, skikke og transport.
The Gambia is one of West Africa's calmer destinations and is generally safe for tourists, who flock to its beaches and river. The main risks are petty crime (pickpocketing, bag-snatching and hotel-room theft, most common around Banjul, Serrekunda and the Senegambia tourist strip) and persistent low-level hustling rather than violent crime. Both the US State Department and the UK FCDO place The Gambia at a 'Level 2 / exercise increased caution' equivalent. Take normal precautions: avoid walking alone on beaches or unlit areas after dark, do not flash cash or valuables, and use registered taxis and guides.
Gambian dalasi (GMD)
Type G (three rectangular pins), 230V, 50Hz
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In tourist restaurants a service charge is sometimes added; otherwise rounding up or leaving around 10 percent is generous. Tip hotel porters and helpful guides a small amount in dalasi, and agree a fare with taxis in advance rather than tipping. Modest tips for good service are warmly received in a country where tourism income matters greatly.
Local SIMs from Africell, QCell, Comium or Gamcel are cheap and sold at the airport, in Serrekunda and at branded shops; bring your passport to register. Africell and QCell have the widest coverage and the best 4G data along the coast. Mobile data is the most reliable way to get online, as fixed Wi-Fi can be slow; coverage thins out upcountry along the river.
Citizens of around 100 countries and territories, including most ECOWAS, Commonwealth and EU states, can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days; others should obtain a visa in advance or check current eligibility before travel. All visitors need a passport valid for at least six months and an onward or return ticket. A valid yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for entry. Always verify the latest rules with a Gambian embassy or the Immigration Department before you fly.
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Within the Greater Banjul and coastal area, shared yellow-and-green taxis run fixed routes for a few dalasi, while 'town trips' (private hire) cost more and should be negotiated before you set off. Gelle-gelle minibuses are the cheapest option for locals but are crowded and have no fixed timetable. There is no metro or formal bus network for tourists, so taxis are the practical choice.
No widely established international ride-hailing apps (use hotel-arranged taxis or licensed green tourist taxis with negotiated fares)
The Gambia is long and thin, hugging the River Gambia. Shared bush taxis and 'gelle-gelle' minibuses run between towns from garages (motor parks), departing when full and very cheap but crowded. The main south-bank highway links the coast to upcountry towns like Soma, Janjanbureh and Basse. The river itself is a scenic route: ferries cross at Banjul-Barra and other points, and boat trips reach river islands and bird reserves. For comfort and to reach lodges, most visitors hire a car with driver through their hotel or a tour operator.
- • Gambians place enormous weight on greetings. Never launch straight into a question or transaction; first ask after someone's health, family and home. The Mandinka and Wolof exchanges can run several lines, and skipping them is read as rudeness.
- • The Gambia is roughly 95 percent Muslim, so the Islamic greeting 'As-salaam alaikum' (peace be upon you) and its reply 'Wa-alaikum salaam' are heard everywhere and are a warm way to open any interaction.
- • Use your right hand for eating, giving, receiving and shaking hands. The left hand is considered unclean, and offering it or eating with it is mildly offensive.
- • Hospitality runs deep. If you are invited to share a communal bowl of benachin or domoda, accept a little even if you are not hungry, eat only from the portion of the dish directly in front of you, and remove your shoes before sitting on the mat.
- • Always ask before photographing people, especially women, elders and at religious sites. Many will agree, but some may request a small tip; respect a refusal gracefully.
- • During Ramadan, eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight is frowned upon. Dress and behave with extra modesty, and expect shorter business hours and a slower pace.
The Gambia is relaxed but conservative outside the beach resorts. Lightweight, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is appreciated in towns, markets and villages, and is essential when visiting mosques (women should carry a headscarf). Beachwear belongs only on the beach and at resort pools; topless sunbathing is not acceptable. Men in shorts are fine on the coast but long trousers are more respectful for meetings, government offices and rural visits.
Islam shapes daily life. Dress modestly near mosques and remove your shoes before entering; non-Muslims are usually not permitted inside during prayers, so ask first. You will hear the call to prayer five times a day and see people pause to pray, even at work. During Ramadan avoid eating, drinking or smoking in front of those fasting. The small Christian minority and traditional beliefs coexist peacefully, and Gambians of all faiths often celebrate one another's festivals. Public displays of affection and discussion of religion or politics are best kept discreet.
Football (soccer) — Football is a national passion, played on every beach and patch of dirt and followed avidly, with the national team the Scorpions a source of pride after reaching the Africa Cup of Nations. Many Gambians also follow European leagues, especially the English Premier League. Traditional wrestling (borেh), a major spectacle across the Senegambia region, draws big crowds to weekend bouts where local champions become celebrities. The river and Atlantic coast also make The Gambia a world-class destination for birdwatching and sport fishing.
February 18
Independence Day
Marks independence from Britain in 1965 with military and civic parades, music and festivities, the largest gathering held at Banjul's McCarthy Square.
Varies (Islamic calendar, end of Ramadan)
Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr)
The joyous feast ending the Ramadan fast, celebrated with prayers, new clothes, communal meals and visits to family; one of the country's most important holidays.
Varies (Islamic calendar, Dhu al-Hijjah 10)
Tobaski (Eid al-Adha)
The Feast of Sacrifice, the biggest Muslim festival of the year, when families slaughter a ram, share the meat, dress up and gather for prayers and celebration.
Late December (biennial International Roots Festival in May)
Roots Homecoming Festival
A celebration of African heritage and the diaspora's return, inspired by Alex Haley's 'Roots' and Juffureh village, featuring music, dance, drumming and ceremonies along the River Gambia.