Sub Saharan Africa

Local laws reflect the fact that The Gambia is a Muslim country.  You should respect local traditions, customs, laws and religions at all times and be aware of your actions to ensure that they do not offend other cultures or religious beliefs, especially during the holy month of Ramadan or if you intend to visit religious areas. During Ramadan, eating, drinking and smoking between sunrise and sunset is forbidden for Muslims (though children under the age of puberty are not required to fast).  For more general information see Travelling during Ramadan.

The Gambian authorities will take strong action against anyone importing, exporting or found in possession of drugs or contraband.  You should not accept packages on behalf of anyone without knowing the contents.

 

New laws were introduced in 2003 to tackle the problems associated with travelling child sex offenders.  In particular, there are heavy penalties for any form of sexual offence against a child.

 

Foreign visitors to the Gambia need to carry an ID with them at all times.

 

Although there are no laws specifically covering homosexuality in the Gambia, the Gambian Criminal Code states that any person who has, or attempts to have, "carnal knowledge" of any person "against the order of nature" is guilty of a felony and could face imprisonment.  The Gambian courts may interpret homosexual acts as falling under this part of the Code.  The Code also states that gross indecency between men, whether in public or private, is a felony and anyone committing this felony could face imprisonment. Any private citizen has the power of arrest for these offences.  We have received reports that the police are actively enforcing this Code.  There are no current reports of any attacks on homosexuals.  There are no gay clubs in the Gambia.

Photography of military and official installations is prohibited.

 

For more general information see Your trip.