Sub Saharan Africa

Terrorism

There is an underlying threat from terrorism. Attacks, although unlikely, could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For further information and advice see Terrorism abroad.

Crime

 

Attacks on tourists are increasing.  You should not take valuables or large sums of money to the beach or display them in public.  The more popular beaches are usually manned by tourist police or hotel security.  Visiting isolated beaches is riskier and you should take particular care in those instances.

Visitors, both male and female, should be particularly cautious of young men locally known as “bumsters” who approach tourists, particularly on beaches, offering unsolicited help.  Bumsters often use romance in the hope of gaining money or other assistance.  We advise you be polite but firm in declining unwanted help or attempts at conversation.

Theft from vehicles is also increasing.  Valuables should not be left in unattended vehicles.

 

You should take precautions in unlit areas or in places away from the Tourist Development Area.

 

For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.

 

Political Situation

 
The Gambia Country Profile

 

The Gambia is a multi-party state and elections are held every five years.  The Presidential elections took place in September 2006.  The National Assembly elections took place on 25 January 2007.  Both passed off peacefully.

You are advised to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations.

 

Local Travel 

 

You should not travel by road from the Gambia to the Casamance in southern Senegal.  The Casamance region of south western Senegal  (the area of Senegal due south of The Gambia) remains affected by incidents involving presumed separatist groups and by incidents of banditry.  You should note that we advise against all road travel in the Casamance region to the west of Kolda, other than on the N4 national highway, for which we advise against all but essential road travel, and on the main road from Ziguinchor to Cap Skiring which is often used by groups of tourists during the daylight hours.  See the Travel Advice for Senegal for more details.

 

Travel to other areas in The Gambia is reasonably safe as long as sensible precautions are taken to safeguard your baggage and personal possessions.

 

Road Travel

 

You can drive on a UK driving licence for up to three months.

 

Driving standards are unpredictable and some local taxis are not roadworthy.  Driving after dark carries added hazards because of poor road and vehicle lighting.  For this reason, you should exercise particular caution when walking along roads at night.  In the event of an accident, emergency medical facilities are very limited.

 

During the rainy season (June to October) potholes on roads are common and you should take care when driving.  Poor roads up-country make travel outside of the Greater Banjul area difficult year round.

 

Security checkpoints are common on all major routes in The Gambia.  They are not always well sign-posted and care should be taken when approaching them, especially at night.

 

For more general information see Driving abroad.

 

Air Travel

The EU has published a list of air carriers that are subject to an operating ban or restrictions within the community.  You should check the following link to see whether this will affect your travel - European Commission Transport - Air.

For more general information see Airline security.