The Gambia Travel Vaccines and Advice
The Gambia is a country visited for its beautiful beaches surrounded by charming fishing villages and bird watching sites. Banjul, the main city, proudly overlooks the Atlantic coast. It will enchant you with its white sanded beaches which are among the prettiest of Africa. Treat yourself to an unforgettable boat trip on the river that flows through the country. A fantastic colourful show awaits you. Then make a trip to the Abuko Nature Reserve or the Kiang West Nature Parks to admire birds, crocodiles, antelopes and monkeys. The Gambia offers a pleasant climate, especially between November and February. It is also the best time to observe birds since it is a real paradise for birdwatchers.
Gambie/Gambie)
Recommended travel vaccinations for The Gambia
| Vaccine | Disease Transmission |
|---|---|
| Traveler’s diarrhea | Contaminated water/food |
| Cholera | |
| Typhoid | |
| Hepatitis A | |
| Hepatitis B | Contaminated body fluids (blood, sex, razors, needles, etc.) |
| Rabies | Infected Animals |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito bites |
| Meningitis | Airborne Droplets |
| Influenza |
Recommended Medication for Travelling to The Gambia
| Medication | Additional Information |
|---|---|
| Azithromycin or Suprax | Antibiotic in case of traveler’s diarrhea |
| Malarone, Doxycycline or Mefloquine | Recommended anti-malaria medication |
Current Weather in The Gambia
Medical Care in The Gambia
Indicators of health in Gambia are not promising. Relative to the expectations of the population, the national health system is insufficient. Public facilities have not been renovated for many years and are very limited. It is extremely difficult to access even the most basic of health care. Although some good quality private hospitals like the Edward Francis Small teaching hospital exist, the cost of care is extortionate.
Drugs are insufficient and often unavailable. For this reason, it is essential to pack an emergency pharmacy.
If you need medical assistance, dial 116. In the event of an emergency, call Edward Francis Small teaching hospital or Medical Research Council at (+220) 449-5442/6.
Is The Gambia Safe for Travel?
| Safety and Security | Descriptive |
|---|---|
| Crime | Risk present; Beware of “bumsters” which are fake tour guides |
| Terrorism | Risk present |
| Demonstrations | Risk of violence |
| Road safety | Roads in rural areas are not paved |
| Regional travel | Click the link below for precautions |
| Fraud | Risk present |
| Risk level | High degree of caution |
Do I Need a Visa to Visit The Gambia?
Prior to travel, make sure you check with your transportation company about any passport requirements. This is important as in some cases their regulations on passport validity may be more strict than those of the destination country.
Both, a visa and a passport are required to enter The Gambia. The passport must be valid for the duration of the stay.
Please click here for more information.