Document checklist for Gambia

• A valid passport: valid for at least six months past your anticipated stay in Gambia
• Visa
• Flight tickets
• Travel itinerary
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate
• Travel Insurance
• Proof of accommodation
• Enough cash for small expenses

Gambia Visa Information

Processing time 5 to 7 days

Starting from ₹9,300/-

Essential Gambia travel information

Currency – Gambia’s official currency is the Gambian dalasi (GMD).

Daily budget for one person:  $100 daily.

Languages: English is the official language of Gambia.

Socket type – In Gambia, Type G plugs are used in standard sockets. In Gambia, 230V with a frequency of 50Hz is the common voltage.

Time zone – Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5)

The top 3 cities/islands to visit are Banjul, Serrekunda, and Brikama.

Top 3 landmarks/monuments – Fort James Island, Arch 22, Kachikally Crocodile Pool

Visa information for Gambia

The Gambia’s government mandates that travelers get a visa before or upon arrival.

Typical costs and budget for Gambia

Daily spending – $200 per person.

Meals – $10 to $30 per person

Transport: Daily prices for local transit range from $5 to $15, depending on how you want to move about.

Hotel: $30 to $80 per night.

Travel options in Gambia and the finest modes of transportation

Within Gambia, shared taxis and minibusses are a popular means of transportation for short- to medium-distance trips. Despite occasionally being crowded, they are inexpensive and practical. Most fares are set. Thus it is essential to confirm the rate with the driver before boarding.

Private taxis are also accessible in Gambia, particularly in urban regions like Banjul and other significant cities. They are more costly than shared taxis but provide more luxurious and private transportation. Negotiating the fare in advance is advisable.

In Gambia, you may hire a car. In addition, you can rent a car with a driver for more flexibility concerning destinations and timings. However, driving in Gambia can be difficult due to other road users’ poor road conditions and unpredictable driving patterns. Therefore, if you hire a car, driving carefully and adhering to local traffic laws is crucial.

In Gambia, especially in the more rural regions, bicycles are a common form of transportation. They provide for a slower pace of rural exploration and are economical and environmentally favorable. In certain tourist regions, bicycles may be hired. However, they need to be more appropriate for longer journeys or areas with rugged terrain.

Due to the numerous rivers and canals in Gambia, boats may be a distinctive and entertaining means of transportation for some locations. In addition, there are river taxis, ferries, and pirogues for river crossings, island excursions, and trips that include animal watching.

Safety in Gambia

It’s crucial to be informed of the safety situation in Gambia, as with any other travel location, and to take the appropriate safety measures to guarantee a safe journey. Here are some travel safety recommendations for Gambia:

Before and during your journey, keep up with the most recent travel warnings and security information for Gambia from your nation’s government or other pertinent authorities. In addition, be mindful of possible dangers like terrorism, natural catastrophes, or political upheaval.

Like any other travel location, Gambia is usually considered safe for travelers However, it’s still a good idea to use caution when walking around cities, especially in crowded or unfamiliar places. Be alert of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid flashing costly jewelry, devices, or valuables in public.

Weather in Gambia

Gambia’s dry season typically lasts from November to May, when the country experiences scorching temperatures between 25 and 35 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the ideal time to travel to Gambia for outdoor activities and beach holidays is during the dry season because it is characterized by low humidity and little or no rainfall.

In Gambia, the wet season typically lasts from June to October, marked by increased humidity and sporadic downpours. As a result, the environment turns lush and green during the wet season, although it may still get warm—between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. However, the severe rain and potential floods that might occur during this period should be considered as they may affect travel plans and outdoor activities.

Must do and see in Gambia

Discover Banjul, the bustling capital of Gambia: This city features a mix of colonial and modern architecture. Visit the National Museum, which features historical antiques and cultural artifacts, and the crowded Albert Market, where you can buy regional goods, including textiles, spices, and handmade crafts.

The Kunta Kinteh Island UNESCO World Heritage Site is worth a visit: Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly James Island, is a historical location important to the transatlantic slave trade. Now a memorial and museum, it provides information about the horrible history of slavery and the tenacity of the human spirit.

Take a boat excursion on the River Gambia: It serves as the nation’s primary waterway, making a cruise along its winding route a must-do activity. Along with viewing the scenic beauty of the riverine landscapes, you can see wildlife like hippos, monkeys, and crocodiles.

Typical Gambian food to try

A tangy and flavorful Gambian meal called yassa is created with marinated grilled or roasted beef and onions that have been simmered in a lemony sauce. It is frequently eaten with couscous or rice and is renowned for its

Domoda is a well-known Gambian meal from a hearty and savory peanut stew. Typically, it is served with rice and includes both meat and vegetables. This dish’s star ingredient, the peanut sauce, gives it a creamy, nutty taste.

Benachin: Benachin is a popular rice dish from West Africa, often called “one-pot” or “jollof” rice. It is a Gambian creation. With rice, veggies, and meat, it’s a tasty one-pot supper. However, depending on your desire, the meal can be scorching and is prepared in a tomato-based sauce with spices.

Vaccine information for Gambia

As new vaccines are authorized and made accessible, the kinds of vaccinations given in Gambia may change over time. In addition, the Gambian government has been executing a countrywide vaccination program with foreign organizations to prioritize specific populations, including frontline workers, older people, people with underlying medical issues, and the general public. Therefore, for the most recent information on vaccine availability, eligibility requirements, and immunization sites in Gambia, it is crucial to stick with official sources.