June 18, 2004

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: The Gambia is a developing country in western Africa. The capital is Banjul. The official language is English. Facilities for tourism in the Banjul area are good. However, outside the capital, tourist facilities are limited in availability and quality.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: A passport and visa are required, as is evidence of yellow fever vaccination. Travelers are urged to obtain the latest information on customs and entry requirements from the Embassy of The Gambia, 1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 905, Washington, D.C. 20005, tel. (202) 785-1399 and 1359; from the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the U.N. at 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900 - C, New York, N.Y. 10071, tel. (212) 949-6640; and at the Gambia Tourism Authority's official web site, http://www.visitthegambia.gm. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

SAFETY AND SECURITY: The Gambia 's most recent elections were deemed free and fair by international observers, but the presidential campaign period was marked by high tension and one fatal shooting. U.S. citizens should therefore avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

Travelers driving a vehicle in The Gambia should stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints and proceed only when instructed by security personnel. Drivers should not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that may be viewed as suspicious or provocative by security personnel. Drivers should not proceed through a road checkpoint when signaled to stop.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Up to date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays.)

CRIME: Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia. Travelers should be careful of pickpockets in the crowded market areas and on ferries. Packages or luggage should never be left unattended, especially in taxis. Travelers should also be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.

Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have reported residential and automobile burglaries. All U.S. citizens in The Gambia should be careful not to leave valuables or identity documents unsecured in hotel rooms or cars. Although violent crime and armed robbery are not prevalent in The Gambia, long-term residents should consider hiring a security guard for their home to prevent burglary and theft.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, AND IDENTITY FRAUD: "Confidence" scams long seen in other parts of western Africa are now on the rise in The Gambia. Con artists lure foreigners into business transactions for the purpose of obtaining their bank routing information, credit card number, or other personal data. They then use that information to impersonate the victims or obtain funds in their name.

U.S. citizens should treat with suspicion any unsolicited offers to participate in lucrative business opportunities, especially if they require financial data, money transfers, large up-front investments, or promises of confidentiality.

There are known cases of foreigners' credit card numbers being sent abroad and their accounts accessed without their knowledge. U.S. citizens have also reported their credit and ATM card numbers stolen after purchases at local stores or withdrawals from ATM machines in The Gambia.

For additional information, please consult the Department of State's publication, Advance Fee Business Scams, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES: Medical facilities are very limited, and some medical treatments are unavailable. Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Further information on prescription drugs is found in the section below on Customs Regulations.

MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Because malaria is a serious risk to travelers to The Gambia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam - tm), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone - tm). The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on appropriate anti-malaria prophylaxis has a greatly reduced chance of contracting malaria. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites and antimalarials, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

Other vaccines may be recommended for travel to The Gambia. Please visit the CDC's website for more information.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning The Gambia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance:

Travel in The Gambia is difficult because of road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, June through October. Although a few main roads are paved in the greater Banjul area, most are poorly maintained and poorly lit; drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents. Most roads outside the capital are unpaved. The U.S. Embassy urges visitors driving outside the capital to travel with a recognized travel guide. Travelers should be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.

For additional information on road travel in the The Gambia, see The Gambia Tourism Authority's web site, http://www.visitthegambia.gm/Getting_Around/getting_around.html. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.

AIR TRAVEL: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Gambia's civil aviation authority as Category 2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Gambian air carrier operations. There is no service to the U.S. by Gambian-registered carriers, but air carriers from countries meeting international safety standards are allowed to conduct direct flights from The Gambia to the U.S.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S. Local exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

Currently, the only air carrier offering direct flights from The Gambia to the U.S. is Ghana Airways. Service provided by a number of western African regional air carriers, including Ghana Airways, is reported to be unreliable. The airlines are known to alter scheduled stops, cancel or postpone flights on short notice, and regularly overbook flights. Newer regional airlines occasionally book seats on flights before they have the aircraft to fly them. Travelers may experience unexpected delays even after checking in, and should be prepared to handle alternate ticketing and/or increased food and lodging expenses.

WATER TRAVEL: U.S. citizens are advised that water transportation in western Africa can be unpredictable and may involve safety risks. Ferries rarely keep to their stated schedule. They are often overcrowded and rarely carry life preservers for all passengers. In particular, the wooden dugout "pirogues" that cross the Gambia River often leave shore overloaded and occasionally sink in the middle of the river. U.S. citizens who must travel to the north bank of the Gambia River are advised to use the Banjul-Barra or Yelitenda-Farafenni ferries, which are slower but safer than the privately operated "pirogues."

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS: The Gambia has strict laws on the import/export of skin-bleaching creams and some medications. Visitors arriving with substances containing hydroquinone, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, flucinonide, clobestatol or clobestatone are subject to fines up to $2,000 and/or three years imprisonment. Airport police and customs officials routinely inspect incoming and outgoing luggage. Travelers in possession of prescription drugs should carry proof of their prescriptions, such as labeled containers. Police have been known to arrest foreigners carrying unlabeled pills. For a complete list of prohibited items, please contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States, and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Gambian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in The Gambia are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Under the PROTECT Act of April 2003, it is a crime, prosecutable in the United States, for U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens to exploit children sexually via pornography, the Internet or other means or to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a person under the age of 18 in a foreign country, regardless of whether there was intent.

PHOTOGRAPHY RESTRICTIONS: Travelers should not photograph airports or military installations.

CURRENCY: The Gambian currency, the dalasi, is freely convertible but is not available outside the country. The Gambia is a cash economy, and it is usually necessary to carry sufficient currency to cover the expenses of a planned visit. Visitors can exchange currency at banks or exchange bureaus. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels and grocery stores and few up-scale restaurants. Personal checks are accepted from U.S. citizens resident in The Gambia only at exchange bureaus. There are only a few ATM machines in the country and they often malfunction. Due to credit card and bank fraud in western Africa, the Embassy discourages the use of credit cards, personal checks, and ATMs. Money transfers are widely available at Western Union branch offices in The Gambia. Changing money in the streets is highly prohibited. Individuals changing money outside of official exchange bureaus may face prosecution.

CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or telephone Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747. This number is available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. Federal holidays). Callers who are unable to use toll-free numbers, such as those calling from overseas, may obtain information and assistance during these hours by calling 1-317-472-2328.

EMBASSY LOCATION/REGISTRATION: U.S. citizens living in or visiting The Gambia are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia upon arrival and to obtain updated information on travel and security in The Gambia. The U.S. Embassy is located on Kairaba Avenue in Fajara, a suburb of the capital city of Banjul. The mailing address is P.M.B. no. 19, Banjul, Gambia. The telephone numbers are (220) 439-2856, 439-2858 or 439-1971, fax (220) 439-2475.

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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated January 30, 2004, to update sections on Entry Requirements, Safety and Security, Air Travel, Criminal Penalties, Children's Issues and Embassy Location/Registration.

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