Gambia Travel Security

A popular tourist destination for European travelers, Gambia is one of the safer countries in West Africa, and its risk rating has been set at 5. Tourism is the major moneymaker, so the government makes a big effort to ensure that the tourist industry functions smoothly.

The government reported foiling a plot to stage a military coup in March 2006. It was the ninth report of such a plot since 1994, so monitor local media and any warnings from your local embassy.

High-risk Areas

Separatist rebels are active in areas that border Senegal's Casamance region, so avoid the area northwest of Kolda in Senegal. Travelers have reported being attacked on the roads from Ziguinchor to Banjul and from Bignona to Sedoba. Senegalese troops sometimes carry out operations in areas near the border with Gambia.

A republic under multiparty democratic rule, Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965. The president, 36-year-old Yahya Jammeh, overturned the 30-year rule of Sir Dawda Jawara in a bloodless coup in 1994 and has won three widely criticized multiparty elections since then.

Jammeh won his third five-year term in September 2006 with more than two-thirds of the votes. His main rival, Oussainou Darboe, rejected the result, saying that there had been widespread intimidation by local chiefs, governors and members of the security forces. International observers said that overt support for Jammeh from public officials during the run-up to the vote might have given him an unfair advantage. His governing party won a landslide victory in the National Assembly in January 2007.

Many Gambians reportedly privately disapprove of the iron-fisted nature of Jammeh's rule, which has seen political opponents and journalists imprisoned without charge, but say that he has done much to improve schools, hospitals and roads.

Although most of the people depend on agriculture for their livelihood, Gambia suffers from poor soil, which limits the diversity of crops grown--peanuts are essentially the only cash crop. This has made the country heavily dependent on peanut exports--and a hostage to fluctuations in the production and world prices of the crop. Rainfall is a factor, as well, and a drought can cause serious economic problems.

In 2004, Jammeh announced that large reserves of oil had been discovered--the claim, however, has not been substantiated, and Gambia remains lacking in significant mineral or other natural resources. It remains highly dependent on tourism, as well as substantial foreign aid, for its survival. Unemployment and underemployment rates continue to be extremely high.

Border and regional issues

In recent years, many thousands of people have fled fighting in neighboring Senegal's separatist Casamance province and have sought refuge in Gambia. In August 2006, an upsurge in fighting exacerbated an already difficult situation in which some 15,000 refugees are thought to live. The Senegalese army conducts regular operations against rebels in the border areas, so those regions are considered more hazardous than the rest of the country.

Gambia, an English-speaking nation, is a thin strip of land that cuts Francophone Senegal in two. Relations between the two countries are often fragile.

Institutional corruption

International Monetary Fund criticism of Gambia's financial management, prompted him to announce a zero-tolerance policy on corruption, and some senior officials were arrested in 2005. The government also has threatened to confiscate the assets of officials who are unable to give an honest account of their dealings.

Human-rights abuses

Many human-rights organizations consider the government of Gambia to be one of the most repressive as far as media and other freedoms are concerned. In April 2007, a U.S.-based local journalist was charged with sedition because of online articles critical of Jammeh. Earlier, there had been many attacks against the press. In December 2004, gunmen shot dead a reporter known for his articles criticizing the regime. The home of a BBC correspondent was burned to the ground in August 2004, and the offices of an independent paper were torched in April 2004.

In its May 2007 report, Amnesty International said harassment of journalists critical of the government had intensified, with at least nine local and foreign journalists being detained in 2006, some of them reportedly tortured. The watchdog also expressed concern about the treatment of some 70 suspected coup plotters arrested and held for long periods after a foiled attempt to topple President Jammeh in March 2006. Several of the 19 suspects reportedly escaped from custody while being transported to prison--nothing has been heard of any of them since, prompting fears that they were summarily executed. In April 2007, 10 of the other suspected coup plotters in the army received sentences ranging from 10 years in jail to life imprisonment by a military court. The trial of four civilians continues in the high court.

Crime is relatively low for the region, but a recent influx of third-country nationals from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Senegal has been contributing to escalating criminal activity.

Petty crime

Be wary of pickpockets in crowded market areas and on ferries. Never leave packages or luggage unattended, especially in taxis. Be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help. The most popular beaches usually are manned by tourist police or hotel security, but visitors still are likely to be harassed by panhandlers and informal tour guides known as "bumsters."

Violent crime

Although attacks on foreigners are rare, they are increasing, so take particular care in unlit areas or in places away from the tourist development areas.

Several foreign visitors have reported being attacked near the U.S. Embassy in Banjul.

Police effectiveness

Police are neither well-trained nor well-equipped. Police roadblocks, however, are frequent. Officials are likely to ask for identification, vehicle registration and proof of insurance, so be sure your documents are in order.

Flooding is common during the June-October rainy season but has little impact on foreign travelers.

Animals

Hippos are among the most dangerous animals in Africa.

Medical facilities are limited, and some medicines are unavailable. Take your own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medications.

Diseases

Malaria is prevalent in Gambia throughout the year, although the risk is greater June-November. Before traveling to Gambia, seek medical advice about antimalaria medication.

Yellow fever is prevalent and immunization is required before entering the country.

Waterborne diseases are also prevalent throughout the year, and all water should be considered potentially contaminated. Efforts are under way to curb the spread of cholera, which is common throughout the country.

Mosquitoes carry many serious illnesses, including dengue fever, malaria and West Nile virus. To prevent bites and avoid infection, reduce the amount of exposed skin by wearing long sleeves, long pants, socks and shoes when you're outdoors. Use insect repellent containing deet on exposed skin. Avoid outdoor activities from dusk to dawn, the time when mosquitoes are most active.

Waterborne diseases can cause a variety of serious health problems, including cholera, norovirus and amebiasis. In areas where chlorinated water is not available or where hygiene and sanitation are generally poor, you should consider both liquid water and ice unsafe. Stick to the following, which generally are considered safe: Beverages made with boiled water, such as tea and coffee; canned or bottled carbonated beverages; beer; and wine. It's usually safer to drink beverages directly from the bottle or can, but be sure to wipe off any water on the outside of the container. In areas where water may be contaminated, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water.

Travel in outlying areas of Gambia is difficult, particularly during the rainy season.

Road conditions

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. Almost all roads outside the capital are unpaved. Some may be impassable to all but four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Gas stations and competent mechanics are not readily available outside Banjul. Also, there are no traffic lights outside the capital.

Public transportation

Taxis are the recommended form of public transportation, although some may prove to be in poor condition and unreliable.

Additional information

Crossing the Gambia River via the Banjul-to-Barra ferry may involve serious safety risks. This ship often is overloaded and does not carry sufficient life preservers for all passengers. The ferry frequently operates with several of its engines out of service. Visitors who must travel to the north bank of the Gambia River are advised to inquire about the condition of the ferry or to consider using the Yelitenda-to-Bambatenda ferry, 93 mi/150 km upriver.

In recent years, shootings have occurred at vehicles not stopping for road checkpoints, so stop at all roadblocks and checkpoints and proceed only when instructed to do so by security personnel. Do not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that security personnel might view as suspicious or provocative.

Facilities for travelers in the Banjul area are good; outside the capital, however, travel facilities are limited in availability and quality. If you intend to pay for your accommodations with a credit card, you may have to make arrangements in advance. At the relatively few locations where credit cards are accepted, fraud and skimming are problems. ATMs are rare, and those that exist often malfunction.

No matter how safe you perceive a destination to be, it's important to use good judgment.

• Pay attention to local media.
• Avoid open displays of wealth, jewelry or other valuables. Safeguard travel documents such as passports and airline tickets.
• Avoid confrontations with locals.
• Avoid demonstrations and protests, especially if they appear political in nature.
• Don't permit people you don't know to enter your accommodations. Keep your door locked. Don't leave valuables in your room unless they can be locked in a safe.
• Avoid illegal drugs, and don't drink alcohol if its use is prohibited. Even if drinking is legal, don't overindulge.
• Be cautious of unsolicited offers of assistance from strangers.

In recent years, political terrorism has become a global phenomenon - an attack could occur with little warning anywhere in the world, even in destinations long regarded as safe. Travelers should keep themselves informed of developments that could affect their safety, no matter what their destination.