Exercise caution — there are real risks that travellers should plan around. Political freedoms are limited and travellers should be mindful of local sensitivities.
Regional breakdown
Most visitors stay along the Atlantic coast around Banjul, Serrekunda, Bakau and the Senegambia strip in Kololi. These tourist areas see the bulk of petty street crime. The official advisory guidance flags isolated beaches, busy markets and crowded events as places to watch out for pickpockets and bag snatchers. Hotel room theft is also common, so passports and cash should be locked away. The capital Banjul has visible security checkpoints on main routes. Travellers passing through should carry ID and expect short stops. The official advisory guidance warns about young men known locally as 'bumsters' who approach tourists on beaches. Some offer to guide people across the border into Senegal by informal routes, which is illegal and risky. The southern border with Senegal's Casamance region is the main area of concern beyond crime. The official advisory guidance points to sporadic fighting linked to separatist groups in Casamance, with spillover along The Gambia's southern edge. Inland river travel between Banjul and Barra uses ferries that are often overcrowded. The Senegambia Bridge is the steadier alternative for crossing the river by road.
Recent advisory changes
The official advisory guidance last updated its Gambia travel advice on 10 December 2025. The change related to entry rules for dual nationals returning to the UK rather than any new security threat. The official advisory guidance does not advise against travel to any part of the country right now. It tells travellers to read the safety, health and entry pages in full before booking and to take out insurance that covers their planned activities. The official advisory guidance reissued its advisory on 16 January 2026 at Level 2, Exercise Increased Caution. The reasons listed are crime, civil unrest and health. The official advisory guidance singles out petty street crime in the Banjul area and tourist spots. And unrest tied to separatist activity in Senegal's Casamance region near the southern border. No ordered departure is in place and no zones are restricted for US government staff. Both governments treat The Gambia as a country where normal travel continues with sensible precautions, not one under heightened alert.
What travellers should know
Petty crime is the most likely problem. Bag snatching, pickpocketing and hotel room theft happen in tourist areas. Leave valuables in a low-risk, carry only what is needed for the day, and avoid displaying cash or jewellery on beaches. Walking alone on isolated stretches of sand after dark is a known risk. Stick to busier hotel beaches in the evenings and use registered taxis rather than flagging down unmarked cars. Road conditions are poor outside main routes. Potholes, weak street lighting and informal local taxis make night driving the bigger hazard. Heavy rains from June to October flood rural roads and unpaved tracks. The official advisory guidance notes that corruption can occur at checkpoints and travellers may be asked for small bribes. Stay polite, keep documents to hand, and report serious issues to your embassy. Health services are limited, so good travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is worth arranging before arrival. Avoid political protests and large gatherings, and check both official advisory guidance and official advisory guidance pages again close to your travel date.