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Please be advised that the Department of Foreign Affairs’ Travel Advice is now available at Ireland.ie/travel. Travel Advice on this webpage is no longer being updated. To ensure you receive the latest Travel Advice for Republic of The Gambia, please see Ireland.ie.

Republic of The Gambia

If you’re travelling to Republic of The Gambia our travel advice and updates give you practical tips and useful information. 

Security Status

  • Normal precautions
  • High degree of caution
  • Avoid non-essential travel
  • Do not travel
  • Overview
  • Safety and Security
  • Local Laws and Customs
  • Health
  • Additional information
  • Embassy Contact

Overview

Overview

Security Status

High Degree of Caution

Latest Travel Alert

Border regions: Avoid non-essential travel to southern border area with the Casamance region of Senegal due to risk of attacks by armed groups and the presence of landmines.

General Travel Advice

Irish citizens can enter the Republic of the Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days.

A valid passport is required for travel to Gambia. Irish passports should have a minimum validity of  6 months.  Passport cards cannot be used.

For more information on visas and passports, please see the Additional Information tab.

Visitors to Gambia are advised to follow the guidance of national and local authorities and stay fully informed of what's going on by monitoring local news and social media.

Citizens can also follow the Irish Embassy in Nigeria on social media (Twitter and Facebook) to ensure access to relevant updates and alerts.

Emergency Assistance

The best help is often close at hand so if you have problems, try talking to your local contacts, tour operator representative or hotel management.

Our tips for Safe Travels:

  • Get comprehensive travel insurance that covers all your planned activities.
  • Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly if there’s an unforeseen crisis like a natural disaster or a family emergency.
  • Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates.
  • Read our ‘Know Before You Go’ guide.

As there is no Irish Embassy in the Gambia, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency. However, if you need assistance, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Nigeria.

Safety and Security

Safety and Security

Practical advice

  • Get advice locally about areas of risk and security concerns
  • Take common-sense precautions about safety and security
  • Know who to contact in case of an emergency

Local Laws and Customs

Local laws and customs

Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.

Health

Health

Get travel and medical insurance

Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.

Vaccinations

Check what vaccinations you may need for your trip at least eight weeks before you travel. We can’t advise you on vaccinations, but you can get information about vaccinations from your local GP or an International Health and Travel Centre.

Evidence of vaccination (in the form of a certificate) can be a requirement for entry to some countries.

Medication

Make sure you bring enough medication for your entire trip and for any unexpected delays. You may wish to also bring copies of your prescription in case you lose your medication.

Additional information

 Entry requirements (visa/passport)

Irish citizens can enter the Republic of the Gambia without a visa for up to 90 days but must provide:

  • proof of sufficient funds,
  • documents showing proof of purpose of trip,
  • proof of onward/return ticket,
  • documents required for next destination.

All passengers should also confirm with airline that boarding may be permitted without a visa as conditions may change.

Passports must be valid for at least 6  months from date of entry into the Republic of the Gambia and have at least one blank page. It’s advisable to take a number of photocopies of your passport with you when travelling to the Republic of the Gambia and you should carry a photocopy of your passport at all times during your stay.

If your passport is lost or stolen while you’re abroad you should contact the Irish Embassy in Abuja. We’ll do our best to help you as quickly as possible but this can take some time. Your location and circumstances may limit the help we can give you.

What we can do:

  •  Issue an emergency travel document that will get you home;
  •  If required, provide advice on applying for new passport.

You will need a police report if you want to make a claim on your travel insurance. We will not provide you with a travel document without a police report.

Embassy contact

Embassy Contact

Irish citizens who require urgent assistance while the Embassy is closed can contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs on +353 1 408 2000.

The Duty Officer will refer the matter to the Embassy.

Embassy of Ireland
11 Negro Crescent
Maitama District
Abuja
Nigeria

Tel: +234 9 462 1080
Fax: + 234 9 4131805

Monday to Thursday 9am to 12pm; Friday 9am to 12pm

Contact us