The Gambia 2020 OSAC Crime & Safety Report

This is an annual report produced in conjunction with the Regional Security Office at the U.S. Embassy in Banjul. OSAC encourages travelers to use this report to gain baseline knowledge of security conditions in The Gambia. For more in-depth information, review OSAC’s country-specific page for original OSAC reporting, consular messages, and contact information, some of which may be available only to private- sector representatives with an OSAC password.

Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses The Gambia at Level 1, indicating travelers should exercise normal precautions. Some areas have increased risk. Exercise Increase Caution in the southern border area adjacent to Senegal’s Casamance region due to the potential presence of landmines. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

Overall Crime and Safety Situation

Crime Threats

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Banjul as being a HIGH-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. Crimes of opportunity (e.g. pickpocketing, purse snatching, theft of valuables from vehicles, assault, and residential burglary) are the crimes U.S. citizens most frequently encounter in The Gambia, and are often preventable. Violent crime is rare. Burglaries are common. Over the past few years, reports of residential crimes have increased. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark. Vendors colloquially referred to as “bumsters” (local young men offering services ranging from tour guide to sexual partner) often approach Westerners walking along the beach or in the Senegambia tourist area, as do common street criminals looking for a potential victim. Change direction or depart the area if you notice suspicious people, groups, or activity.

Criminals often target victims based on perceived affluence or perceived vulnerability. Do not display cash and valuable personal property. At all times, drive with doors locked and windows closed or rolled up enough to prevent theft while stopped in traffic. If a criminal threatens you with violence over money/belongings, comply with demands and attempt to end the confrontation as quickly as possible.

As tourism is one of The Gambia's most important industries, the government puts great effort in providing for the safety/security of visitors. This effort is mainly visible in heavily trafficked tourist areas. Officially, Gambian police attribute much of the criminal activity to third-country nationals. High unemployment and underemployment has contributed to the rise in crime rates. Review OSAC’s report, All That You Should Leave Behind.

Credit/ATM card fraud and related scams remain concerns in Banjul, although the issue is less prevalent than in other West African cities. Major hotels accept credit cards, but few other establishments do. Skimming is the primary means of credit fraud, and is often undetected until fraudulent charges appear on statements. The U.S. Embassy recommends that its employees avoid using credit/debit cards. If you must use a credit/debit card, monitor accounts closely for fraud. Exchange foreign currency only in authorized banks, hotels, and other legally authorized outlets; obtain proper receipts for the transactions. Review OSAC’s reports, The Overseas Traveler’s Guide to ATM Skimmers & Fraud and Taking Credit.

The Casamance region of Senegal, south of the Gambia, has had a long history of political violence. Travelers should use caution and consult with Senegal’s most recent advisories and information on the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

Review OSAC’s reports, Hotels: The Inns and Outs and Considerations for Hotel Security.

Cybersecurity Issues

Cybercrime is not a major concern in Banjul. Use of computers and level of sophistication with computing technologies is generally low among the local population. Still, U.S. private-sector employees and organizations should implement cybersecurity best practices and make every attempt to password protect personal and organizational information systems. Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling with Mobile Devices: Trends & Best Practices, and Satellite Phones: Critical or Contraband?

Transportation-Safety Situation

Road Safety and Road Conditions

Vehicle accidents are the most prevalent danger posed to U.S. travelers in Banjul. Risk of vehicle accidents increases at night. Poor traffic markers, limited lighting, poor road conditions – especially during the rainy season, which leads to flooding – and pedestrians walking in the road alongside vehicles are the norm. Road conditions outside of Banjul can be even more dangerous. The Embassy prohibits official travel between cities by road at night due to poor road conditions, to include the lack of paved roads in many areas, and limited local emergency services.

Drivers in The Gambia are aggressive, unpredictable, and largely untrained. Vehicles may be in poor working condition. Drunk driving accidents occur regularly, particularly during late-night hours as bars and nightclubs often stay open until 0500 or 0600.

Police checkpoints occur at random, particularly in tourist areas. Authorities may require travelers to produce identification at checkpoints, and police staffing the checkpoints frequently ask for “tea money,” tips, or gifts. Military checkpoints at land and regional borders and at other locations are common throughout the country; however, these rarely delay or otherwise impede travelers. Though checkpoints are less common and less intrusive under the current government, always stop at them, present requested documents, and submit to a vehicle search if ordered.

Entering and leaving The Gambia by land is relatively easy.

Review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Conditions

Taxis and buses are often in poor condition, and often lack working headlights and brake lights, seat belts and other safety equipment. Taxi and bus drivers may make sudden maneuvers without signaling. Use taxis rather than public transportation due to safety concerns and do not allow anyone on the street to direct you into a taxi. Make taxi arrangements in advance and through your hotel, if possible. Avoid sharing taxis with strangers due to increased risk of theft and robbery. Review OSAC’s report, Security In Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights.

Aviation/Airport Conditions

There is one commercial airport in The Gambia, Yundum International (BJL). Airport security operations are similar to those found in most other countries, but generally less stringent than in the U.S. The few large international carriers that service The Gambia run mostly on time, but smaller regional carriers are routinely late and cancel flights frequently.

Other Travel Conditions

There are two ways to cross the Gambia River: by ferry in Banjul or bridge in Farafenni. The ferry crossing in Banjul is relatively reliable, but may be prone to long delays if one of the three boats is not running. Delays have become more common due to the buildup of silt, which prevents the ferries from operating during low tide. Ferries are routinely overcrowded and filled to capacity with vehicles and pedestrians. There has also been an increase in failures of the ferry ramp and significant delays when heavy trucks cause the vehicle ramp collapse, sending the truck into the water. Avoid the use of small fishing boats and pirogues to cross the river due to the high rate of accidents and poor safety conditions. The bridge in Farafenni, about three hours’ drive away from Banjul, opened in 2020; there is no wait to cross.

Terrorism Threat

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Banjul as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. There are no known indigenous terrorist organizations, The Gambia is not a known base of support for terrorists, and Gambians generally do not sympathize with terrorists or their activities.

Regional terror attacks in West Africa have not directly affected The Gambia. However, there exists a real and growing threat of terrorism regionally, as demonstrated by recent attacks within the region. West African countries remain vulnerable to terrorist activities due to porous borders, regional instability, and the presence of African-based terrorist groups including those associated with al-Qa’ida and ISIS in West Africa. The governments of The Gambia and Senegal each arrested “extremist” religious leaders in 2015 to stem the rise of religious extremism in the area.

Political, Economic, Religious, and Ethnic Violence

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Banjul as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The Gambia’s President Adama Barrow took office in 2016 in an election widely considered free and fair. Former President Yahya Jammeh, an autocrat who ruled the country for 22 years, initially accepted the results but then reneged, setting off a chain of events that led to his unceremonious departure from the country in 2017, under threat of ECOWAS military intervention. Although Jammeh is out of power, many of his supporters remain. The Gambia has a history of military coups and coup attempts (1994, 2006, and 2014). While the Jammeh government inspired a state of fear because of its heavy-handed tactics to silence opponents, the Barrow administration has ushered in a democratically elected government, released political prisoners, and begun the process to overhaul laws and procedures to make practices more consistent with international norms.

Civil Unrest

There is moderate risk from civil unrest in Banjul. Public protests, demonstrations, and strikes have become more common, as Gambians no longer fear government retaliation or persecution, and desire to exercise their freedoms of speech and expression. Avoid large political rallies, as even peaceful gatherings can escalate to confrontation and turn violent. In 2019, Banjul experienced two large protests. In July 2019, a demonstration motivated by the death of an immigrant recently under police custody quickly spiraled out of control and led to tire burning, looting, and a few police associated locations being set alight. On the same day, a protest occurred in Brikama due to conflicts between citizens and local government services. December 2019, several thousand people protested peacefully and without incident in support of the “Three Years Jotna” Movement, which seeks to pressure the resignation of the president as had been agreed by the opposition coalition that won the 2016 election. Supporters of the president held a peaceful counter-protest, likewise attracting several thousand attendees. Additional political protests are likely in the first part of 2020. Review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

Post-specific Concerns

Environmental Hazards

During the rainy season (June-October), Banjul experiences significant flooding. Roadways and side streets are often impassable for short periods. Consider driving four-wheel drive vehicles.

Economic Espionage/Intellectual Property Theft

Pirated movies and merchandise are readily available on the street for purchase.

Personal Identity Concerns

Consensual, same-sex sexual relations are illegal in The Gambia. Prison terms can range from five years to life. Antidiscrimination laws do not protect LGBTI individuals, and there is strong societal discrimination against LGBTI individuals. Gambian authorities have called on landlords and owners of bars, restaurants, and hotels to monitor activities that happen in their environments. The Criminal Code was amended in 2014 to include Section (144A) entitled, “Aggravated Homosexuality,” which sets out seven specific categories of offenses, including being “a serial offender,” for which a person is “liable on conviction to imprisonment for life.” Authorities have reportedly arrested several people under this law. Former President Jammeh frequently used violent, threatening public rhetoric to discourage foreign LGBTI individuals from traveling to The Gambia, and participated in public protests against LGBTI rights. Although the Barrow government has not actively enforced existing laws against homosexuality, it has not taken any steps to change discriminatory laws. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI+ travelers.

Although gender-based violence is illegal, many women experience domestic violence. Rape, including spousal, familial, and relationship rape, is a widespread problem. Police generally consider spousal and familial rape to be a domestic issue outside their jurisdiction. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for female travelers.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Persons with disabilities face limited access to transportation, communication, accommodations, and public buildings. There are few sidewalks and no curb cuts, and most buildings lack functioning elevators. Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Drug-related Crime

As a coastal country, The Gambia serves as an access and transit point for drugs into and through Africa. However, there have been few reports of drug-related crimes. Demand for illegal drugs increases during the tourist season due to the influx of travelers. Drug peddlers thrive in tourist areas. Refrain from engaging drug peddlers in any conversation and do not purchase, possess, or use illegal drugs while in The Gambia.

Several large drug seizures over the past few years highlight The Gambia’s coordinated anti-drug campaign. Authorities arrest and prosecute those found with drugs in their possession. Foreigners arrested for drug violations can expect prosecution. If convicted, they face a minimum of two years in prison.

Kidnapping Threat

Review OSAC’s report, Kidnapping: The Basics.

Other Issues

Do not take any photographs or videotapes of government facilities, personnel in uniform, or airports. It is against Gambian law to take pictures or videotape embassies, including the U.S. Embassy. Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

The Gambia has strict laws regarding the use and possession of dangerous weapons. “Military style” firearms are illegal. The police can license hunting weapons. Violators are subject to arrest and incarceration. Read the State Department’s webpage on customs and import restrictions for information on what you cannot take into or out of other countries.

Police Response

Except for checkpoints and traffic police, there is limited visibility of police presence in Banjul and the surrounding areas. Police do not have the ability to respond quickly to crises. They lack training, equipment, and resources such as radios and vehicles (with fuel). Most Gambian police are not armed. The Gambian Police Force is a reactionary force and cannot maintain large-scale or long-term proactive operations. When contacted, police are normally helpful to visitors, though will sometimes request “tea money” or a tip.

In the event of an emergency or arrest, you should request to call the U.S. Embassy. Local police do not always honor this request expeditiously; it may need repeating. Do not ignore a lawful or reasonable police order. Becoming belligerent will only exacerbate the situation and prolong detention.

The national police emergency number (equivalent to U.S. 911) is 117. Response times are not always fast. For fire and rescue services in Banjul, dial 118; however, emergency services are unreliable, slow, and ill equipped to handle most emergencies. Download the State Department’s Crime Victims Assistance brochure.

Some U.S. citizens report that police procedures appear to be less sensitive and responsive to a victim’s concerns, particularly in cases of domestic violence or sexual assault, or when the victim and the perpetrator are foreigners, compared to the procedures in the U.S. Few victim assistance resources or battered women’s shelters exist. Investigations of sexual assault crimes often proceed without female police officers present, and police typically ask about the victim’s sexual history and previous relationships.

Police/Security Agencies

The Gambian Police Force (GPF) is responsible for investigating most crimes. The Drug Law Enforcement Agency, The Gambia (DLEAG) enforces drug laws. The Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) may assist in maintaining law and order when there is a deteriorating security situation beyond the control of the police. The Gambia Immigration Department (GID) and Gambia Revenue Authority (GRE) Enforcement Office handle immigration and customs issues respectively.

Senegambia Police Station (Tourist Security) – (220) 358-1502

Bakau Police Station – (220) 449-5328

Gambia National Police Headquarters – (220) 422-4914 (or dial 117)

Medical Emergencies

Health facilities do not meet Western standards and are inadequate for most serious conditions. Emergency medical assistance is limited. Local facilities often suffer from unsanitary conditions, outdated equipment, and shortages of supplies/medications. There is a shortage of adequately trained physicians and other qualified medical personnel. Some hospitals have ambulance services, but these are uncommon, unreliable, and primarily consist of transportation to a medical facility; they typically do not arrive with medically trained personnel aboard. Psychiatric services and medications are very limited, as well. Find contact information for available medical services and available air ambulance services on the U.S. Embassy website.

The Government of The Gambia may request proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry.

The Gambia has a moderate prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions.

Malaria prevalence is low (less than 1%) but still exists, spiking during the rainy season (June – November). Travelers should arrive with prophylaxis.

While there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in The Gambia, the government has established a hotline for Ebola-related inquiries: 1025.

Even in urban areas, dogs may have rabies. Immediately clean bites/scratches from dogs, bats, or other mammals with soap and water, and seek medical evaluation to determine if you require additional immunization. All travelers staying for more than four weeks or who will travel to remote, rural areas or expect animal exposure should receive rabies vaccination.

Diarrheal illness is very common among travelers, even in large cities and luxury accommodations. Diminish diarrhea risk through scrupulous hand washing and use of hand sanitizers, especially before food preparation and eating. The greatest risk of traveler’s diarrhea comes from contaminated food. Eat only food that is cooked and served hot. Eat raw fruits and vegetables only if you have washed them in clean water or peeled them. Drink only beverages from factory-sealed containers. Most restaurants in tourist areas and Western hotels follow adequate food preparation procedures and use filtered ice. Talk to your doctor about short-course antibiotics in case of infection and medications to manage diarrhea while traveling.

The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Departments webpage on insurance overseas.

The CDC offers additional information on vaccines and health guidance for The Gambia.

Review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Traveling with Medication, I’m Drinking What in My Water?, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad.

OSAC Country Council Information

There is no OSAC Country Council in The Gambia. The nearest OSAC Country Council is in Dakar, Senegal. To reach OSAC’s Africa team, email [email protected].

U.S. Embassy Contact Information

Kairaba Avenue, Fajara Business hours: Monday-Thursday: 0800-1730; Friday: 0800-1200 Switchboard: +220-439-2856 or 220-439-2858 Website: http://gm.usembassy.gov

Helpful Information

Before you travel, consider the following resources:

OSAC Risk Matrix OSAC Travelers Toolkit State Department Traveler’s Checklist Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)