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Gambia Health Care and Vaccinations
| Title | Special precautions |
|---|---|
| Diphtheria |
Sometimes |
| Hepatitis A |
Yes |
| Malaria |
Yes |
| Rabies |
Sometimes |
| Tetanus |
Yes |
| Typhoid |
Sometimes |
| Yellow Fever |
Yes |
Healthcare facilities in The Gambia are limited compared with many developed countries, though basic medical treatment is available in Banjul, Serrekunda and the main urban areas. Public hospitals and clinics operate throughout the country, while private medical facilities used by expatriates and visitors are concentrated mainly around the Greater Banjul Area.
Standards vary considerably, and serious medical conditions may require evacuation to Senegal or Europe for specialist treatment. Doctors and pharmacies are available in the main towns, but medical equipment, medication supplies and emergency services can be limited outside the larger urban centres.
Pharmacies are widely available in Banjul and the coastal tourist areas, and common medicines can usually be obtained locally. Travellers should nevertheless carry sufficient supplies of any essential prescription medication, together with copies of prescriptions if necessary. Some medicines commonly available in other countries, including certain products containing codeine or diazepam, may be restricted or prohibited under Gambian law, so travellers should check current regulations before departure.
Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended. Private clinics and hospitals generally expect payment at the time of treatment if insurance arrangements have not been confirmed in advance.
Tap water in Banjul, the coastal resorts and larger towns is treated, but many visitors prefer to drink bottled or filtered water. Bottled water is widely available throughout the country and is generally recommended, particularly outside the main urban areas.
Food hygiene standards vary. Established hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented cafés usually maintain reasonable hygiene practices, while caution is advisable when eating from smaller roadside stalls or markets. Food should be freshly cooked and served hot where possible.
Travellers should wash or peel fruit and vegetables before consumption if they are not cooked. Ice in drinks may not always be made from purified water outside larger hotels and restaurants.
Petty crime, including bag snatching and pickpocketing, can occur in crowded markets, beaches and tourist areas. Visitors should avoid displaying valuables openly and take normal precautions with passports, phones and cash.
Unsolicited approaches from self-appointed guides or individuals offering assistance are common in tourist areas. While many are harmless, persistent touting can be tiring, and visitors are advised to decline unwanted offers politely but firmly.
The climate can be extremely hot and humid, especially during the rainy season. Sun exposure, dehydration and mosquito-borne illnesses such as malaria are among the main health risks for visitors.
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