Travel Vaccines and Advice for Gambia
The Gambia is also called “The Smiling Coast of Africa”. Its beautiful coastline and temperate weather attracts travellers from all corners of the globe.
Gambia is biologically diverse and is home to many national parks with a wide variety of species.
The country was once heavily involved in the slave trade. As a result, there are many monuments and museums that serve to educate travellers about the trade.
Whether you are looking to relax on the beach, seeking an adventure, or dive into a different culture, Gambia has something to offer for every traveller.
Do I Need Vaccines for Gambia?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Gambia. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Gambia: COVID-19, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Accelerated schedule available - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required for all travellers over 9 months of age. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Meningitis –
Airborne & Direct Contact –
Proof of vaccination may be required. Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Gambia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Accelerated schedule available |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required for all travellers over 9 months of age. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Meningitis | Airborne & Direct Contact | Proof of vaccination may be required. Located in the meningitis belt, vaccination is recommended during the dry season (Dec. – June) |
Routine Vaccinations for Gambia |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. |
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required for entry to Gambia.
Malaria is an ongoing threat in Gambia. It is strongly recommended individuals take antimalarial medication before visiting Gambia. Other measures such as repellents and netting will provide more protection.
Gambia is in the ‘meningitis belt’, a section of Africa known for meningitis transmission. Meningitis vaccination is recommended for individuals travelling from December to June.
‘Banjul Belly’ or travellers diarrhea is common and precautions should be taken. Make sure to add a travellers’ diarrhea kit to your packing list.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gambia?
Yes, travellers visiting Gambia must have a visa and and passport valid for the duration of their stay.
Gambia Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Gambia? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | |
|
| Business Visa | |
|
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Gambia and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is also required for entry.
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What is the Climate Like in Gambia?
Gambia has a wet and dry season. The wet seasons lasts from June to October. The dry season ranges from November to May.
The months of November to March are cool and involve a sporadic breeze. January to April is characterized by the Harmattan winds that blow from the Indian to the Atlantic Ocean. In Gambia the average daytime temperature is around 26 degrees.
How Safe is Gambia?
There has been a rise in attacks on tourists. It is important to exercise a high degree of caution while travelling in Gambia.
Pick-pocketing is very common, as is theft from hotel rooms and vehicles. Men called “bumsters” will often target tourists and offer themselves as tour guides. Beware of “bumsters” as they often demand high payments that are not agreed upon, politely decline any offers.
While in Gambia, monitor local media to avoid demonstrations and other large gatherings which often result in violence.
Many of the roads in Gambia, are narrow, poorly lit, and require a four wheel drive. Avoid driving in rural areas after dark. Police road blocks are common, and you may be asked for identification. Always cooperate with the authorities and stop at all police roadblocks and checkpoints.
For river crossings, wooden pirogues are often used. Do not use wooden pirogues as they lack security measures and are prone to overcrowding.
Visit Janjangbureh and Basse
The town Janjangbureh, known as “Georgetown” is the old ‘second’ city of colonial times. Janjangbureh is one of the oldest river towns in Gambia. It serves as the administrative headquarters for the central river region.
Basse is another a river town with a lively feel. It is one of the major trading centers along the river. Basse is linguistically diverse with languages such as Arabic, French, Wolof, Serer, Mandinka, and English being spoken.
An excursion to Janjangbureh and Basse is ideal for a traveller seeking an adventure.
What Should I Take To Gambia?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Gambia:
- Boots for Bush Treks or Safaris – Nothing is worse than sore feet, make sure you’re protected.
- Cover-Ups – Gambia is a very modest society. Men and women may need to cover up in some areas.
- Long Sleeves, Pants, and Hats – These will help protect you from the sun as well as mosquitoes.
- Personal Medical Kit – Some medical supplies can be difficult to find in Gambia. Make sure you bring a fully-stocked first-aid kit with you.
Canadian Embassy in Gambia
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. There are no consular services in Gambia. For any consular needs, contact the British in-country:
British Embassy in Gambia
48 Atlantic Road,
Fajara,
Banjul, The Gambia
Tel.: +44 1908 51 6666
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Gambia
“This was my second time visiting Passport Health before traveling to Gambia. The nurse was great — friendly, knowledgeable and prepared for my appointment. Thank you!”
“Fast, friendly, efficient service. The nurse I met with was very knowledgeable and helpful. By far the best travel clinic I’ve ever visited, and will be my regular travel clinic from now on. Thanks!”
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Gambia?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Gambia?
What is the Climate Like in Gambia?
How Safe is Gambia?
Visit Janjangbureh and Basse
What Should I Take To Gambia?
Canadian Embassy in Gambia
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