Safety and emergencies
Areas advised against, risks on the road and in town, scams and numbers to keep with you. Advice varies with the country that publishes it.
Areas advised against
The whole country is under heightened vigilance. French consular means in Banjul are limited: if you lose your passport, you must go to the consulate general in Dakar for an emergency travel document.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, safety
Crime
Pickpocketing and bag theft are common in tourist areas: leave papers and valuables in the safe, carry photocopies, keep car doors locked.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, safety
On the road
Old vehicles and frequent accidents: seat belts, helmets, child seats, moderate speed and no night driving. Main roads are in good condition; a 4x4 for tracks. From June to October, floods can damage roads.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, safetyFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, useful information
Sea, climate and natural hazards
Swimming in the sea is dangerous (strong currents, big waves); drownings are frequent.
Verified factVerified on 10/2/26High confidenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, safety
Useful contacts
Contact details taken from the official sources cited. Check them before going.
Emergency numbers
Police 117, medical assistance 116, fire 118 (according to Canada).
Government of Canada, Travel advice: The Gambia· Oct 2, 2026
Banjul police station
Police.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Serekunda police station
Police.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
Bakau fire station
Fire station.
France Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, useful contacts· Oct 2, 2026
French diplomatic office in Banjul
Passport: FranceLimited means; the French consulate general in Dakar handles formalities.
966, Atlantic Boulevard (face au château d'eau de la NAWEC), Fajara, Kanifing+220 722 2898France Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, entry and residenceFrance Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, safety· Oct 2, 2026
Sources for this guide
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, safety · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
- France Diplomatie, Travel advice: The Gambia, useful information · Source updated: September 15, 2026 · Checked on October 2, 2026
AfriPilot is not an official body. Information comes from the sources cited and may change: each source's date is shown.