Packing list for Gambia, travel insurance for Gambia, and taking your belongings

What to bring to Gambia: highlighted

Highlighted items:

• Documents: a passport with at least 6 months validity, and an online and offline copy. Copy/screenshot of your visa if you need it.
• Money: having sufficient Gambian dalasi (GMD) or pounds is useful. ATMs are available in urban areas, so your debit card will come in handy for that.
• Care: high factor sunscreen and after-sun in case things go wrong.
• Outdoor and conveniences: head protection such as a cap or hat if you don't want a boiling head and of course some sunglasses.
• Clothing: light clothing made of cotton or linen that covers your shoulders and knees due to local customs. (See also tropical clothing and clothing for warm weather)
• Shoes: sandals/slippers for the beach and closed shoes for walks and excursions.
• Medicines and travel pharmacy: anti-diarrhea medication, plasters, possibly malaria medication, painkillers and ORS are certainly useful in Gambia. And your vaccinations of course.
• Safety: for your sense of security, a money belt or fanny pack for your valuables is good to have.
• Technology and equipment: world plug type G, you may still have one from a visit to the UK (see also world plug or travel plug).

What else can you take with you:

• Water bottle with filter, you will definitely be happy with that.
• Flashlight for when the power goes out again.
• A small power bank, also for when the power goes out.

What knowledge is useful when you go to Gambia?

• Knowledge of the culture (mainly Islamic) and local customs.
• Knowledge of local regulations.

Are there mosquitoes in Gambia?

• There are quite a few mosquitoes in Gambia.
• The number of mosquitoes increases significantly during the rainy season.
• Because they can transmit diseases such as malaria, it is important to protect yourself.

Are there sand flies in Gambia?

• Sandflies are present in Gambia, particularly in the savannah regions and also in some wetter areas.
• There is a risk of getting leishmaniasis.

Can you buy DEET, or other mosquito repellents, in Gambia?

• It is possible to find DEET in Gambia, in the large shops and chemists, but finding specific products, such as mosquito spray that is safe for children, can be difficult.
• So it is useful to bring your own, prefered products.

Where can you get your food and drinks in Gambia?

• There are supermarkets that may not be that big, but they sell everything you need.
• There are restaurants with all kinds of cuisines - from Indian to Italian and beach bars with all kinds of snacks.
• Local barbecues - “Afra takeaways”, on the street where you mainly encounter meat. It does occasionally cause traveller's diarrhoea.

Can you buy a beer or wine in Gambia, or take it to Gambia?

• Yes, alcohol is legal and can be bought everywhere: supermarkets, bars, resorts.
• You may import a maximum of 1 liter of spirits, 24 cans of beer or 1 liter of wine duty-free upon arrival.

Can you buy a joint or weed in Gambia, or take it with you to Gambia?

• No, cannabis is illegal.
• You will also have to leave your own supply at home.
• Even small amounts or edibles are punishable. There are severe penalties for possession and use.