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

To take or not to take to Gambia, leave at home or arrange locally?

Sufficiently insured or not for your activities in Gambia?

Sufficiently insured or not for your trip to Gambia

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.