Gambia

Overview

There are more significant safety or security concerns than you would usually find in New Zealand because of the potential for crime and civil unrest. There are also areas where we advise against non-essential travel due to rebel activity. 

New Zealand has no diplomatic presence in Gambia, so the Government’s ability to provide consular assistance to New Zealanders is limited. 

 Other things that New Zealanders travelling or living in The Gambia should be aware of are: 

• Local travel – there are security checkpoints in and around the capital Banjul and police roadblocks are common. 
• Crime – petty crime such as bag snatching and passport theft happens and is common on isolated beaches and from hotel rooms, ferries and markets. Be aware of scammers. 
• Civil unrest – avoid all demonstrations and large gatherings as even those intended to be peaceful have the potential to turn violent. 

 See below for detailed travel advice.