Safety in Gambia: what overland travellers should know
Our summary of the country advice published by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Viaggiare Sicuri) on 6 July 2026.
Safety
- Crime — Overall security has so far been less troubled than in other countries on the continent. Still, take particular care in busy places, in the capital and around the tourist facilities along the Atlantic coast, where theft and assault are more likely, above all at night.
- Sahel spillover — With the Sahel situation deteriorating, terrorist groups active across the region and a heightened risk of hostile acts against Western citizens and interests, the ministry asks you to keep your guard up throughout the country.
- Rains June to October — Heavy rain brings localised flooding, so take care on rural routes and unpaved roads in that window. Some tracks can become hard to drive or impassable at short notice, and fallen trees or debris can block the way — watch the forecasts, follow what local authorities say and allow more time than the map suggests.
- Power cuts — Local and nationwide blackouts happen and can knock out water supply, communications and other basic services. Be ready for the disruption and follow local media.
- Crowds and isolated spots — Avoid isolated places as well as very crowded ones such as stadiums, concerts and political rallies. Move in a group where you can, and use only qualified operators for trips around the country.
Before you rely on this
This is our summary of advice written by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Italian travellers, published on 6 July 2026. We summarise in good faith, but we cannot guarantee it is accurate, current or complete, and we take no responsibility for decisions made on the basis of it. Rules change without notice and are applied by officials at the border, not by websites. Always read the original source and the travel advice your own government publishes for Gambia before you travel. GuideMeet has no way of checking whether an individual guide meets any standard mentioned here — ask them directly.
Source: Viaggiare Sicuri — Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, updated 6 July 2026. Last checked by GuideMeet on 2026-09-20.