Difference between revisions of "Gambia"

From WikiOverland, the encyclopedia of Overland travel
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Bot: Automated text replacement (-\{\{metadata_country\}\} \[\[Category:Country\]\] \{\{pricecontrol_country\}\}((.|\n)*)=Entering \{\{PAGENAME\}\} with a Car or Motorbike= +{{metadata_country}} Category:Country {{pricecontrol_country}} =Visiting...)
m (Improved Formatting of Private Driver List)
 
(74 intermediate revisions by 30 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
  
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Visiting {{PAGENAME}}=
''Give a brief overview of what it's like to visit. How easy is the border, how safe is the country, are there great things to see and do, etc.''
+
Gambia is a beautiful country full of wild places and friendly people. It is well worth a visit.
  
=Entering {{PAGENAME}} with a Car or Motorbike=
+
==Travel Visa for {{PAGENAME}}==
'''Correct as of: <span style="color:red">(date last confirmed correct)</span>'''
+
Very few nationalities require a visa for Gambia, and those that do can get one at the border. Show up and you'll either get in for free, or you can buy a visa at the border.
  
==Required Paperwork==
+
==Required Paperwork==  
''List the paperwork required to enter with a vehicle, including number of copies''
+
* Passport of registered owner.
 +
* [[Drivers license]] of registered owner.
 +
* Original [[vehicle registration]].
 +
* Proof of [[vehicle insurance]].
 +
(no copies are required)
  
 
==Process at border==
 
==Process at border==
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration - NOTE if you require a visa you can get it at the border. The list of countries that require a visa is constantly changing. <br/>
{{visa_country}}
+
Customs will issue a Temporary Import Permit for the vehicle.
''Briefly describe the process at the border to enter with a vehicle''
+
  
 
==Cost of entry==
 
==Cost of entry==
''State the cost for a vehicle to enter''
+
When arriving at the airport and when leaving through the airport everybody as to pay either <price cost="1000" currency="GMD" /> or <price cost="20" currency="EUR" /> or <price cost="20" currency="USD" /> . You should pay in Gambian Dalasi (GMD) since 1,000 Dalasi is a about 14 euros.
  
 
==Permitted length of stay==
 
==Permitted length of stay==
''State the permitted length of entry for the vehicle''
+
The same length of time as your visa, usually 21-28 days, but also a month or longer is easy to obtain.
  
 
==Extension of stay==
 
==Extension of stay==
''Describe the process to extend the permitted length of entry for the vehicle, if possible.''
+
Unknown
  
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
 
==Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country==
''Describe if/how a vehicle can be stored, and for how long.'' <br />
+
 
''Also mention if the owner / temporary importer can leave the country while the vehicle is in storage.''
+
Customs at the borders with Senegal will not stamp the vehicle in your passport. No issue to leave the country without the vehicle. When your Temporary Import Permit is expired upon return, it is possible to obtain a new one by paying a fee.
  
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
 
==Exiting with a vehicle==
''Describe the paperwork requirements and process at the border to exit.''
+
Hand the Temporary Import Permit to customs, get yourself stamped out at immigration.
  
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=
+
=Driving in {{PAGENAME}}=  
==Insurance requirements==
+
==Recommended books for Overlanding in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Yes or No if insurance is mandatory, and what kind is acceptable.''
+
{{guide_books_country}}
  
==Cost of insurance==
+
==Travel insurance for {{PAGENAME}}==
''State the price of insurance and a time period.''
+
{{Travel insurance country}}
  
==Where to purchase insurance==
+
==Vehicle insurance requirements==
''Describe where insurance can be purchased.''
+
You must have Insurance to drive in Gambia, and will probably be asked for it. <br/>
 +
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brune'CEDEAO insurance which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost
 +
 
 +
==Cost of vehicle insurance==
 +
Insurance for multiple countries in West Africa (Carte Brune) was around <price cost="200" currency="EUR" /> for 6 months for a newer 4x4. Older vehicles will be cheaper.
 +
 
 +
==Where to purchase vehicle insurance==
 +
At the border is possible, or in Nouakchott, [[Mauritania]] or Dakar, [[Senegal]] for the Carte Brune
  
 
==Driving license==
 
==Driving license==
''State the kind of driving licenses required. i.e. International Driving Permit.''
+
The license from your home country seems good enough for a maximum of 3 months stay.
  
 
==Driving side of road==
 
==Driving side of road==
''State the side of the road to drive on. i.e. Left or Right.<br />
+
Drive on the Right. <br/>
(also state if a vehicle with a steering wheel on the opposite side can be legally driven)''
+
RHD tourist-vehicles are permitted without problem for a temporary stay,
 +
for permanent import they need to be converted to lhd within max. 3 months.
  
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
 
==Mandatory items in vehicle==
''State any mandatory items that must be carried in the vehicle.
+
* 2x Safety Triangle
(i.e. safety triangle, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, etc.)''
+
* First Aid Box
 +
* Fire Extinguisher (that is not expired and is charged)
 +
 
 
==Roads==
 
==Roads==
 
===General Road quality===
 
===General Road quality===
''Give a brief description of the general road quality. Mention if one way streets are common.''
+
The main "North" highway running East to West is very good, the one on the South bank is under construction in 2016. <br/>
 +
Many other roads are gravel, but in good shape.
  
 
===Road signs===
 
===Road signs===
''Briefly describe the overall quality & existence of road signs for directions and hazards.''
+
Road signs are present on the highway, and usually good.
  
 
===Toll roads===
 
===Toll roads===
''List the frequency and approximate price of toll roads.''
+
There are no toll roads in Gambia, but crossing the ferries can be expensive (see below)
  
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==Bribery in {{PAGENAME}}==
''Briefly describe how common bribery is and whether it should be expected, and the best way to deal with it.''
+
Bribery can happen in Gambia, more than likely you will just be asked for a gift, which you can just smile away, or give a business card or something. <br/>
 +
See the [[bribery tips]] page for advice.
  
 
==Checkpoints==
 
==Checkpoints==
''describe the frequency of checkpoints (police or military and what to expect.''
+
Police / Military checkpoints are not anymore extremely frequent in Gambia as in Jammehs time( before jan.2017). Most are very friendly, and more than likely the officers will just want to shake your hand and meet you.
  
 
==Traveling with pets==
 
==Traveling with pets==
''List the entry requirements and anything else required to travel with a pet.''
+
Unknown.
  
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Gas price in {{PAGENAME}} and Diesel price in {{PAGENAME}}=
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red">(last updated date)</span>'''<br />
+
'''Last updated: <span style="color:red"> May 2022</span>'''<br />
  
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
 
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
Line 83: Line 98:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Unleaded
 
| Unleaded
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="69.52" currency="GMD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Diesel
 
| Diesel
| <price cost="0.00" currency="USD" unit="galUS" />
+
| <price cost="64.78" currency="GMD" unit="liter" />
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
 
==Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency==
''Briefly describe if gas shortages are known to occur.'' <br/>
+
Shortages do not seem to common but happen, mostly dieselproblems, all stations have gas and diesel. <br/>
''Also state the approximate average distance between gas stations. This is a very rough estimate.''
+
All towns have a station, distances are not large.
  
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
 
==Gas and Diesel Quality==
''Discuss if gasoline / diesel considered "clean" or "dirty", and generally high or low quality.''<br />
+
Gasoline seemed to be of good quality. <br/>
''State the sulfur content of diesel, if known.''
+
Sulfur content of Diesel is unknown.
  
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
=Safety and Security Considerations=
 
==Driving at night==
 
==Driving at night==
''Discuss driving at night and if it should it be avoided. Mention why.''
+
Driving at night should be avoided due to road hazards and vehicles with no lights.
  
 
==Vehicle parking==
 
==Vehicle parking==
''Discuss if vehicles can be parked on the street, if they are considered "safe" at night.''
+
Parking on the street during the day seems fine, maybe not in Banjul. Secure parking overnight is recommended.
''If vehicles can not be parked on the street, list the other options that exist.''
+
  
 
==Special driving considerations==
 
==Special driving considerations==
''A List of special things to be careful of (i.e. Unsigned speed bumps, abnormal road rules, people or animals on the road, etc.).'' <br/>
+
Animals on the road is very common, roads in the center of Banjul are extremely poor - watch out for massive potholes, cracks, etc.
''List any roads that are not recommended to drive for safety or other security reasons.''
+
 
 +
==Booking a Private Driver==
 +
You should book a private Driver, that knows the area. This is usually safer than driving yourself.<br/>
 +
List of Private Drivers:
 +
* [https://softoft.github.io/gibsDriving/ Gibs Gambia Driving]
  
 
==Security advisories and information==
 
==Security advisories and information==
Line 115: Line 133:
  
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
 
=Camping in {{PAGENAME}}=
''Describe if organized "pay" camping is common. List the facilities commonly found at these campsites.''<br />
+
 
''List the approximate average price range of camping in organized campgrounds.'' <br />
+
Camping is common enough in Gambia, most towns have a hotel type place you can camp, usually costing around <price cost="200" currency="GMD" /> for two people per night in a 4x4. Ask first, you might be able to negotiate camping free if you eat in the restaurant of the hotel. <br/>
''Also discuss the possibility of "wild" or "roadside" camping. How common is it? Is it considered safe, or a bad idea.''
+
Wild camping is very possible and seems safe enough - ask in the village first if you are close enough to be seen.
 +
 
 +
See also http://www.camping-gambia.de/english.htm.
  
 
==Camping guide books==
 
==Camping guide books==
''List and link to books specifically for camping.''
+
Unknown.
  
 
==Drinking water==
 
==Drinking water==
''Describe if the regular tap water is safe to drink.''
+
Tap water should be filtered before drinking, otherwise buy water.
''If not, describe where safe water can be purchased and the approximate average price range.''
+
  
 
=Navigation=
 
=Navigation=
 
==Paper maps==
 
==Paper maps==
''Description of the best paper maps and where to purchase them.''
+
Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in {{PAGENAME}}
 +
{{paper_maps_country}}
  
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS Maps of {{PAGENAME}}==
''Review different GPS companies, quality and coverage (Tomtom, Garmin, OSM, Tracks4Africa).''
+
* [http://garmin.openstreetmap.nl/ Garmin Open Street Maps] has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
''(with links to each).''
+
* Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
 +
<al imageurl=http://www.tracks4africa.ch/images/stories/virtuemart/product/resized/t4a_1405_sd_200x200.jpg nolocalize=true>0986987662</al>
  
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 
==GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in {{PAGENAME}}==
 +
* [http://ioverlander.com/ iOverlander] is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.
 
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
 
''Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.''
  
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
 
=Special Overland Travel interests=
''List any special items / places that are popular with Overlanders''
+
* ''Crossing the Barra - Banjul Ferry:'' since july 2017 there is a brandnew ferry( constructed in the Netherlands ) at service, it is fast and can take much more vehicles,
 
+
waiting time depends, as there is also an old (slow) ferry running.
==Travel Guide Books==
+
you need to pay in foreign currency for the vehicle, most preferable cfa or euro. ticket for private car is officially 500,- dalasi. [ http://foroyaa.gm/gpa-increases-tariff-on-river-crossing/ ]
<!-- Do not alter the following line. Include it as is. -->
+
but foreign registered vehicles need to pay the ticket in foreign currency.they demand 7000 CFA for a private car.
{{guide_books_country}}
+
again now one need to buy the ticket for any vehicle already at the weight bridge sales point in essau,few  km before you arrive at barra!
''List good travel guide books (not necessarily Overland related.''
+
  
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=
 
=Vehicle Maintenance=

Latest revision as of 05:08, 21 March 2024


Currency to display:

Visiting Gambia[edit]

Gambia is a beautiful country full of wild places and friendly people. It is well worth a visit.

Travel Visa for Gambia[edit]

Very few nationalities require a visa for Gambia, and those that do can get one at the border. Show up and you'll either get in for free, or you can buy a visa at the border.

Required Paperwork[edit]

(no copies are required)

Process at border[edit]

The owner of the vehicle gains entry at immigration - NOTE if you require a visa you can get it at the border. The list of countries that require a visa is constantly changing.
Customs will issue a Temporary Import Permit for the vehicle.

Cost of entry[edit]

When arriving at the airport and when leaving through the airport everybody as to pay either D1,000.00 GMD or €20.00 EUR or $20.00 USD . You should pay in Gambian Dalasi (GMD) since 1,000 Dalasi is a about 14 euros.

Permitted length of stay[edit]

The same length of time as your visa, usually 21-28 days, but also a month or longer is easy to obtain.

Extension of stay[edit]

Unknown

Storing a vehicle and temporarily leaving the country[edit]

Customs at the borders with Senegal will not stamp the vehicle in your passport. No issue to leave the country without the vehicle. When your Temporary Import Permit is expired upon return, it is possible to obtain a new one by paying a fee.

Exiting with a vehicle[edit]

Hand the Temporary Import Permit to customs, get yourself stamped out at immigration.

Driving in Gambia[edit]

Recommended books for Overlanding in Gambia[edit]

Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
Overland Travel Essentials: West Africa: Myths, Miscon...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Lonely Planet The Gambia & Senegal (multi Country Trav...
Lonely Planet The Gambia & Senegal (multi Country Trav...
by Katharina Kane
From $63.57 on Amazon
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
Work Less To Live Your Dreams: A Practical Guide To Sa...
by Dan Grec
From $click on Amazon
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
Overlanders' Handbook: Worldwide Route And Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $22.49 on Amazon
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
Adventure Motorcycling Handbook: A Route & Planning Gu...
by Chris Scott
From $click on Amazon

Travel insurance for Gambia[edit]

World Nomads offer the most flexible Travel Insurance at the best prices for multi-country / multi-year trips. You can buy, extend and claim online, even after you've left home.

Vehicle insurance requirements[edit]

You must have Insurance to drive in Gambia, and will probably be asked for it.
If you travel through more west African countries get a 'Carte Brune'CEDEAO insurance which is valid in most west African countries at no extra cost

Cost of vehicle insurance[edit]

Insurance for multiple countries in West Africa (Carte Brune) was around €200.00 EUR for 6 months for a newer 4x4. Older vehicles will be cheaper.

Where to purchase vehicle insurance[edit]

At the border is possible, or in Nouakchott, Mauritania or Dakar, Senegal for the Carte Brune

Driving license[edit]

The license from your home country seems good enough for a maximum of 3 months stay.

Driving side of road[edit]

Drive on the Right.
RHD tourist-vehicles are permitted without problem for a temporary stay, for permanent import they need to be converted to lhd within max. 3 months.

Mandatory items in vehicle[edit]

  • 2x Safety Triangle
  • First Aid Box
  • Fire Extinguisher (that is not expired and is charged)

Roads[edit]

General Road quality[edit]

The main "North" highway running East to West is very good, the one on the South bank is under construction in 2016.
Many other roads are gravel, but in good shape.

Road signs[edit]

Road signs are present on the highway, and usually good.

Toll roads[edit]

There are no toll roads in Gambia, but crossing the ferries can be expensive (see below)

Bribery in Gambia[edit]

Bribery can happen in Gambia, more than likely you will just be asked for a gift, which you can just smile away, or give a business card or something.
See the bribery tips page for advice.

Checkpoints[edit]

Police / Military checkpoints are not anymore extremely frequent in Gambia as in Jammehs time( before jan.2017). Most are very friendly, and more than likely the officers will just want to shake your hand and meet you.

Traveling with pets[edit]

Unknown.

Gas price in Gambia and Diesel price in Gambia[edit]

Last updated: May 2022

Currency and unit to display:

Gasoline Grade Price
Unleaded D69.52 GMD per Liter
Diesel D64.78 GMD per Liter

Gas and Diesel Availability / Frequency[edit]

Shortages do not seem to common but happen, mostly dieselproblems, all stations have gas and diesel.
All towns have a station, distances are not large.

Gas and Diesel Quality[edit]

Gasoline seemed to be of good quality.
Sulfur content of Diesel is unknown.

Safety and Security Considerations[edit]

Driving at night[edit]

Driving at night should be avoided due to road hazards and vehicles with no lights.

Vehicle parking[edit]

Parking on the street during the day seems fine, maybe not in Banjul. Secure parking overnight is recommended.

Special driving considerations[edit]

Animals on the road is very common, roads in the center of Banjul are extremely poor - watch out for massive potholes, cracks, etc.

Booking a Private Driver[edit]

You should book a private Driver, that knows the area. This is usually safer than driving yourself.
List of Private Drivers:

Security advisories and information[edit]

Camping in Gambia[edit]

Camping is common enough in Gambia, most towns have a hotel type place you can camp, usually costing around D200.00 GMD for two people per night in a 4x4. Ask first, you might be able to negotiate camping free if you eat in the restaurant of the hotel.
Wild camping is very possible and seems safe enough - ask in the village first if you are close enough to be seen.

See also http://www.camping-gambia.de/english.htm.

Camping guide books[edit]

Unknown.

Drinking water[edit]

Tap water should be filtered before drinking, otherwise buy water.

Navigation[edit]

Paper maps[edit]

Reise Know-How are among the best paper maps. Purchase paper maps before arriving in Gambia

Senegal & Gambia 1:550,000 Travel Map, Waterproof, Gps...
Senegal & Gambia 1:550,000 Travel Map, Waterproof, Gps...
by Reise Knowhow
From $12.95 on Amazon
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
Nonfiction Reading And Writing Workshop Springboard: A...
by National Geographic Learning
From $14.95 on Amazon
Senegal 1:740,000 & Gambia 1:340,000 Travel Map (inter...
Senegal 1:740,000 & Gambia 1:340,000 Travel Map (inter...
by ITM Canada
From $8.21 on Amazon
Gambia Is Where The Heart Is: Country Flag A5 Notebook...
Gambia Is Where The Heart Is: Country Flag A5 Notebook...
by Travel Journal Publishers
From $7.99 on Amazon

GPS Maps of Gambia[edit]

  • Garmin Open Street Maps has excellent coverage of all roads - highways and cities.
  • Tracks4Africa is an SD Card for Garmin GPS, and contain Routable turn-by-turn maps with 809,000 kms of roads and over 129,000 points of interest.
Gps Map Of Africa
Gps Map Of Africa
From $click on Amazon

GPS co-ordinates for camping, propane, gas, repairs, etc. in Gambia[edit]

  • iOverlander is a website and iPhone application designed by Overlanders, for Overlanders. It contains GPS co-ordinates and reviews for camping, hotels, propane, water, mechanics, borders and much more.

Link to sites that have a list of GPS co-ordinates (or directions) for camping locations (including "wild" campsites), propane filling, gas stations, repair shops, places of interest, etc.

Special Overland Travel interests[edit]

  • Crossing the Barra - Banjul Ferry: since july 2017 there is a brandnew ferry( constructed in the Netherlands ) at service, it is fast and can take much more vehicles,

waiting time depends, as there is also an old (slow) ferry running. you need to pay in foreign currency for the vehicle, most preferable cfa or euro. ticket for private car is officially 500,- dalasi. [ http://foroyaa.gm/gpa-increases-tariff-on-river-crossing/ ] but foreign registered vehicles need to pay the ticket in foreign currency.they demand 7000 CFA for a private car. again now one need to buy the ticket for any vehicle already at the weight bridge sales point in essau,few km before you arrive at barra!

Vehicle Maintenance[edit]

Dealers[edit]

4x4s / Trucks

Motorbikes

Local Garages[edit]

Add known good mechanics here.

Buy or sell a car or motorbike in Gambia[edit]

Buy
Describe how a foreigner can buy a vehicle. List any difficulties or limitations on where the vehicle can be driven.

Sell
Describe how a foreigner can sell a foreign-plated vehicle, or list not possible.'

References[edit]

Links to the source of any information - blogs or discussion forums, etc.


Helpful External links[edit]

Add any helpful external links here.