The Gambia2024-02-06T09:30:45+01:00

The Gambia

Travel tips for the Gambia

Top 5 Experiences

A Hidden Gem of golden beaches, picturesque fishing villages and lush coastal reserves embraced by Senegal. Highlights include:

Kololi Beach-Istock_mariusz_prusaczyk

Kololi Beach

Along the Gambian coast, Kololi offers lively beach bars, water sports, and an overall nice atmosphere. Ideal for both relaxation and excitement alike.

Arch22-Istock_HomoCosmicos

Arch 22

Located in the capital, Banjul, Arch 22 stands tall as a symbol of national pride and historical significance. Majestic and iconic, it offers panoramic views of the city and the river.

Bijilo Forest Park-Istock_James Dale

Bijilo Forest Park

Dedicated to conservation efforts, the park is home to various monkeys, birds, and reptiles, providing a unique blend of forest and coastal environments The Gambia is a bird paradise. The country lies on the migration route of numerous migratory birds and is home to more than 500 different tropical bird species.

Tanji Fishing Village-Istock_mariusz_prusaczyk

Tanji Fishing Village

With colourful wooden boats, this bustling fishing community offers a firsthand experience of local coastal traditions.

Kachikally Crocodile Pool-Istock_Thomas Guenther

Kachikally Crocodile Pool

This sacred site, where Nile crocodiles freely roam, is believed to have healing powers. The site also invites visitors to learn more about its cultural importance.

Tourist infrastructure

The main gateway for international travelers to The Gambia is Banjul International Airport. When traveling overland, it is essential to be aware of increased accident risks, especially after dark. While many roads are in poor condition and lacking streetlights, positive options for crossing the Gambia River include a toll bridge between Farafenni and Mansa Konko/Soma since 2019, or a ferry from Banjul to Barra. Bringing your passport is a must for river crossings.

Regarding hotel infrastructure, Gambia offers a range of accommodations catering to diverse preferences and budgets. From budget-friendly options to luxury resorts, visitors can find suitable lodging with various amenities.

Climate and travel season

From November to May, the area experiences a subtropical climate, with temperatures reaching a pleasant high of up to 30 degrees Celsius and low humidity. This period aligns with the dry season, which extends from late October to June and is characterised by minimal rainfall. The rainy season typically occurs from June to October.

Visa and entry

Citizens of Germany, Austria and Switzerland need a passport valid for at least six months and a visa to enter Madagascar. The tourist visa is issued on arrival at all international airports.

Since the regulations can change at any time, all information are non-binding and without guarantee. Please observe the visa regulations and the current information of the Federal Foreign Office / Federal Ministry European and International Affairs / Federal Department of Foreign Affaires at all times.

Impressions from The Gambia

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Stories

Our partners for the Gambia

Visas, Entry, and Updates

Federal Foreign Office ➝

Federal Ministry European and
International Affairs  ➝

Federal Department of
Foreign Affairs ➝

Information of the
Tourism Board ➝

Country Information

Current accessibility

  • Information on entry:

    From November 6, 2021, air traffic between Madagascar and Europe will resume. Thus, the borders of Madagascar will be reopened for tourists and entry via the international airports Antananarivo and Nosy-Be Hell Ville is basically possible if the traveller is arriving from a country on the green list. Entry from a risk area on the red list is not permitted, neither directly nor via transit countries. The countries that have more than 300 corona cases per 100,000 inhabitants per week are noted on the red list. Since this factor is dynamic, the assessment and listing of Germany, Austria and Switzerland can change at any time. In general, entry is only permitted if a negative PCR test result, which must not be older than 72 hours, is presented. Upon arrival, travelers must be tested again at their own expense for around € 25 at the airport. After that, there is an obligation to quarantine in a designated quarantine hotel with arrival in an approved shuttle at one‘s own expense. After receiving the result by SMS, the quarantine can then be ended if the result is negative, this takes about 24-48 hours. A questionnaire to track the journey of the stay in Madagascar must be completed by the traveler when the quarantine is over. The PCR test is also compulsory for domestic flights, and an additional, free quick test is carried out three hours before departure. The rules also apply to those who have been vaccinated.

  • Information on return:

    Since March 30, 2021, all travellers, no matter from which country they are coming and which means of transportation they use, must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, which was completed at least 28 days ago and is maximum 6 months old, before entering the Federal Republic of Germany. The PCR test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. In addition, travellers must register their entry at the entry portal www.einreiseanmeldung.de➝ before arriving in Germany and carry proof of the corresponding registration with them. For stays in high risk areas classified by the RKI➝ there is a 10-day quarantine obligation. The quarantine can solely be prevented when a proof of complete vaccination or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection, which was completed at least 28 days ago and is maximum 6 months old, was submitted on the entry portal. After five days at the earliest, travellers who are not vaccinated or did not recover from a Covid-19 infection can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early. For stays in virus mutation areas a negative PCR-test, which must be performed at the earliest 72 hours before entering, needs to be shown before return and a fourteen-day quarantine must to be entered without possibility to shorten it.

    All travellers older than 12 years, must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection before entering Austria. The PCR-test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. Since January 15, 2021, travellers must register their entry here ➝ („Pre-Travel-Clearance“) before arrival. With the above mentioned certifications a quarantine can be fully prevented when entering from a country classified as safe. The certifications can be handed in 24 hours later if no hotel stay is planned. For vaccinated people arriving from countries not classified as safe or from virus mutations areas the quarantine does not apply neither. Non-vaccinated people however need to present a negative Covid-test or a proof of recovery as well as enter a 10-day quarantine. After five days at the earliest, travellers can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early.

    All air as well as transit passengers who are not fully vaccinated or did not surpass a Covid-19 infection within the past 6 months must register their entry on www.swissplf.admin.ch before or during arrival in Switzerland and need to carry the generated QR-code with them. Air passengers older than 16 years must present a negative PCR or PoC test, a proof of complete vaccination, for instance the digital Covid-Certificate from the EU (Green Pass), or a proof of recovery from a Covid-19 infection before entering. The PCR-test must be performed at the earliest 72 hours and the PoC-test 48 hours before the start of the return journey. Air as well as transit passengers who are not fully vaccinated or did not surpass a Covid-19 infection as well need to enter a 10-day quarantine and present a PCR-test. In addition, they need to inform their corresponding cantonal authority latest within two days after arrival. After seven days at the earliest, travellers can undergo a Covid-19 test. With a subsequent negative result, the quarantine obligation can be ended early. The obligation to test or enter quarantine does not apply to fully vaccinated people who can present a certificate such as the EU Digital Certificate or a Swiss Covid certificate.

Für Einreisende in die Bundesrepublik Deutschland, die sich in den letzten 10 Tagen vor Einreise in einem Risikogebiet aufgehalten haben, besteht seit dem 08. November 2020 die Pflicht, sich unverzüglich in eine zehntägige Quarantäne zu begeben. Darüber hinaus müssen Reisende vor ihrer Ankunft in Deutschland ihre Einreise unter https://www.einreiseanmeldung.de ➝ anmelden und den Nachweis über die entsprechende Anmeldung mit sich führen. Nach frühestens fünf Tagen können sich die Reiserückkehrer Covid-19 Test unterziehen. Mit einem anschließenden Negativergebnis kann die Quarantänepflicht frühzeitig beendet werden.

ACHTUNG: Wer sich in den letzten 10 Tagen vor Einreise in Deutschland in einem Hochinzidenz-Gebiet oder einem Virusvarianten-Gebiet aufgehalten hat, muss bereits bei Einreise einen ärztlichen Nachweis oder ein negatives Testergebnis bei sich tragen und diesen bei Aufforderung der zuständigen Behörden vorlegen können. Der Test darf nicht älter als 48 Stunden vor Einreise sein. Darüber hinaus ist das negative Testergebnis auch vor Antritt der Rückreise dem entsprechenden Beförderer vorzulegen. Sollte es den Einreisenden aus etwaigen Gründen in einem Hochinzidenzgebiet oder einem Virusvarianten-Gebiet nicht möglich sein, sich vor Abreise testen zu lassen, können die entsprechenden Beförderer vor Abreise einen Schnelltest durchführen und bei Negativergebnis die Beförderung vornehmen. Der Beförderer darf den Test maximal 12 Stunden vor Abreise durchführen. Dieser Test muss den Anforderungen des RKI entsprechen: https://www.rki.de/tests ➝

Covid-19

Corona precautionary measures

  • Restrictions in the country:

    In Madagascar, a minimum distance of 1.5 m must be maintained across the country. Moving around with intercity buses and public transport (buses and taxis) in the capital is almost entirely possible again. Shops, restaurants and bars are open to a limited extent, there may not be more than 400 people in one room.

  • Mouth and nose protection:

    Throughout the country, masks are strictly compulsory, both in public areas and in the open air. Violations of the hygiene regulations are subject to heavy fines

  • Hygiene measures in the country:

    The Malagasy government, together with experts from the tourism industry, has created a health program (PDF) that is mandatory for all tourism stakeholders. This program ensures the safety and health of all visitors.

Status: 05.11.2021

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