{"metadata":{"generated":{"timestamp":1393624894,"date":"2014-02-28 23:01:34"}},"data":{"country-iso":"GM","advisory-state":1,"has-advisory-warning":0,"has-regional-advisory":0,"has-content":1,"update-metadata":"","eng":{"name":"Gambia, The","url-slug":"gambia-the","friendly-date":"February 19, 2014 12:43 ","advisory-text":"Exercise a high degree of caution","recent-updates":"A minor editorial change was made.","advisories":"
There is no nationwide advisory in effect for The Gambia. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to crime in some parts of the country.<\/p>\n<\/span><\/div>\n
<\/p>","security":"
The decision to travel is your responsibility. You are also responsible for your personal safety abroad. The purpose of this Travel Advice is to provide up-to-date information to enable you to make well-informed decisions.<\/p>\n
You are advised to exercise a high degree of caution in The Gambia. Maintain a high level of security awareness at all times and avoid public gatherings and street demonstrations.<\/p>\n
Petty crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching has increased, particularly in crowded markets and on ferries.<\/p>\n
Theft from vehicles has also increased. Car doors should be locked and car windows closed at all times.<\/p>\n
Be aware of men called “bumsters” who approach tourists and offer to be tour guides. If approached, politely decline.<\/p>\n
Check with local authorities to determine which beaches are safe. Do not bring valuables or large sums of money to the beach. Avoid isolated beaches.<\/p>\n
Police roadblocks are common throughout the country and identity documents may be requested.<\/p>\n
Cases of attempted fraud occur. See our Overseas Fraud<\/a> page for more information on scams abroad.<\/p>\n In the greater Banjul area, main roads are paved but narrow, potholed and poorly lit. Most roads outside the capital are unpaved. Overland travel can be difficult without a four-wheel-drive vehicle, particularly during the rainy season. Avoid driving outside urban areas after dark. Contact the nearest police station if involved in a traffic accident. Stop at all security roadblocks and checkpoints and cooperate with the local authorities.<\/p>\n Be careful when travelling overland to the Casamance region in Senegal, as separatist rebels operate in this area. Travellers have been attacked on roads leading north from Ziguinchor to Banjul and from Bignona to Sedoba, near the Gambian border. You should view the Travel Advice for Senegal before departing.<\/p>\n It is dangerous to cross the Gambia River on wooden pirogues due to overcrowding and the lack of security measures.<\/p>\n Do not show signs of affluence and ensure that personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. You should keep informed of local developments that could affect your safety.<\/p>\n Tourist facilities are limited outside of Banjul.<\/p>\n Consult our Transportation FAQ<\/a> in order to verify if national airlines meet safety standards.<\/p>","entry-exit":" It is the sole prerogative of each country or region to determine who is allowed to enter. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry requirements. The following information on entry and exit requirements has been obtained from the Gambian authorities. However, these requirements are subject to change at any time. It is your responsibility to check with the High Commission for the Republic of The Gambia, based in Washington, D.C. (USA)<\/a>, for up-to-date information.<\/p>\n Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel<\/a> page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.<\/p>\n A valid Canadian passport<\/a> is required for Canadians intending to visit The Gambia. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from that country.<\/p>\n Canadians must be in possession of a visa to visit The Gambia.<\/p>\n Tourist visa: Required Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries or regions do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.<\/p>\n Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. Please consult our Children<\/a> page for more information.<\/p>\n Some countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing entry. Consult the World Health Organization’s country list<\/a> to obtain information on this country’s requirements.<\/p>","health":" Be sure that your routine vaccines<\/a> are up-to-date regardless of your travel destination.<\/p> You may be at risk for these vaccine-preventable diseases while travelling in this country. Talk to your travel health provider about which ones are right for you.<\/p> \n\tHepatitis A<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread by contaminated food or water. All those travelling to regions with a risk of hepatitis A infection should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tHepatitis B<\/a> is a disease of the liver spread through blood or other bodily fluids. Travellers who may be exposed (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment or occupational exposure) should get vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tSeasonal influenza<\/a> occurs worldwide. The flu season usually runs from November to April in the northern hemisphere, between April and October in the southern hemisphere and year round in the tropics. Influenza (flu) is caused by a virus spread from person to person when they cough or sneeze or through personal contact with unwashed hands. Get the flu shot.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tMeasles occurs worldwide but is a common disease in developing countries, particularly in parts of Africa and Asia. Measles<\/a> is a highly contagious disease. Be sure your vaccination against measles is up-to-date regardless of the travel destination. \n\tThis country is in the African Meningitis Belt, an area where there are many cases of meningococcal disease. Meningococcal disease<\/a> (meningitis) is a serious and sometimes fatal infection of the tissue around the brain and the spinal cord. Travellers who may be at high risk should consider getting vaccinated. High-risk travellers include those living or working with the local population (e.g., health care workers), those travelling to crowded areas or taking part in large gatherings, or those travelling for a longer period of time.<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tRabies<\/a> is a disease that attacks the central nervous system spread to humans through a bite, scratch or lick from a rabid animal. Vaccination should be considered for travellers going to areas where rabies exists and who have a high risk of exposure (i.e., close contact with animals, occupational risk, and children).<\/p>\n<\/details> \n\tTyphoid<\/a> is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among travellers going to rural areas, visiting friends and relatives, or with weakened immune systems. Travellers visiting regions with typhoid risk, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation should consider getting vaccinated.<\/p>\n<\/details> Yellow fever is a disease caused by the bite of an infected mosquito.<\/p> Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.<\/p>Road travel<\/h3>\n
Regional Travel<\/h3>\n
General safely information<\/h3>\n
Passport<\/h3>\n
Visas<\/h3>\n
Business visa: Required
Employment permit: Required<\/p>\nSame -sex marriages<\/h3>\n
Children and travel<\/h3>\n
Yellow fever<\/h3>\n
Vaccines<\/summary>
Routine Vaccines<\/h3>
Vaccines to Consider<\/h3>
Hepatitis A<\/summary>
Hepatitis B<\/summary>
Influenza<\/summary>
Measles<\/summary>
\n\t <\/p>\n<\/details>Meningitis<\/summary>
Rabies<\/summary>
Typhoid<\/summary>
Yellow Fever Vaccination<\/h3>