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West Africa

πŸ‡¬πŸ‡² Vaccines for The Gambia

Entry requirements & recommendations for travel to The Gambia

The Gambia requires Yellow Fever vaccination for entry β€” a firm requirement. Malaria risk exists throughout the country, particularly high during and after the rainy season (roughly July to October), making antimalarial medication recommended for visits during this period especially. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Hepatitis B are also recommended. The Gambia is a small country entirely surrounded by Senegal except for its Atlantic coastline, and has been a popular winter sun destination for British tourists particularly, with a well-established package holiday market around resorts near Banjul. Healthcare in resort areas and Banjul is adequate for routine tourist needs; rural up-country areas have more limited facilities.

Medical disclaimer: This is general information only β€” not personal medical advice. Requirements and risks change. Always consult a qualified travel health clinic before departure.
Yellow Fever
Certificate required for entry.
πŸ’‰ 1 dose (lifetime)
πŸ“… Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚑ Effective: 10 days after vaccination. Certificate valid for life.
πŸ›‘ Protects for: Lifetime (single dose).
Required for entry
Hepatitis A
Food and water contamination.
πŸ’‰ 2 doses
πŸ“… Book at least 4 weeks before travel
⚑ Effective: 2 weeks after 1st dose. Full protection after 2nd dose (6–12 months later).
πŸ›‘ Protects for: 1st dose ~1 yr. 2nd dose: lifetime.
Recommended
Typhoid
Contaminated food and water.
πŸ’‰ 1 dose
πŸ“… Book at least 3 weeks before travel
⚑ Effective: 2 weeks after vaccination.
πŸ›‘ Protects for: 3–5 years. Booster recommended if re-exposure.
Recommended
Hepatitis B
Blood and sexual contact.
πŸ’‰ 3 doses
πŸ“… Book at least 26 weeks before travel
⚑ Effective: After full 3-dose course. Accelerated 3-week schedule available β€” ask your clinic.
πŸ›‘ Protects for: Lifetime after full course.
Recommended
  • ⚠Malaria (high risk, especially July–October)
  • ⚠Yellow Fever
  • ⚠Schistosomiasis
Required vaccines
~€74
(~$81)
per person Β· full courses
Yellow Fever (1 dose)€74 ($81)
Recommended vaccines
~€438
(~$478)
per person Β· full courses
Hepatitis A (2 doses)€140 ($152)
Typhoid (1 dose)€45 ($49)
Hepatitis B (3 doses)€189 ($207)
Malaria tablets (4 weeks) (1 dose)€64 ($70)

πŸ’‘ Approximate figures based on private European travel clinic rates (April 2026). Actual costs vary by clinic and country. Not all recommended vaccines will apply to every trip β€” discuss your specific itinerary with a travel health clinic.

NigeriaGhanaSenegalCΓ΄te d'Ivoire
Do I need Yellow Fever vaccine for the Gambia?
Yes, this is a firm requirement for entry to The Gambia for all travellers, and proof of vaccination is checked. The certificate must be at least 10 days old before arrival.
Do I need malaria tablets for the Gambia?
Yes, recommended for any visit, with risk particularly high during and after the rainy season (roughly July to October). Even for resort-based holidays, antimalarial medication is the standard recommendation given malaria's presence throughout the country.
What other vaccines are needed for the Gambia?
Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Hepatitis B are all recommended alongside the mandatory Yellow Fever vaccination and recommended malaria prophylaxis. The Gambia's well-established package holiday infrastructure doesn't change the underlying infectious disease profile, which is typical for West Africa.
Is tap water safe in the Gambia?
No. Tap water in The Gambia, including in resort areas, is not safe to drink. Use bottled water throughout your stay, though most resorts provide this as standard.