This is the only Port of Entry for The Gambia.

Clearing into Banjul:

It is recommended to arrive here during weekdays when all the offices are open for Clearance.
The check-in process is reported to be hot and complicated but very interesting.  Cruisers should arrive with some flexibility in their expectations regarding cost and efficiency.

See the Formalities page for full details on the clearance process and the order in which you must visit the offices etc.

If anchoring, be sure to take all the crew ashore with you. It’s unlikely the officials will be interested in inspecting your boat if a dinghy-ride is required. You will be met by Immigration officials (in yellow vests) who will take you to the Immigration office which is the first stop.

• Location of Immigration: in the harbor on the left as you come over the bridge from the wharf.
• Location of Customs: when you come from the pontoon turn left after the first building and follow that road for approx. 500m. Customs is the last white building on the left.
• Location of the Port Authority: big blue building in the middle of the harbor – the office is on the fourth floor, through the second entrance.

Money for clearance can be obtained in the town. From the pontoon, walk through the harbor and go out of the main gate. Turn right and follow this road in to the town centre to the police station. There is a bank just opposite.

The Gambia Yachting Association acts as an agent for visiting yachts and may approach yachts on arrival to offer their services with clearance formalities. If using them, a fee should be agreed in advance.

Clearing out of Banjul:

It is not necessary to have your yacht anchored off Banjul port to clear out. It is possible to take your documents by road from Lamin Lodge, for example. Cruisers who visited in November 2021 reported paying a 500 Dalassi fee for the “Entry Outward of Vessel” document from Customs, though no receipt was provided.

Last updated:  January 2022

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