ARRIVAL FORMALITIES FOR THE GAMBIA

An agent is not mandatory in The Gambia, however, costs are very reasonable and you will find it makes clearance much simpler.

General Process:

Report your arrival to Banjul Port Control on VHF Channel 16.  Pass the big fishing jetty and anchor near the wreck.  Moor your dinghy at the small jetty.

All official offices will need to be visited with all the crew in the following order –  Immigration, Health, Immigration again, followed by Customs and then the Port Authority. Various forms will need to be filled in, lists of crew and stores compiled etc. (see Banjul for location of offices and specific port clearance information).

Officials are reported to be very friendly, allow about four hours for the formalities to be completed.  A small present (cigarettes, lipstick, milk powder, old shoes, children’s coloring supplies etc.) or a small amount of cash may be proffered to show your gratitude.

Both Customs and Immigration may want to inspect the boat, although if you anchor it’s unlikely they will want to if a dinghy ride is required.

Immigration: Citizens of most countries get a 28 day visa on arrival. Others, including the USA, will need a visa that can be issued on arrival. Prices for visas on arrival may well be negotiable. See Immigration for more details. Once you have received clearance from Health officials you will be issued with the appropriate visa.

Health: Officials will want to see vaccination booklets for all crew.  You need to be cleared by Health officials to return to Immigration to continue the clearing in process.

Customs: Here there are forms to be filled in and stamped by three different offices.   To get to the second location you need a “safety vest” which can be rented for 25 Dalassi next to the Customs office gate.  Ensure that you have a signed and stamped form with you at the end of the process.  Customs officers may ask to make an on board visit, however, this may or may not happen, particularly if a ride in a small dinghy is required.  Cruisers report that no specifics were asked about items brought into the country.

Port Authority: (Blue Building – 4th Floor – explain at reception where you are going)  The Port Authority will issue you with The Gambia Ports Authority Boarding Form for yachts.  Pay and get a receipt.  You will be asked how long you intend to stay and this will be noted on the form. See Fees.

Domestic Cruising in The Gambia:

The Gambia Ports Authority Boarding Form for yachts is needed for going up-river.

Notes:

• Don’t expect the offices to have paper available. Take plenty of paper and pens with you.
• Contrary to what you might be told, offices are not open seven days a week. Try and arrange to arrive on a weekday.
• The fees charged will probably depend on the official you see. It is also possible that no change will be given, nor a receipt issued. Yachts have reported paying fees ranging from $25 to $150 with some of the smaller yachts paying more than the bigger ones. How you present yourself may also affect the fee you are charged. Small gifts (i.e. chocolates, cigarettes, lipsticks) are appreciated and may smooth the way.
• The yacht may or may not be inspected.

Last updated:  February 2024

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