Gambia: U.S. Embassy gives alert to its Citizens

BREAKING NEWS: The U.S. Embassy alerts U.S. citizens that according to a press release by opposition political parties, political rallies are planned in Serrekunda at the Buffer Zone field on Saturday, December 14, from approximately 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. and in Brikama at the Eid Praying Grounds on Sunday, December 15 from approximately 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The U.S. Department of State recommends U.S. citizens avoid demonstrations, political rallies, and spontaneous gatherings. We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational without advance warning. We recommend U.S. citizens avoid Serrekunda and Brikama as possible on Saturday and Sunday. U.S. government personnel are being asked to avoid Serrekunda and Brikama on those dates as well. U.S. citizens in The Gambia should stay current with media coverage of local events and remain aware of their surroundings.

You can stay in touch and receive Embassy updates by checking the U.S. Embassy Banjul website. Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444 for callers from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). You can also stay up to date by bookmarking our Bureau of Consular Affairs website. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook, and download our free Smart Traveler iPhone App to have travel information at your fingertips.


If you are going to live in or travel to The Gambia, please take the time to tell us about your trip by enrolling in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. You should remember to keep all of your information in STEP up to date. It is important during enrollment or updating of information to include your current phone number and current email address where you can be reached in case of an emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Banjul is located at 92 Kairaba Avenue, Fajara. If you have questions or concerns about safety or related issues, you are encouraged to contact the consular section at the Embassy by sending an email message to consularbanjul@state.gov. The Embassy telephone number is +220 439-2856. Business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Friday. For after-hours emergencies, please call Tel: +220 796-2710 and ask to speak to the duty officer.