Gambia Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Gambia
US State Department Travel Advisory
Exercise Increased Caution
Updated January 16, 2026
Detailed homicide statistics are not currently available for Gambia. For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Gambia at Level 2 of 4: Exercise Increased Caution.
Homicide Rate
N/A
Safety Rank
N/A
Travel Advisory
Level 2 of 4
Data Year
N/A
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Gambia:
Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime , unrest , and inadequate health infrastructure . Crime Petty street crime and home burglaries happen often in The Gambia. This is most common in the Banjul area and tourist spots. Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark. Unrest A separatist rebel group operates in the Casamance region of southern Senegal. There has been sporadic fighting along The Gambia’s southern border in the recent past.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Gambia
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 29, 2026).
Crime
Petty street crime is common. Beware of pickpocketing, purse/bag-snatching, phone-snatching, and theft from vehicles. These crimes occur on ferries, on the beach, in markets and other commercial areas, and in hotels. Ensure that your travel documents, luggage, and valuable items are secure. Beware of “bumsters” - local men who approach tourists, particularly on beaches and tourist zones, offering help, to act as local guides or to enter into a relationship. They will often demand payment for their services, even if no agreement has been made. Be polite but firm in turning down unwanted help or attempts at conversation. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark. Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Drive with doors locked and windows closed or rolled up enough at all times to prevent theft while stopped in traffic.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly become violent. Avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories. International Financial Scams : See the Department of State and the FBI pages for information.
Relationship fraud/scams
Internet and in-person friendship, romance and financial scams are prevalent in The Gambia. Scams are often initiated through Internet postings/profiles or by unsolicited emails, letters, WhatApp, texts, and/or contact initiated in person. Scammers sometimes pose as U.S. citizens who have no one else to turn to for help, others ask for assistance to help them and family members in need. They request financial assistance from victims to help pay for potentially fraudulent or potentially partially valid claims, such as for urgent medical treatment, school fees for numerous relatives, rent payments, car repair, payment of exit taxes, or government fines. Do not send money to anyone you have not met in person and whose situation you cannot independently verify.
Business fraud/scams
The U.S. Embassy receives reports of scams in which U.S. businesses sent payment, but did not receive shipments. Be suspicious of any unsolicited offers to participate in lucrative business opportunities, especially if they require financial disclosures, money transfers, large up-front investments, or promises of confidentiality. Carefully scrutinize all proposals before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel.
Victims of Crime
U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in addition to Gambian police. Sexual assaults by relatives are often seen by police as family matters outside their jurisdiction and they may not investigate. Report crimes to the local police at 117 for police assistance or ambulatory services, and 118 for fire and contact the U.S. Embassy at +(220) 439-2856. The Gambian Police Force operates a 24 hour emergency line at (220) 422-4914. Please be advised that emergency responders may lack fuel for vehicles or face other resource challenges. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . We can: Provide information regarding options for local medical care; The Gambia has an austere medical environment.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
Outside of primary tourist areas in the immediate capital region, formal tourism industry infrastructure is minimal or nonexistent. The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Tourists are considered to be participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is moderate to minimal in the immediate capital region, and limited to unavailable in much of the rest of the country. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. U.S.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Gambia Population & Demographics
Population of 2,759,988, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gambia safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Gambia at Level 2 of 4 (Exercise Increased Caution). Cited risks include crime, health.
What is the crime rate in Gambia?
Reliable homicide statistics are not currently available for Gambia.
What is the US travel advisory level for Gambia?
Gambia is currently at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).