A popular winter sun destination, but one with high malaria risk and yellow fever. Both need planning before you go.
Vaccines for The Gambia
Book this week to give your vaccines time to work.
Some courses can be speeded up. A yellow fever certificate becomes valid 10 days after your vaccine.
Advised for most travellers
Advised for some travellers, depending on your trip
TuberculosisTB (BCG) vaccine is advised for unvaccinated children under 16 who will live in the country for more than 3 months, and for some health workers. It is not given in pharmacy; ask your GP.
MeaslesMeasles risk is higher than in the UK. Check you have had two doses of MMR, which is free from your GP.
These are suggestions only and may differ from what our expert clinician advises at your consultation.
Entry rules
A yellow fever certificate is required for travellers aged 9 months or over arriving from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, including those who have spent more than 12 hours in transit through an airport in such a country.
Not required for entry if you fly direct from the UK, but the vaccine is still recommended for your own protection.
Malaria
High risk. Tablets are recommended.
High risk throughout The Gambia, including the coastal resorts: atovaquone with proguanil, doxycycline or mefloquine is recommended.
Other health risks
Schistosomiasis
Present in fresh water. Avoid swimming or wading in rivers.
Zika
Not reported in The Gambia, but it borders countries with a known risk, so risk cannot be ruled out.
More than one country?
Add each country when you book and we’ll plan for the whole route.
Summarised from NaTHNaC TravelHealthPro, checked 10 November 2026. Advice can change, so we check it again at your appointment.
Can’t see your destination? We still cover it.
We show some of our most popular destinations here, but we give travel vaccine advice for wherever you’re going. Tell us your route when you book, or give us a call.