Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:530
Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories
Path: world!compuserve.COM!76702.1202
From: 76702.1202@compuserve.COM (Wally Doerge)
Subject: ALL:  NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Gambia
Message-ID: <940811150009_76702.1202_CHN67-1@CompuServe.COM>
Sender: daemon@world.std.com (World Mail)
Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die
Distribution: wstd
Date: Thu, 11 Aug 1994 15:00:09 GMT
Approved: usenet@world.std.com
Lines: 72
STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Gambia
============================================================
Gambia - Consular Information Sheet
 August 10, 1994

Country Description:  The Gambia is a developing West African 
nation.  Facilities for tourists, including one five-star hotel, are 
adequate, but those outside the vicinity of the capital city, 
Banjul, may be limited in availability and quality.

Entry Requirements:  A passport and a visa are required.  Evidence 
of yellow fever immunization must be submitted with one's visa 
application.  Travelers can obtain additional entry information from 
the Embassy of the Gambia, Suite 1000, 1155 15th Street, N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20005, telephone (202) 785-1399 and 1359; or from 
the Permanent Mission of the Gambia to the U.N. at 820 Second 
Avenue, Suite 900-C, New York, N.Y. 10017, telephone (212) 949-6640.

Areas of Instability:  In July 1994, the Gambia experienced its 
first coup since independence.  The situation is, as yet, 
unsettled--particularly in Banjul, the capital, and Kombo Saint Mary 
division, including Bakau, Fajara, Serrekunda, Yundum and areas near 
the airport.

U.S. citizens should approach army positions with caution, 
especially roadblocks and road checkpoints, and obey instructions 
given by soldiers or police officers.  The traffic control point on 
Atlantic Road, near the Tactical Security Group headquarters (the 
former gendarmerie), should be avoided.  A curfew, which is subject 
to change, is currently from midnight to 6 a.m.  U.S. citizens who 
undertake night-time travel prior to the curfew may wish to keep 
trips to the absolute minimum.

Medical Facilities:  Medical facilities are limited.  Some 
medicines are unavailable.  Doctors and hospitals often expect 
immediate cash payment for health care services.  U.S. medical 
insurance is not always valid outside the United States.  
Supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage has 
proved to be useful.  Information on health matters can be obtained 
>from the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers 
hotline, telephone (404) 332-4559.

Information on Crime:  Street crime is common, including 
pickpocketing and mugging.  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. 
passport should be reported immediately to local police and to the 
nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  The pamphlets, "A Safe Trip 
Abroad" and "Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa" provide 
useful information on protecting personal security while traveling 
abroad and on travel in the region in general.  Both are available 
>from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing 
Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the 
country in which they are traveling.  Penalties for possession, use 
or trafficking in illegal drugs are strictly enforced.  Convicted 
offenders can expect jail sentences and fines.

Registration:  U.S. citizens who register at the U.S. Embassy in 
Banjul may obtain updated information on travel and security in the 
Gambia.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy is located on Kasiraba Avenue 
in Fajara, a suburb of the capital city of Banjul.  The mailing 
address is P.M.B. No. 19, Banjul, The Gambia.  The telephone numbers 
are (220) 92856, 92858, 91970 or 91971.

No. 94-154

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 22, 1994, 
to remove the Travel Warning and add information on Areas of 
Instability.