Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:575 Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Path: world!daemon From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: ALL: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Gambia Message-ID: <940908160857_76702.1202_CHN46-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: daemon@world.std.com (daemons) Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Distribution: wstd Date: Thu, 8 Sep 1994 16:08:57 GMT Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 79 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - GambiA ============================================================ Gambia - Consular Information Sheet September 7, 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. Civil Aviation Oversight: In August 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration assessed Gambia's civil aviation authority as not in compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards. Typically, the same level of safety oversight is applied to operations to other destinations. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. 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. 94-207 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 10, 1994 to add the paragraph on aviation oversight.