From: Wally Doerge <76702.1202@compuserve.com> Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Gambia Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Thu, 15 Feb 1996 13:45:31 GMT Organization: The World @ Software Tool & Die Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:955 Path: world!root Message-ID: <960215134530_76702.1202_CHN61-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: root@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 95 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Gambia ============================================================ Gambia - Consular Information Sheet February 13, 1996 Country Description: The Gambia is a developing country in West Africa. Facilities for tourism in Banjul are good, but are limited in availability and quality outside the capital. Entry Requirements: A visa is required. There is also an airport departure tax. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details 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. Overseas inquiries should be made at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate. Areas of Instability: The democratic government of the Gambia was overthrown in a military coup in July 1994. Although a military government now runs the country, elections are scheduled for June 1996. There have been several counter-coup attempts, one of which resulted in a loss of life among Gambian military personnel. Roadblocks or road checkpoints should be approached with caution. Uniformed soldiers and police officers expect their instructions to be heeded. In the event of civil disturbances or fighting among security forces, U.S. citizens may wish to seek shelter and remain indoors. Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are unavailable. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health care services. Travelers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid or accepted outside the United States. The Medicare/Medicaid program does not provide for payment of medical services outside the United States. Travelers have found supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas and medical evacuation coverage to be useful. For additional health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559. Information on Crime: Petty street crime is on the rise. The U.S. Embassy urges visitors driving up country to travel with a recognized travel guide. Travelers should be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help. 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. Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1992, the FAA has found the Government of Gambia's Civil Aviation authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Gambia's air carrier operations. Operations to the U.S. by Gambia's air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have their flights conducted by a carrier from a country meeting international aviation safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1-800-322-7873. Embassy Location/Registration: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy at Kairaba Avenue in Fajara, a suburb of Banjul, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in the Gambia. The Embassy's mailing address is P.M.B. No. 19, Banjul, The Gambia. The telephone numbers are (220) 392856, 392858, or 391971. No. 96-029 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet of November 25, 1994 to revise information on country description, entry requirements, areas of instability and medical facilities. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories