Gambia Healthcare System Guide
How the healthcare system works in Gambia — emergency numbers, GP access, vaccines, insurance and medical costs for visitors and expats.
Healthcare system overview
The Gambia is Africa's smallest mainland country with limited but accessible healthcare in the Greater Banjul Area. Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH) is the main referral hospital. Medical Research Council (MRC) Unit run by London School of Hygiene provides excellent care for specific conditions. Private clinics in tourist areas (Kololi, Kotu) cater to visitors. Up-country healthcare is very basic. Malaria is endemic.
System type: Basic public system. A few private clinics in Banjul area.
Emergency numbers & response
Dial: 116 or 118 (fire)
Typical response time: 20-40 minutes in Banjul area; longer upcountry
Costs: Public low-cost; private $30-200 USD
EFSTH has an emergency department. Private clinics in tourist areas handle minor emergencies.
Seeing a doctor as a visitor
Walk-in at private clinics in tourist areas; public hospitals accept walk-ins
Typical wait: Same day at private; 2-4 hours at public
Typical cost: $15-50 USD at private clinics
Greater Banjul and tourist coastal strip have clinics; upcountry very limited
Vaccines for travel
Required: Yellow fever vaccine REQUIRED for entry
Recommended: Routine vaccines, Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Meningococcal, Rabies, Malaria prophylaxis (ESSENTIAL)
Yellow fever certificate MANDATORY. Malaria endemic — prophylaxis essential. Meningitis risk in dry season.
Insurance & visa health requirements
Insurance required for visa: no
Public coverage for visitors: no
Documents to prepare:
- Travel insurance with evacuation cover
- Yellow fever certificate
- Passport
Typical medical costs
Private GP visit: $15-50 USD
Emergency care without insurance: $50-1,000+ USD
Medication: Basic pharmacies in Banjul area. Limited supply — bring personal medications.
Things that catch visitors out in Gambia
- English widely spoken — communication easier than francophone West Africa
- MRC Unit provides excellent research-linked healthcare
- Tourist clinics are small but adequate for minor issues
- Upcountry healthcare is extremely basic
Practical tips for travellers
- MRC Unit (Fajara) — excellent healthcare linked to London School of Hygiene
- Private clinics in Kololi/Kotu areas serve tourists well for minor issues
- Medical evacuation to Dakar, Senegal (short flight) or Europe for serious cases
- Anti-malarial prophylaxis ESSENTIAL
- Carry yellow fever certificate at all times
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