The Gambia - West Africa - page 379

The telephone country code is 220.
TOURIST INFORMATION
The Gambia Tourism ( www.visitthegambia.gm ) website has a wealth of information.
VISAS
Visas are not needed for nationals of the UK, Germany, Italy, Australia, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, and Scandinavian and Ecowas countries for stays of up to 90 days. For those
needing one, visas are normally valid for one or three months and cost D1000 or 3000;
you'll need to provide two photos. The Immigration Office OFFLINE MAP
GOOGLE MAP ( 4228611; OAU Blvd, Banjul; 8am-4pm) deals with visa extensions
(D400). For onward travel, get your visa from the relevant embassy. Most embassies will
deal with requests within 48 hours. You cannot buy visas on the borders with Senegal, but
they will let you in to purchase one at the immigration office within 72 hours. If you are
flying into the country, get your visa before you leave home.
Getting There & Away
AIR
Brussels Airlines OFFLINE MAP GOOGLE MAP ( 4466880; www.brusselsairlines.com ;
Badala Park Way, Kololi) is the only scheduled airline connecting Gambia and Europe. Most
people arrive on charter flights with Gambia Experience ( in UK 0845 330 4567; www.gambia.co.uk )
. For inner-African flights, you'll usually have to go to Dakar first.
LAND
Minibuses and bush taxis run regularly between Barra and the border at Karang (D60),
where Dakar-bound bush taxis and minibuses (D700, six hours) are normally waiting.
To get to southern Senegal (Casamance), minibuses and bush taxis leave from
Serekunda petrol station (D200, five hours). Transport also goes from Brikama to Ziguin-
chor.
At the far-eastern tip of The Gambia, bush taxis run from Basse Santa Su to Vélingara
(D70, 45 minutes; 27km), and from there bush taxis go to Tambacounda (D75, three
hours).
Getting Around
BOAT