Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa, and unlike its neighbours it is relatively stable, however despite the political stability the country is still very poor. Malaria is rife in Gambia and expats should ensure that they are protected before moving to the country. The country has a vibrant culture, colourful markets and energetic music.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Albania and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
Sbec International School
SBEC International School is the first and only, bilingual (English- French) School in The Gambia. Established in 2001, SBEC is run by an Executive Committee. The School provides a bilingual integrated programme of study for pupils aged 8 months to16 years (Daycare, Foundation, Junior and High Schools), which promotes cultural interaction and integration.
Curriculum: National Curriculum of England and Whales
Tel: +220 7795093
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sbecinternational.gm
Marina International School
Marina International School aims to provide a broad-based, high quality education, through the delivery of an international curriculum in an environment of cultural diversity. The school endeavours to inculcate values of tolerance, independence and social responsibility in a wholesome atmosphere characterised by a commitment to excellence.
Curriculum: British National Curriculum
Tel: High School : 00220-449-7178
Junior School : 00220-449-4387
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Marina-International-School-Banjul-The-Gambia/125197034189129?ref=sgm
Website: mis.edu.gm/
Banjul American Embassy School
BAES is an independent school offering an educational program from preschool through grade 9 for English-speaking students of all nationalities. ESL needs are reviewed each year.
A friendly, cooperative, safe environment is provided for children to learn and play. The school year extends from late August to mid-June with approximately 180 days of instruction. Official Gambian holidays are recognized. Long breaks are scheduled in October, December holidays, and for Easter.
Curriculum: American Curriculum
Tel: (220) 449-5920
Fax: (220) 449-7181
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Banjul-American-Embassy-School/344665785630010
Website: www.baes.gm
Local News in English
ASN American Street News
ASN is a news website committed to reporting news and current affairs from our communities
Website: americanstreetnews.com/
Askani Senegambia
Askani Senegambia, believes that with the emergence of social medias, there is a good opportunity to help pave this way. This is why Askani Senegambia would endeavor to serve as a forum for the interests of one Senegambia, one people and one nation.
Website: www.askanisenegambia.com
Observer
The Daily Observer is a daily English language newspaper that has a roundup of all the Gambian and international news.
Website: observer.gm
The Point
The Point is an independent newspaper that promotes divergent views, and issues on democracy and human rights. The Paper covers national issues on politics, economics, business and development, as well as world affairs.
Website: thepoint.gm
Country Information
Location: Africa
Capital City: Banjul
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Dalasi
Language: English
Calling Code: +220
Internet TLD: .gm
Electricity: Nawec - National Water and Electricity Company, Gambia
Address: 53 Mamadi Maniyang Highway Kanifing, K.M.C.
Tel: +220 4376607 / 4376608
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.nawec.gm
Emergency Numbers:
Police: 17
Ambulance: 16
Fire: 18
Country Information
en.wikipedia.org
Embassy Information
www.accessgambia.com/information/embassies-in-gambia.html
Embassy Information
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Before travelling to Gambia visit their Embassy or Consulate in your home country to find out the visa requirements. This will help you avoid any miscommunication at the Gambian ports. To apply for a visa, you will need an application form. Depending on the country that you are from, you may need a visa or a clearance certificate or both.
The types of visas available for Gambia are:
- Gambian Transit Visa
- Visa on Arrival
- Student Visa
- Temporary Work Visa
- Spousal Visa
- Marriage Visa
- Resident Visa
- Business Visa
Requirements for a business visa:
- Gambian business visa is for practicing in short term commerce in Gambia.
- Valid passport (an additional copy) with at least 6 months validity remaining
- Fully completed Gambian business visa application form
- · Passport type photographs (no older than 6 months)
- · Valid resident visa and one copy
- · Current bank statement and one copy
- · Proof of travel insurance coverage for trips and one copy
- · Business references (letter from your employer, invitation from Gambian company or organization)
- · Proof of Gambian hotel reservation and airline booking reservation for Gambia.
In order to work and live in Gambia you will require a residential or work permit and an “alien’s” ID document for you and each of your family members. The ID and visa need to be renewed annually. There are 3 types of residential permits:
- Type A is issued for residential and student purposes only and a holder is not permitted to work.
- Type B is for working residents who are citizens of ECOWAS nations.
- Type C is a permit issued to small traders and skilled workers.
All forms can be found here>>
Accommodation
Gambia is divided into 43 districts each with their own charm. Expatriates often choose to live in a safe area close to their work or their kids’ school. Expats can choose whether they want to live in a house, apartment or serviced apartment. Many of the houses come with a garden and swimming pools. The prices can vary.
www.gambiapropertyshop.com/africa/gambia/realestate/channel/for-rent
Driving License
All foreign drivers’ licenses are valid for only 90 days. After that the holder needs to acquire a Gambian Driver's License. It is possible to exchange your driving license for a Gambian one for a small fee.
Residential Permit holders are not allowed to have commercial driver's license except where clearance has been given by the Inspector General of Police. Such clearance is subject to renewal every year.
All first time applicants of motor driver's license need to fill and submit a prescribed provisional license application form and be issued with a learner's license which extends for a minimum of 3 months. Fee for learner’s license is D100. Successful applicants at the end of the 3 months will be issued with a certificate of competence indicating the choice of vehicle grouping such as:
- Group A Private motor car
- Group B Motor cycle
- Group C Commercial vehicle
- Group D Motor vehicle of special type
All forms can be found here>>
Healthcare
The healthcare system in Gambia is built around three levels with four referral hospitals that are operated by the government, 8 main health centres and 16 smaller centres with over 200 mobile clinics. There are also a number of privately run clinics. It is recommended that expats have an international medical plan with an emergency evacuation package.
Malaria is a serious problem in Gambia and expats must make sure that they are adequately protected before arrival. Many malaria treatments should be taken in advance before coming to the country.
Hospitals
Royal Victoria Teaching Hospital
RVTH is in The Gambia’s capital, Banjul. It has recently become a Teaching Hospital, so it has just begun to train its own medical students. It has 540 beds in the hospital, and also provides Primary Healthcare for Central Banjul through its Polyclinic.
Address: Independence Drive, Banjul
Tel: 422-8223 – 6
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.rvth.org
Bijilo Medical Centre
Bijilo Medical Center/Hospital (BMC) is a non-governmental health facility with the goal of providing comprehensive and affordable quality medical services to all in The Gambia. BMC is non-profit orientated. However costs must be recovered to assure sustainability and to facilitate capacity building.
Tel: +220 6665555
Mob: +220 9980371
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.bijilomedical.org
The Westfield Clinic
Address: 54 Kombo Sillah Highway, Westfield Junction, Serrekunda
Tel: 220 439-2213
Kololi Clinic
This is a privately run clinic located 250m from the Palma Rima Hotel.
Address: Palma Rima Highway, Banjul
Tel: +220 4460951
4463434
Fax: 4460951
Email: [email protected]
Lamtoro Medical Centre
Banjul area(Dr. Adama A. Sallah)
Address: Badala Parkway (Senegambia / Bertil Harding Highway )
Kololi (next to the Total petrol station)
Tel: +220 4460934
4460596
Fax: +220 4460907
Momodou Musa Memorial Clinic
This medical centre is well equipped to deal with expats and tourists.
Address: Kanifing Municipality, Ksmd, Western Region
Tel: +220 422 4320 (Banjul Clinic)
437 1683 (London Corner Clinic)
Fax: +220 437 2911
Email: [email protected]
Fajara Medical Centre
This is a private medical clinic equipped with basic medical facilities and health equipment.
Tel: +220 7468858
Email: [email protected]
