Is Banjul safe?
Fine by day, quiet at night. Pickpockets in Albert Market and touts are the main concerns; avoid empty streets after dark.
Key facts
- SoloSquare safety rating: 3/5, take real precautions.
- US travel advisory: Level 2: Exercise increased caution, updated 2026-01-15.
- Road deaths in Gambia: 29.6 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 117.
Safety in Banjul at a glance
| What to expect | |
|---|---|
| Overall | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Crime | Pickpocketing in markets and at the ferry, bag snatching in crowds, and occasional muggings on dark streets. |
| At night | Few places are open after dark; return to your hotel in Kololi or Fajara by taxi before evening. |
| Solo women | Fine by day with modest dress. Expect attention and persistent offers; avoid the port area and empty streets after dark. |
| Other risks | Malaria and mosquitoes; Street flooding in rainy season; Crowded, unreliable ferries |
Scams, areas and local laws
Common scams
- Touts offering guiding or 'help' at the ferry, then demanding money
- Souvenir sellers quoting several times the usual price
Take care
- Albert Market: crowds and pickpockets
- Empty streets after dark
Laws visitors break by accident
- Same-sex relations are criminal
- Drug offences, including cannabis, carry prison terms
- Photographing military and presidential sites is prohibited
How Banjul compares in Gambia
| Place | Safety |
|---|---|
| Kololi | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Banjul | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
Quick answers
Is Banjul safe for solo female travelers?
Fine by day with modest dress. Expect attention and persistent offers; avoid the port area and empty streets after dark.
Is Banjul safe at night?
Few places are open after dark; return to your hotel in Kololi or Fajara by taxi before evening.
What is the crime rate in Banjul?
Pickpocketing in markets and at the ferry, bag snatching in crowds, and occasional muggings on dark streets.
What number do I call in an emergency in Banjul?
Police 117.
More about Banjul
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Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- Gambia Tourism Authority
- World Bank: intentional homicides (UNODC)
- World Bank: road traffic deaths (WHO)
Safety ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment from official advisories, crime data and local reporting. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.