Gambia customs rules & duty-free allowances
Gambia enforces a total ban on plastic bags (including biodegradable) with fines up to GMD 10,000, and customs officers conduct thorough baggage checks. Declare cash over GMD 500,000 or face seizure and penalties.
Duty-free allowances
Prohibited — banned from import
- Narcotics and psychotropic substances (including cannabis, heroin, cocaine, tramadol)
- Plastic bags (including biodegradable and compostable) – banned under the Plastic Bag Ban Act
- Firearms, ammunition, and explosives without a permit
- Pornographic materials
- Counterfeit currency and goods
- Endangered species products (ivory, rhino horn, turtle shells) without CITES permit
Restricted — allowed with a permit or declaration
- Medications containing codeine or other controlled substances (require Ministry of Health permit)
- Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (require Civil Aviation Authority approval)
- Satellite phones and radio transmitters (require Gambia Public Utilities Regulatory Authority permit)
- Live animals and plants (require import permit and health certificate)
- Cultural artifacts and antiques (require National Centre for Arts and Culture clearance)
Arriving: red vs green channel
Upon arrival, you'll receive a Customs Declaration Card (green/white). If you have nothing to declare, proceed through the green channel. If you have goods above the allowance, cash over the threshold, or prohibited/restricted items, use the red channel. Officers may still randomly stop you in the green channel.
Bringing medication
Personal medications for up to 3 months are allowed with a valid prescription. Narcotics, psychotropics, and codeine-based painkillers require prior approval from the Ministry of Health. Some common Western medications (e.g., tramadol) are strictly banned.
Food, plants & animal products
All food, plants, seeds, and animal products must be declared. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat are generally prohibited without a phytosanitary certificate. Processed and sealed food for personal consumption is usually allowed.
Rules worth knowing
Plastic Bag Ban – Strictly Enforced
Gambia has a total ban on plastic bags, including those labeled 'biodegradable'. Customs will confiscate them and you may face a fine of up to GMD 10,000 (USD 200). Pack reusable cloth bags instead.
Currency Declaration – Local Threshold
You must declare any amount exceeding GMD 500,000 (approx. USD 10,000) in cash or monetary instruments. Failure to declare can result in seizure and a penalty of up to 50% of the amount.
Duty-Free Goods – Strictly Personal
The USD 800 duty-free allowance applies only to goods for personal use. If you bring multiple identical items (e.g., 10 phones), customs may deem them commercial and charge duty at 20% plus a penalty.
Tobacco and Alcohol – Choose One
You cannot combine tobacco and alcohol allowances. For example, bringing 200 cigarettes AND 1 litre of spirits is allowed, but bringing 200 cigarettes AND 50 cigars is not – you must pick one tobacco option.