Gambia DeploymentInfo Pack

Travel insurance is a compulsory requirement for this trip. You will need to set this up and send us the confirmation and copy of the policy. You can visit price comparison websites such as www.moneysupermarket.com/travel-insurance/ to find out more about the costs. 

Each policy varies depending on pre-existing conditions and the cover needed to insure them. Before making the payment please ensure your insurance provider is aware of the nature of this trip and you are appropriately insured. 

For British passport holders who are staying in The Gambia for less than 28 days, visas are not required for entry. British nationals are given a 28-day stamp in their passports on arrival. 

You must be travelling on a full 10-year British passport, valid at least until the date of arrival back in the UK.

If you are fully vaccinated: (You have had both doses of the COVID-19 vaccination and the second dose was received at least two weeks before arriving in The Gambia)

• You will be required to show proof of vaccination status using your NHS COVID-19 App. 
• Fully vaccinated passengers will not require a negative PCR COVID-19 test to enter The Gambia, however, you may be asked to carry out a Rapid Diagnostic Test. 
• If found positive, you will be quarantined at a government facility at your own cost until your test returns a negative result. If this happens, please inform us, the hotel, and your travel insurance provider for further support.

If you are not fully vaccinated:

• Non-vaccinated or partially vaccinated passengers arriving from the UK will require a negative PCR COVID-19 certificate, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival, to The Gambia Ministry of Health officials. 
• Passengers will also be asked to submit to a Rapid Diagnostic Test. If found positive, you will be quarantined at a government facility at your own cost until your test returns a negative result. If this happens, please inform us, the hotel, and your travel insurance provider for further support.

If you test positive in your destination before you’re due to return home to the UK:

You’ll need to inform us, your travel insurance company and the hotel as soon as possible. You’ll then need to follow the specific guidance given to you by your insurance company, which may include the need to self-isolate in a government facility. You won’t be able to travel home until you’ve had a COVID-19 test that comes back negative. 

To prevent COVID-19 illness:

• Wash your hands regularly.
• Use hand gels regularly, especially during fieldwork.
• Do not touch your eyes if your hands are not sanitised.
• Wear your Face masks which will be provided.

This information is accurate as of 18/08/2022. Please check the UK and The Gambia’s government websites for the latest travel advice. 

Although vaccination is not compulsory for entry, we strongly suggest you consult your doctor for professional advice. Children and pregnant women may require special vaccination procedures. 

Courses or boosters that are usually advised include vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis, and Tetanus. 

You may also want to consider vaccinations for Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Rabies, and Typhoid.

A list of medication or items you MUST take with you are:

• Anti-malarial medication  
• Prescribed medication with a copy of your prescription
• Suitable clothing

A list of items we advise you to take are:

• Mosquito repellent
• Antiseptic cream
• Cream to treat insect bites
• Painkillers
• Dioralyte/Rehydration Salts
• Medicine to treat stomach ailments
• High-Factor Sunscreen
• Hand-held fan
• Anti-bacterial Hand Gel

Please note: 

• Medications should ideally be arranged with your health professional at least 4-6 weeks before travel.
• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is not required to enter The Gambia.
• Face masks may be provided if needed, however, you are more than welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

Malaria

Insects are a common problem in hot climates. This includes mosquitos which are active around late afternoon and through the evening. Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease transmitted by mosquitoes. You cannot be vaccinated against malaria and taking precautions are essential. 

During late afternoons and evenings, you should protect your skin with long trousers and long-sleeved tops. You will also be required to use insect repellents on exposed skin, take anti-malarial tablets as prescribed by your doctor, and if necessary, sleep under a mosquito net.

In October, the weather in The Gambia is humid and warm, with average temperatures of 28°C, reaching highs of 31°C in the afternoon. 

• You will need to bring clothes that are comfortable and loose-fitting, preferably of cotton or linen fabric. 
• Orphans in Need T-shirts will be given to each volunteer to wear during fieldwork. We will also provide hats to protect you against the strong midday sun.
• You will need to wear comfortable walking shoes as you will be on your feet and walking a lot whilst distributing aid.

Meals will be provided for the duration of your stay in Gambia. If you have any specific dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know as soon as possible. Being vegetarian or having other dietary requirements is not usually a problem provided you let us know well in advance.

There will not be as much variety as you would have access to at home. If you prefer you may wish to bring extra snacks from home. To prevent sickness, you are asked to only ever drink bottled water which we will provide, and to never eat street food.

• There will be some differences in clothing, food and facilities, and we expect all participants to be respectful of each other and other cultures at all times - this is all part of the experience. Orphans in Need will be on hand to bridge the cultural gap.
• The Gambia is a former British Colony and English is the official language. However, various tribal languages are also used by the Gambians.
• The Gambia’s currency is the Dalasi. Dalasis are available in the UK but you will get a better exchange rate in The Gambia. Currency can be obtained at most hotels, banks, the airport, and bureau de change. There are also a few ATMs where cash can be retrieved using a VISA card.

• You are representing Orphans in Need on this trip and must always be mindful of your conduct and behaviour.
• You must always stay with the group and not leave alone without informing staff. 
• You must not leave the hotel at night. 
• Punctuality is essential for the smooth delivery of the programme and as a courtesy to other participants.
• You must not exchange contact details with our partners, orphans and widows.
• You must not take pictures and make online posts of orphans and widows without Orphans in Need’s consent. 
• You must not drink local water or street food as they carry a high risk of disease transmission.
• Registration fees and donations are non-refundable in the event of cancellation or if you contract COVID-19. If we cannot travel to The Gambia due to COVID-19 restrictions or any other problem, a new date will be offered to participants later.
• We encourage you to not bring any unnecessary valuables on the trip as we cannot take responsibility for the loss of any belongings.