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Health Alert: The Gambia
13 MINUTE READ
March 1, 2020

EventGovernment of The Gambia Ends State of Emergency; Status of U.S. Embassy Banjul Consular Operations 

Location: The Gambia  

The National State of Public Emergency (SOPE) previously declared by the Gambian government expired on July 22.  Although the SOPE is no longer in effect, the Ministry of Health has been granted authority to implement regulations or public health measures as necessary, to include movement restrictions, border closures, restrictions on mass gatherings, or quarantine policies.  Note that any measures could be implemented with little notice.    

The wearing of face masks in public places is now mandatory; land borders remain closed; strict social distancing rules remain in place.  We do not anticipate additional repatriation flights from The Gambia to the United States.  As commercial airlines resume operations, we encourage you continue to check with commercial airlines for updated information and flight availability. 

U.S. Embassy Banjul Consular Operations: While maximizing necessary physical distancing, with most U.S. Embassy Banjul employees working remotely, we remain available for emergency American Citizen Services (ACS).  If you are a U.S. citizen requiring assistance, please contact the ACS Unit by email at ConsularBanjul@state.gov; by phone during business hours at +220-438-1341; or for emergencies after hours at +220-429-2856.  For the Embassy’s most up-to-date information related to COVID-19, please visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 Information page.   

Routine ACS operations and visa processing at U.S. Embassy Banjul remain suspended at this time. 

STEP Enrollment: All U.S. citizens in The Gambia are encouraged to enroll in theSmart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)and monitor the Embassy’s website and social media feeds for the latest available information.  We will release updated information on the situation in The Gambia and our emergency services efforts as it becomes available.   

Registering Interest in Potential Future Repatriation Flights: Though we are not expecting more repatriation flights, if U.S. citizens and LPRs remain interested please use the online request form https://tinyurl.com/y946xa2y to register.  All form submissions from April 28th and earlier will be deleted, and a new list compiled.  If you previously submitted the form, and did not depart on prior flights but remain interested if a future flight is arranged, please resubmit the form – one submission per individual traveler, including infants / children.