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Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Banjul, The Gambia (March 29, 2020)
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8 MINUTE READ
March 1, 2022

Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Banjul, The Gambia (March 29, 2020)

Location:  The Gambia

Event:  COVID-19 Crisis – Repatriation Charter Flight

As of March 29, the Gambian Ministry of Health has confirmed three cases of COVID-19 and a fourth probable case in The Gambia, including one fatality, as well as 216 persons in mandatory government health quarantine.  The state of emergency declared on March 27 remains in effect.  All non-essential services are suspended, while essential services – to include medical services, vendors of food, fuel and other essential commodities, and banks – may remain open.  The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19.  The U.S. Embassy will be sending daily updates concerning this situation.

We recognize that this has been a challenging period for many of our fellow Americans, particularly those of you seeking to depart The Gambia following the suspension of flights from the airport in Banjul.  Given the suspension of commercial flights, the Department of State is organizing a charter flight to repatriate interested U.S. citizens from The Gambia — dates, details and price to be confirmed. If you have not already done so, please provide your information by filling out this online form.  Do not resubmit the form if you have already done so.

When details are finalized, we will provide you with logistical information including the departure date and destination.  The estimated cost per seat is $1,900, pending confirmation.  There are no upfront costs for repatriation flights to the United States.  You will need to reimburse the U.S. government after returning to the United States.   Prior to boarding, you must sign a promissory note (also known as a DS-5528).  The amount billed to evacuees is set by U.S. law and based on the cost of a full-fare economy flight to the designated destination(s) that would have been charged immediately prior to the events giving rise to the evacuation.  Seats are traditionally offered at-charge on a first-come, first-serve basis to U.S. citizens and, space permitting, for qualifying non-citizen dependents.

Repatriation flights may be performed in coordination with other U.S. Embassies in the region – we ask that you remain flexible and prepared as notification of a flight or other departure option may be given with little advance notification.

If you have difficulty submitting the form, please send an email to ConsularBanjul@state.gov with the subject line “Return to the U.S.”  Please include the following information for each U.S. citizen, non-citizen dependent, or U.S. legal permanent resident guardian accompanying minor children in your family or group:

  • Full name as it appears in your passport
  • Citizenship (if not United States)
  • Date of birth
  • Passport number
  • Dates of passport issuance and expiration
  • Email address and contact phone number
  • Current location

Please also ensure that your passports and other documentation are current and valid.

Effective March 17, 2020, U.S. Embassy Banjul has suspended routine consular services.  For emergency American Citizens Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information https://gm.usembassy.gov/.

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