Travel Requirements to and from The Gambia
Updated on 14th January 2022
We have put together the following to guide you through the relevant requirements. These can change at short notice from both the Gambian and UK governments so this should only be used as a guide, we recommend you check the FCDO website and have included those links for your ease.
Travelling to The Gambia on a direct flight from the UK
Vaccinated Adults
- Proof of vaccination status
You will need to show the NHS COVID Pass either on your mobile device or, preferably a paper copy to minimise delays. Your NHS appointment card from vaccination centres is NOT accepted - No test before flying
- Rapid Diagnostic Test on arrival in The Gambia
- No quarantine on arrival
Unvaccinated Adults & Children aged 2-17
- Negative PCR Covid-19 certificate, taken no more than 72 hours before arrival
- Rapid Diagnostic Test on arrival in The Gambia
Infants below 2 years of age are exempt.
Travelling to the UK on a direct flight
Residing in England
Firstly, please check to ensure you are classed as fully vaccinated.
From 10th January, the new format vaccination certificate issued by the Gambian Ministry of Health, which include a date of birth and QR code, will be accepted by the UK government as proof of vaccination.
We have negotiated discounts with a few test providers, please see the Covid-19 test section. Other providers can found here
Vaccinated Adult
- All vaccinated customers will be required to take a PCR or lateral flow test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK. The test must be booked in before you travel and you will need your test booking reference to put on your passenger locator form.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
Unvaccinated Adult
- Take a COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to England
- Take 2 PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 on arrival in England. These must be booked before you travel.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in England
- Quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days. You may be able to end your isolation early through the Test to Release scheme.
Unvaccinated Children
- Children aged 4 and under do not have to have any Covid-19 tests
- Children aged 5-17 will be required to take a COVID-19 test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK.
Returning to the UK on a direct flight
Residing in Scotland
Tests can be booked on the CTM booking portal or from a private provider listed on gov.uk
If you choose a private test provider from GOV.UK, you should only buy ‘self-swab at home’ tests.
Vaccinated Adult
- All vaccinated customers will be required to take a COVID-19 test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK. The test must be booked in before you travel and you will need your test booking reference to put on your passenger locator form.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in Scotland
Unvaccinated Adult
- Take a COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to Scotland
- Take 2 PCR tests on day 2 and day 8 on arrival in Scotland. These must be booked before you travel.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in Scotland
- Quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days.
Unvaccinated Children
- Children aged 10 and under do not have to have any Covid-19 tests
- Children aged 11-17 will be required to take a COVID-19 test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK.
Returning to the UK on a direct flight
Residing in Wales
Tests can be booked on the CTM booking portal or from a private provider listed on gov.uk
If you choose a private test provider from GOV.UK, you should only buy ‘self-swab at home’ tests.
Vaccinated Adult
- All vaccinated customers will be required to take a lateral flow or PCR test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK. The test must be booked in before you travel and you will need your test booking reference to put on your passenger locator form.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in Wales
Unvaccinated Adult
- Take a COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to Wales
- Take 2 post arrival PCR tests on day 2 and day 8. These must be booked before you travel.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in Wales
- Quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days.
Unvaccinated Children
- Children aged 4 and under do not have to have any Covid-19 tests
- Children aged 5-17 will be required to take a lateral flow or PCR test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK. The test must be booked in before you travel and you will need your test booking reference to put on your passenger locator form.
Returning to the UK on a direct flight
Residing in Northern Ireland
Tests can be booked on the CTM booking portal or from a private provider listed on gov.uk
Vaccinated Adult
- All vaccinated customers will be required to take a lateral flow or PCR test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK. The test must be booked in before you travel and you will need your test booking reference to put on your passenger locator form.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in NI
Unvaccinated Adult
- Take a COVID-19 test – to be taken in the 2 days before you travel to NI
- Take 2 post arrival PCR tests on day 2 and day 8. These must be booked before you travel.
- Complete a passenger locator form – to be completed online in the 48 hours before you arrive in NI
- Quarantine at home or in the place you are staying for 10 full days.
Unvaccinated Children
- Children aged 4 and under do not have to have any Covid-19 tests
- Children aged 5-17 will be required to take a lateral flow or PCR test before the end of day 2 arriving back in the UK.
